“Thunderstruck” is a hard rock anthem by AC/DC, released on 10 September 1990 as the lead single from their album The Razors Edge. Written by brothers Angus Young and Malcolm Young, the track marked a commercial resurgence for the band and is certified Diamond in the U.S. and Quintuple-Platinum in Australia.
The song’s creation began with a studio trick Angus Young developed by taping down all guitar strings except the B string, a technique learned from his brother George Young. Although the band often shared an urban legend that the song was inspired by Angus surviving a lightning strike during a flight to Berlin in 1988, Angus clarified in the 2003 liner notes that the riff was a musical exercise that Malcolm Young built into a rhythm track. The title was chosen for its association with power, referencing the band’s name and a childhood toy called ThunderStreak.
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the song features Brian Johnson on vocals and Chris Slade on drums. It reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and has become a staple in sports venues, notably used by the University of Alabama and Florida Gators football teams. The track also gained notoriety in 2010 when it was played by a computer worm attacking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
[Intro]
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Thunder
Thunder
Thunder
Thunder
[Verse 1]
I was caught in the middle of a railroad track (Thunder)
I looked ’round and I knew there was no turnin’ back (Thunder)
My mind raced and I thought, “What could I do?” (Thunder)
And I knew there was no help, no help from you (Thunder)
Sound of the drums beatin’ in my heart
The thunder of guns, yeah, tore me apart
[Refrain]
You’ve been
Thunderstruck
[Verse 2]
Went down the highway, broke the limit, we hit the town
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
[Pre-Chorus]
And I was shakin’ at the knees
Could I come again, please?
Yeah, the ladies were too kind
[Chorus]
You’ve been
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck
Yeah, yeah, yeah, thunderstruck
Ooh, thunderstruck
Yeah
[Post-Chorus]
I was shakin’ at the knees
Could I come again, please? Yow
[Guitar Solo]
[Pre-Chorus]
Ooh, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, yeah
[Chorus]
Ooh, thunderstruck
Thunderstruck
Yeah, yeah, yeah, thunderstruck
Thunderstruck
Yeah, yeah, yeah
[Bridge]
Said, yeah, it’s all right
We’re doin’ fine
Yeah, it’s all right
We’re doin’ fine, so fine
[Chorus]
Thunderstruck
Yeah, yeah, yeah, thunderstruck
Thunderstruck (Thunderstruck)
Whoa, baby, baby (Thunderstruck)
You’ve been thunderstruck
(Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah) Thunderstruck
(Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah) Thunderstruck
(Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah) Thunderstruck
(Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah) You’ve been thunderstruck