An interesting legend (even a fictional one) associated with any song invariably increases the public’s interest in it. Therefore, many musicians tell amazing stories about their tracks, many of which are partially or completely fictional. However, often music lovers themselves help them in this, inventing incredible stories.
The story of creation & the meaning of the song Thunderstruck
After the song’s release, two main versions of how it was written were circulated among AC/DC fans. According to one of them, Angus Young composed it under the impression of a flight during which lightning struck the plane. According to another, the inspiration came to him after the members of the group visited the CALFEX military exercises, where they were particularly struck by the M1A1 tank. Allegedly, Thunderstruck is dedicated to him.
But in 2003, when AC/DC re-released The Razors Edge, Angus Young explained exactly how Thunderstruck was written in the liner notes:
It started with a little trick that I learned on the guitar. I played it to Mel and he said, “Oh, I have a good idea for a rhythm that would be great as a background.” From this we created a song. We fiddled with it for several months before everything fell into place. As for the lyrics, it really came down to finding a good title… We came up with a version with thunder that had a cool subtext. AC/DC=power. That’s the main idea.
Thunderstruck opens the album The Razors Edge, which was first released to the public in 1990. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and was released as a single in several countries.
Video of Thunderstruck AC/DC
We offer you to watch the music video for the song Thunderstruck.
Interesting Facts
- In videos from various concerts, you can see that Angus Young sometimes plays the opening solo with only his left hand, using the tapping technique, and sometimes resorts to the help of a pick.
- Thunderstruck is used by many athletes and teams (Juventus football club, boxer Manny Pacquiao and others).
- The song can also be heard in many feature films (Thunderstruck, Supernatural, Battleship, The Longest Yard) and computer games (Rock Band, Madden NFL 11).
- Thunderstruck became part of a computer virus that attacked Iran’s nuclear program in July 2012. The song played at full volume on all affected computers.
Thunderstruck by AC/DC lyrics
Thunder x10
I was caught
In the middle of a railroad track
I looked round
And I knew there was no turning back
My mind raced
And I thought what could I do?
And I knew
There was no help, no help from you
Sound of the drums
Beatin’ in my heart
The thunder of guns!
tore me apart
You’ve been – thunderstruck!
Rode down the highway
Broke the limit, we hit the ton
Went through to Texas, yeah Texas
And we had some fun
We met some girls
Some dancers who gave a good time
Broke all the rules, played all the fools
Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds
And I was shakin’ at the knees
Could I come again please?
Yeah the ladies were too kind
You’ve been – thunderstruck, thunderstruck
Yeah yeah yeah, thunderstruck
Oh, thunderstruck, yeah
Yeah
Now we’re shaking at the knees
Could I come again please?
Said yeah, it’s alright
We’re! Doing fine
Yeah, it’s alright
We’re! Doing fine
so fine
Lyrics Thunderstruck by AC/DC Alternate
Thunder x10
I got caught
In the middle of the railroad track
I looked back
And I realized that there is no return
Thoughts flashed through my head
And I thought what could be done
But I understood
That you do not have to wait for help
drum beat
sounded in my heart
Thunder guns
Tore me apart
It’s like thunder hit you!
We were driving down the highway
Over the speed limit, we hit a hundred miles an hour
Rushing through Texas, yeah, through Texas
And have fun as much as you can
We met some girls
Some dancers who helped us hang out
Broke all the rules, played the fool
Yes, yes, they, they, they let us get high
And I’m on my knees
Can I still come, please?
Yes, the girls were very kind
Like thunder struck you, thunder struck
Yes, yes, yes, thunder struck
Oh, thunder struck, yeah
Now we’re shaking on our knees
Can I still come, please?
They said yes, come on
Class! Everything is fine
Yes, let’s do
Class! Everything is fine
So cool
