The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Back in black
I hit the sack
I been too long
I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm dead loose
from the noose that's kept me hanging around.
I'm just, uh, livin' on the side 'cause it's gettin' me high,
forget the hearse cause I never die.
I got nine lives, cat's eyes,
each and evry one of them is wondrin why,
cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Mama, 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!
Back in the thing,
I drive a Cadillac,
mama, one with a bullet,
I'm a power pack.
Yes, I'm in a band,
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 fox,
nobody's gonna get me on another rap.
So look at me now, I'm just, uh, makin' my bread,
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.
(solo)
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.
(solo)
Well, I'm back, back,
Back, back, back, back,
Back in black, yes, I'm back in black.
I hit the sack
I been too long
I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm dead loose
from the noose that's kept me hanging around.
I'm just, uh, livin' on the side 'cause it's gettin' me high,
forget the hearse cause I never die.
I got nine lives, cat's eyes,
each and evry one of them is wondrin why,
cause I'm back!
Yes, I'm back!
Mama, 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!
Back in the thing,
I drive a Cadillac,
mama, one with a bullet,
I'm a power pack.
Yes, I'm in a band,
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 fox,
nobody's gonna get me on another rap.
So look at me now, I'm just, uh, makin' my bread,
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.
(solo)
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.
(solo)
Well, I'm back, back,
Back, back, back, back,
Back in black, yes, I'm back in black.
Lyrics submitted by ANTWANmyMAN, edited by Mellow_Harsher
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
the original AC/DC version was better
2me this song is like a parody to "Back in Black". But it's probably not. But it could. anyway I'm just responding b/c there's no responses. okay
I think this is an ok song but I have to say that I expect better from the chili peppers. I love this band so anything from them is great I was just a little "ummmm that’s it!?!" when I read the lyrics to this one.
not my fave put pretty good
when/where did the play this song???
im such a tard, sorry guys, back in black! You're write fun2bfunky. it's an acdc cover, they played it in a show after sexy mexican maid in 1989/1990 (not sure) it was great
where did u find this song
i coodnt find it on Limewire
The lyrics here suck. For one, it's "I ain't never gonna stop 'cause it's gettin' me high." I let loose, not dead loose. It's abusing every one and then a-runnin' wild. There are more but i don't feel like writing a small novel.
o THORT it was an ACDC song... hah im so clever... i bum rhcp xD
This is an AC/DC song, so obviously it is not exactly RHCP's style. Is this on any cds??