Video - AC/DC - Back In Black

"Back in Black" is a song by Australian rock band AC/DC. It was released as the second US single from their seventh album of the same name in 1980 through Atlantic Records. It is notable for its opening guitar riff. The song was written as a tribute to their former singer Bon Scott, who died in February 1980. In 1981, it reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2012, it reached number 65 in Australia and number 27 in the United Kingdom.

Known for its opening guitar riff, the song was AC/DC's tribute to their former singer Bon Scott. His replacement Brian Johnson recalled to Mojo magazine in 2009 that when the band asked him to write a lyric for this song, "they said, 'it can't be morbid – it has to be for Bon and it has to be a celebration.'"

He added: "I thought, 'Well no pressure there, then' (laughs). I just wrote what came into my head, which at the time seemed like mumbo, jumbo. 'Nine lives. Cats eyes. Abusing every one of them and running wild.' The boys got it though. They saw Bon's life in that lyric."

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'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

Ho yeah Oh yeah Yes I am Oh 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

Songwriters: Angus Young / Brian Johnson / Malcolm Young

Back In Black (Live at River Plate 2009) lyrics © BMG Rights Management