This song became a hit single when I was only 4 years old (in 1981), but to this date Back in Black remains as one of my favorite hard rock songs of all time. It was released on the album of the same name in 1980. The Back in Black album was the 6th internationally released album by AC/DC. It was also the first AC/DC album recorded without former lead singer Bon Scott (who died in February 1980 at the age of 33). He was replaced by Brian Johnson as lead singer after the Australian band considered disbanding. The song is a tribute to the former lead singer of the band. The song was ranked #4 by VH1 on their list of the 40 Greatest Metal Songs and was named as the second greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1 in 2009. Rolling Stone ranked the song at number 187 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The magazine also ranked Back in Black at number 29 on their list of The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. The song is well known for its opening guitar riff. The Back in Black album has sold more than 49 million copies to date making it the 2nd biggest selling album of all time behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. The album has been certified as platinum 22 times in the United States. It’s also the best selling AC/DC album ever released. Back in Black has been used in TV spot trailers for Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Men in Black II. The song has been used a few television shows, including Alias (which featured Jennifer Garner doing a sexy striptease) and Supernatural. The song has also been used in movies, including Iron Man in 2008 and Bruno in 2009. AC/DC was formed in 1973 in Australia. It’s hard to believe that they’re still active. They released their last album (entitled Black Ice) in 2008. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd are the other current members of the band. It would be a real treat to see these boys live before they split up. I hope the organizers of Coke Fest in South Africa consider this band as one of the bands for the Coke Fest 2010. AC/DC have not performed live in South Africa yet. The band’s tour plans for 2010 include cities in Australia, Germany and France.
This is a live version of Back in Black recorded in Madrid, Spain in 1996, followed by the lyrics:
Back in black
I hit the sack
I’ve been too long I’m glad to be back
Yes I’m, let loose
From the noose
That’s kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky
‘Cause it’s gettin’ me high
Forget the herse ’cause I’ll never die
I got nine lives
Cat’s eyes
Usin’ 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 leadin’ the pack
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
Outta sight
Related Links:
AC/DC – Official Website
AC/DC – Myspace
‘Iron Man 2′ trailer: AC/DC would approve – Describer
