Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation by AC/DC: Unraveling the Anthem of Rebellious Spirits

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for AC/DC's Rock 'N' Roll Damnation at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

They say that you play too loud
Well, baby, that’s tough
They say that you’ve got too much
Can’t get enough
They tell you that you look a fool
Or maybe I’m a fool for you
State that your mind’s diseased
Shakey stuff

And it’s a rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Ma’s own whipping boy
Rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Take your chance, while you still got the choice

You say that you want respect
Honey, for what?
For everything that you done for me
Well, uh, thanks a lot
Come on
Get up off your bended knees
You can set your mind at ease
My temperature’s runnin’ hot
Oh, I been waiting all night for a bite of what you got

And it’s a rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Ma’s own whipping boy
Rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Take a chance while you still got the choice

Oh, it’s a hard life
(Damnation) They’re putting you down
(Damnation) All over town
(Damnation) ‘Cause you’re way out of reach
Livin’ on the street, you got to practice what you preach

And it’s a rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Ma’s own whipping boy
Rock ‘n’ roll damnation
Take your chance while you still got the choice

(Damnation) You left a happy home
(Damnation) To live on your own
(Damnation) You want to live in sin
(Damnation) It’s a rock ‘n’ roll
(Damnation) Just too fond of the joy
(Damnation) You’re a toy for a boy
(Damnation) You got dollars in your eyes
(Damnation) Always chasing the pie in the sky
(Damnation)
Rock ‘n’ roll (damnation)

AC/DC has always been synonymous with the raucous energy of pure rock ‘n’ roll. With their scorching riffs and unapologetically brash lyrics, they’ve etched a permanent mark on the face of music. ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation,’ a track from their seminal album ‘Powerage,’ encapsulates the band’s unwavering commitment to the spirit of rock amid societal norms clamoring for conformity.

The song, bursting with defiant lyrics and hard-hitting sonic power, serves as a manifesto for those alienated by the mainstream. It’s a battle cry for the misunderstood, an anthem for the outcasts, and a celebration of the audacity to be different.

A Symphony of Defiance: Cranking It Up When the World Says Tone It Down

AC/DC opens with a salvo against the naysayers – those perennial voices that decry the volume, the excess, the passion for rock ‘n’ roll. This isn’t just about the music; it’s a metaphor for personal autonomy, a statement against anyone who ever demanded less of someone because they were too much to handle. It’s not just loudness in decibels they’re defending; it’s the raw, unfettered expression of self.

Behind the facade of ‘too loud’ and ‘too much,’ there’s a critique of societal pressures to conform. The song becomes an emblem for anyone who’s been called a fool for stepping out of line, for those who dare to differ in thought and deed. AC/DC’s lyrical swagger isn’t just for show – it’s a genuine banner raised high for individualism.

The Siren’s Call of Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation

‘It’s a rock ‘n’ roll damnation, Ma’s own whipping boy,’ sings lead vocalist Bon Scott with a mix of irony and pride. The mention of ‘Ma’s own whipping boy’ conjures an image of youthful rebellion, of being the perennial disappointment in the eyes of a traditional society. To embrace rock ‘n’ roll damnation is to willingly accept the scorn in exchange for the freedom it brings.

The song’s chorus isn’t a cry of despair; it’s a challenge, a reminder that choice remains even when conformity seems like the only path. AC/DC presents a stark choice: take the risks and live authentically with rock ‘n’ roll or allow the world to dictate your identity. Damnation it may be, but freedom it certainly promises.

What ‘Respect’ Really Means in the Church of AC/DC

There’s a sneering skepticism in Scott’s voice as he questions the value of respect. ‘Honey, for what?’ he demands. The song suggests that respect earned by falling in line is respect not worth having. It challenges the listener to consider what they’re really striving for — the hollow veneration of others, or self-acceptance and the admiration of those who truly understand?

Respect, for AC/DC, isn’t won by compliance but by the sheer force of being oneself – raw and unfettered. It’s a theme that defines the band and their legion of fans: better to be true and derided than fake and admired.

Living on the Edge: The Down-and-Dirty Truth of the Rock Lifestyle

‘Living on the street, you got to practice what you preach,’ the late Bon Scott declares, highlighting the authentic experience of rock ‘n’ roll beyond the stage and studio. This line demonstrates an understanding that rock is more than sound; it’s a lifestyle. It requires commitment to a set of ideals, often placing those who live by them on the outskirts of societal acceptance.

‘Damnation’ here is tinged with glory – it’s a testament to living life on one’s own terms, facing disapproval, yet having the integrity to remain true to one’s chosen path. This gritty realism isn’t a warning; it’s a badge of honor for those in the trenches of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.

Peering Through AC/DC’s Lens: The Quest for Authenticity Amid Temptation

The closing verses of ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation’ provide a vivid portrait of the temptations and trials inherent in chasing a dream. ‘Dollars in your eyes, always chasing the pie in the sky’ speaks to the allure of success, the commodification of dreams, and the seduction of materialism that often accompanies fame and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.

This is a sardonic commentary on how easily the pure passion for music can be corrupted by the allure of monetary gain. AC/DC doesn’t shy away from exposing the underbelly of the industry, but instead of heeding the warning, they seemingly invite listeners to join the fray, to enter the dance of hedonism armed with self-awareness and an indomitable love for rock ‘n’ roll.