background

You Shook Me All Night Long

AC/DC

"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the raw, primal energy of a passionate sexual encounter. The lyrics, while seemingly straightforward, are full of double entendres and suggestive imagery, reflecting the band's signature blend of rock 'n' roll swagger and cheeky humor. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics and their possible interpretations:

Verse 1:

  • "She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean": This metaphor instantly paints a picture of a woman who is both powerful and in control. "Fast machine" suggests she is desirable, while "kept her motor clean" implies she's experienced and knows what she wants.
  • "She was the best damn woman that I ever seen": This is straightforward praise, highlighting the woman's attractiveness and desirability.
  • "She had the sightless eyes, telling me no lies": This line is more ambiguous. "Sightless eyes" could mean she looked at him intently, or perhaps that she was so captivating he couldn't look away. "Telling me no lies" suggests she was honest and straightforward.
  • "Knocking me out with those American thighs": This is a classic example of AC/DC's blunt and sexual language. "American thighs" is a playful reference to the idealized American physique.
  • "Taking more than her share, had me fighting for air": This line suggests a passionate, physical encounter, perhaps with a hint of dominance on her part.
  • "She told me to come, but I was already there": This line adds to the sense of being caught in the moment, unable to resist her allure.
  • "'Cause the walls start shaking, the Earth was quaking, My mind was aching, and we were making it": This final line is a climax, using vivid imagery to describe the intensity and passion of their encounter. The "making it" suggests they were making love.

Verse 2:

  • "Working double-time on the seduction line": This reaffirms her skill in captivating men, implying she's a seasoned temptress.
  • "She's one of a kind, she's just a-mine all mine": This line emphasizes the narrator's possessiveness and desire to keep her all for himself.
  • "Wanted no applause, just another course": This line suggests she's not motivated by external validation, but by the raw physical pleasure of the encounter.
  • "Made a meal outta me, and come back for more": This line further emphasizes the power dynamic, with the narrator being both consumed by and desiring more of her.
  • "Had to cool me down to take another round": This line reinforces the idea of an intense, physical encounter that requires time to recover.
  • "Now, I'm back in the ring to take another swing": This imagery evokes the feeling of being ready to re-engage, highlighting the physicality and passion.
  • "That the walls were shaking, the Earth was quaking, My mind was aching, and we were making it": This repetition reinforces the powerful and transformative nature of their encounter.

Chorus:

  • "And you shook me all night long": This is the central theme of the song. The repetition and the word "shook" emphasize the intensity and the lasting impact of the experience.
  • "Yeah, you shook me all night long, It knocked me out that you shook me all night long, It had me shaking, And you shook me all night long, Yeah, you shook me, Well, you took me": This series of lines builds upon the central theme, creating a sense of exhilaration and lingering aftershocks.

Overall:

The lyrics of "You Shook Me All Night Long" are designed to be catchy, suggestive, and ultimately, celebratory. They paint a vivid picture of a passionate, physical encounter that leaves the narrator both exhausted and invigorated. The combination of blunt language, suggestive imagery, and playful wordplay creates an engaging and enduring rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners.

More songs by AC/DC

lyrics