Back In Black - AC/DC

Artist: AC/DC
Song: Back In Black
Year: 1980
Album: Back In Black

This was AC/DC's tribute to Bon Scott. It's cathartic in a way. Given the blessing by Bon's family to move forward with the band, the Young brothers crafted an album of great proportions. The entire album is solid from top to bottom. The planning stages of the album originated while Bon was still alive, but I can't begin to imagine what the album would've sounded like with him singing. I suppose that I could sacrifice this perfect album for extending the life of Bon Scott.

"Back In Black" plays like a statement for the mourning. Do not mourn the dead. Remember them and move forward. Live life. That's exactly what the band did. With Brian Johnson on vocals, the sound only got dirtier and more rock-like. Brian's screams almost seem like wails of sorrow from the rest of the band. It is a perfect way to release and to rock.

The song's meaning gets lost in the year's since its release. "Back In Black" has been used in everything from sporting events to illegal sampling in hip hop music. It seems odd that the song is an anthem of sorts for Wal-Mart today, since they have a nice partnership with AC/DC. One thing that I never thought I'd see back in the early eighties is AC/DC selling out to corporate America. I thought they were above that, but I'd be wrong.

While the brothers Young seem content to sit back on their laurels, I wish that they wouldn't take so long between albums. The way I figure, the more albums that are out, the more likely there will be some worthy new songs. This album was made in the span of a few months, from writing to release. It just goes to show what can be accomplished if one doesn't start to tinker.

Lyrics:
Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back [I bet you
know I'm...]
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Abusin' every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
With a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm beatin' the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my
way

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well I'm back in black
Yes I'm back in black

hooo yeah
Ohh yeah
Yes I am
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah
Back in now
Well I'm back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back
Back in black
Yes I'm back in black

Out of the sight