“Back in Black” is a 1980 song by AC/DC that serves as the title track and tribute to their former lead singer, Bon Scott, who died of acute alcohol poisoning in February 1980. Released five months after Scott’s death, the song marked the debut of new vocalist Brian Johnson and was created to celebrate Scott’s life rather than mourn it, adhering to the band’s directive that the tribute be a “celebration” and not “morbid.”
The track’s iconic guitar riff was originally composed by Malcolm Young as a warm-up tune years prior, but Angus Young insisted it be included on the album. Brian Johnson wrote the lyrics, inspired by Scott’s hedonistic lifestyle and “nine lives” approach to rock and roll, crafting verses about cheating death to honor Scott’s fearless spirit. The song was recorded in the Bahamas with producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, helping AC/DC launch their seventh studio album, which became one of the best-selling albums in history.
- Release Context: The song appeared on the album Back in Black, which featured a plain black cover as a sign of mourning while the music celebrated Scott’s legacy.
- Writing Process: Johnson was given the title and the riff, writing lyrics that captured Scott’s “loose from the noose” attitude toward danger and excess.
- Legacy: The track helped establish Johnson as a capable successor and solidified AC/DC’s global dominance, with the album eventually selling over 50 million copies.
[Verse 1]
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 hangin’ about
I’m just a-lookin’ at the sky, just a-gettin’ me high
Forget the hearse, ’cause I’ll never die
I got nine lives, cat’s eyes
Abusin’ every one of them and runnin’ wild
[Chorus]
‘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
[Verse 2]
Oh, 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 flak
Nobody’s gonna get me on another rap
So, look at me now, I’m just a-makin’ my play
Don’t try to push your luck, just get outta my way
[Chorus]
‘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
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
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, ow
[Bridge]
Ah, yeah
Oh, yeah
Keep on goin’
Oh, yeah
Yeah
Ah, hey, yeah
Ooh, yeah
[Chorus]
Well, I’m back (I’m back)
Back, well, I’m (I’m back)
Back (I’m back)
Back (I’m back)
Back (I’m back)
Back
It’s back in black
Yes, I’m back in black
[Outro]
Outta the sack
[Guitar Solo]
