Meaning of The Jack by AC/DC & The Story Behind

The composition, which will be discussed, shows how important it is to know the story of the creation of songs. Sometimes it helps to avoid getting into awkward situations. For example, you will order on the radio for a friend who loves poker, the track The Jack by AC / DC, thinking that it is really about cards, and the next time you meet, you will receive a slap in the face if the girl turns out to be knowledgeable in rock music.

The fact is that in the text of the composition, formally dedicated to a card game, a venereal disease is implied. In Australia, the word “jack” in local slang means “clap”. Therefore, the phrase “she’s got the jack” (“she has a jack”) from the chorus can be interpreted a little differently.

The Story and Meaning of She’s Got the Jack – AC/DC

The song The Jack was written by Bon Scott, inspired by a letter that Malcolm Young received from one of his fans. She wrote that the musician infected her, although before meeting with her he underwent an examination that did not reveal the disease.

However, Bon also told the story of how, while on tour, members of the AC / DC group amicably picked up an infection from the same fans who kept them company. Allegedly, the musicians even performed The Jack at the concert, pointing at the girls from the stage during the chorus.

The song was originally called The Clap (“Tripper”). The first version of the text was more explicit and spoke directly about gonorrhea. It was obviously not suitable for radio, so the band remade it, hiding the slippery theme behind card terms. But at concerts, Bon Scott developed it in every possible way in front of the audience, not particularly embarrassed in expressions.

Recording and release

The song “The Jack” was included in the album TNT, recorded in 1975 in Australia. She was later included in the group’s first international plastic, High Voltage.

Song video The Jack – AC/DC

Why not check out the live music video below, featuring rock band AC/DC performing the famous song She’s Got the Jack.

Interesting Facts

Some words in The Jack, given the hidden meaning of the song, can be interpreted in different ways. For example, many AC/DC fans believe that “full house” (poker combination full house) means “a bouquet of diseases” in the context.

The Jack Lyrics by AC/DC

She gave me the Queen
She gave me the King
She was wheelin’ and dealin’
Just doin’ her thing
She was holdin’ a pair
But I had to try
Her Deuce was wild
But my Ace was high
But how was I to know
That she’d been dealt with before
Said she’d never had a Full House
But I should have known
From the tattoo on her left leg
And the garter on her right
She’d have the card to bring me down
If she played it right

chorus:
She’s got the Jack x10

poker face was her name
poker face was her nature
poker straight was her game
If she knew she could get you
She play’d ’em fast
And she play’d ’em hard
She could close her eyes
And feel every card
But how was I to know
That she’d been shuffled before
Said she’d never had a Royal Flush
But I should have known
That all the cards were comin’
From the bottom of the pack
And if I’d know what she was dealin’ out
I’d have dealt it back

The Jack Lyrics by AC/DC Alternate

She gave me a lady
She gave me the king
She shuffled and dealt
Just doing my thing
She had a couple in her arms
But I had to check
Her deuce was “wild”
But my ace was the highest card
How was I to know
What came to her before
She said she didn’t have a full house
But I could guess
By the tattoo on her left leg
And a garter on the right
She always had a card to beat me
If she played it right

Chorus:
She has a jack x10

Poker face is her name
Poker face is its essence,
Poker Street is her game.
If she knew she could handle you
She played them fast
She played them hard
She could close her eyes
And feel every card
How was I to know
What came to her before
She said she didn’t have a royal flush
But I could guess
That all the cards came out
From under the deck
And if I knew what she gave
I would give them back