3 of the Best Opening Lines From AC/DC Songs

With an explosive sound, rambunctious nature, and knack for writing songs that hit your core, the Australian-born classic rock band AC/DC has lived up to its electrified name. Their guitars practically explode, their vocals turn into shrapnel. And their songs, while simple at times, are supremely effective—often from the very first lyric.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from the group and to take a close look at the opening lines of those songs. Indeed, these are three of the best opening lines from AC/DC songs.

[RELATED: Behind the Album: ‘Back in Black,’ AC/DC’s Monumental Tribute to a Fallen Friend that Carried Them to Rock Immortality]

“Hells Bells” from Back in Black (1980)

An ominous song as if it’s the soundtrack to the gate to Hades opening up. And all the bats and rats and creatures from the darkness are about to come through. But what kind of lyrics could match this torrid, looming song from the band’s 1980 LP Back in Black? Well, lead vocalist Brian Johnson belts out,

I’m a rolling thunder, pouring rain
I’m coming on like a hurricane
My lightning’s flashing across the sky
You’re only young, but you’re gonna die

“Shoot to Thrill” from Back in Black (1980)

Another from the band’s 1980 LP Back in Black, this song opens with more shrieking banshee vocals from Johnson. But it’s a bit more of an energetic, less eerie tune than the one above. It’s a song about giving your romantic partner a big wow and the best of you. It also tells the listeners, in its own way, to do the same. To do your best and to impress. Indeed, Johnson opens the song with a note to those listening. He’s the man you want, the one you’ve been looking for. So just put out your hand. He sings,

All you women who want a man of the street
But don’t know which way you wanna turn
Just keep a-comin’, and put your hand out to me
‘Cause I’m the one who’s gonna make you burn

“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” from T.N.T. (1975)

Beware all you young rockers, all you kids who want to have a No. 1 song, who want to play your guitars and knock off socks and blow back hair. If you want to live that life, there is sacrifice and hard work in your future. Need proof? Just listen to this song from AC/DC’s 1975 LP T.N.T. The chorus tells you the scoop but the opening lines set everything up. On it, lead vocalist Bon Scott sings,

Ridin’ down the highway
Goin’ to a show
Stoppin’ on the byways
Playin’ rock ‘n’ roll

Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns