Problem Child
AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - 05 Lyrics


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I'm hot
And when I'm not
I'm cold as ice
Get out of my way
Just step aside
Or pay the price

What I want I take
What I don't I break
And I don't want you
With a flick of my knife
I can change your life
There's nothing you can do

I'm a problem child
I'm a problem child, yes I am
I'm a problem child
And I'm wild

Make my stand
No man's land
On my own
Man in blue
It's up to you
The seed is sown

What I want I stash
What I don't I smash
And you're on my list
Dead or alive
I got a .45
And I never miss

Oh I'm a problem child, yeh
I'm a problem child, owh
I'm a problem child
Desperate and wild

Just watch you step

Every night
Street light
I drink my booze
Some run
Some fight

But I win they lose
What I need I like
What I don't I fight
And I don't like you
Say bye bye
While your still alive
Your time is due

'Cause I'm a problem child, owh
I'm a problem child
I'm a problem child
I'm a problem child
Problem child
I'm a problem child, my mother hates it
I'm a problem child, oh he
I'm a problem child
Hey yeah problem child

Whoa problem child




Problem child
Problem child

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Problem Child" by AC/DC embody the unruly spirit of a rebel who refuses to conform to societal norms. The singer of the song is an individualistic and volatile character who disregards authority and pursues his own path. He is reckless, unpredictable, and always ready for a fight. The character's violent tendencies are emphasized in the lines "With a flick of my knife, I can change your life, There's nothing you can do," which reinforces his disregard for human life, and his willingness to employ violence to achieve his goals.


The song captures the friction between the individual and the system, the battle between the outcast and the establishment, as the singer roams the streets with his .45, making his own rules. The song is an anthem for those who refuse to conform to established norms and seek to break free from the shackles of social expectations. The refrain of "I'm a problem child" invokes a sense of defiance and rebelliousness that is characteristic of the rock genre.


Overall, "Problem Child" is a powerful and energetic song that conveys a strong message of individualism and freedom in the face of social constraints. The lyrics and the music combine to create a potent mix that captures the spirit of an era in which rock music was at the forefront of cultural rebellion.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm hot
I am confident and powerful in my abilities.


And when I'm not
However, if I am not feeling powerful, I can quickly become cold and distant.


I'm cold as ice
I can become very aloof and indifferent when I am not feeling powerful.


Get out of my way
I demand respect and will not tolerate any interference in my plans.


Just step aside
Those who fail to show me proper respect will face severe consequences.


Or pay the price
I will not hesitate to punish those who try to stand in my way.


What I want I take
I have no qualms about taking what I desire, regardless of who it belongs to.


What I don't I break
Anything that stands in the way of my goals will be destroyed.


And I don't want you
I have no use for those who cannot serve my purposes.


With a flick of my knife
I am skilled in the art of violence and can end a life with ease.


I can change your life
My actions can have a profound impact on your future.


There's nothing you can do
You are powerless to stop me once I have set my mind to something.


I'm a problem child
I am a disruptive and unpredictable individual who causes trouble for others.


Make my stand
I will refuse to back down or compromise on my beliefs or goals.


No man's land
I am comfortable operating in spaces where there are no laws or norms to constrain me.


On my own
I rely on myself and do not trust others to help me.


Man in blue
Police officers are a particular target of my ire, as they represent authority and control.


It's up to you
How our interaction unfolds is largely dependent on your actions and whether or not you show me proper respect.


The seed is sown
Once I have decided on a course of action, there is no turning back.


What I want I stash
Anything that can benefit me will be hoarded and kept for my own use.


What I don't I smash
Anything that interferes with my plans or is of no use to me will be destroyed.


N' you're on my list
If you cross me, you will be added to my long list of enemies.


Dead or alive
I have no preference for how my enemies are dealt with, as long as they are no longer a threat.


Got a .45
I am armed and dangerous, and do not hesitate to use deadly force when necessary.


N' I never miss
My aim is true and I am skilled at taking out my enemies.


Just watch your step
I am always on the lookout for those who might try to interfere with my plans.


Every night
My life is a cycle of violence and alcohol abuse.


Street light
The harsh neon glow of the streetlights is a constant backdrop to my destructive behavior.


I drink my booze
Alcohol is a coping mechanism for me, and I use it to dull the pain of my troubled existence.


Some run
Many fear me and try to escape my wrath when they see me coming.


Some fight
Others try to stand up to me and defend themselves.


I win they lose
In the end, my violent tendencies ensure that I emerge victorious in any confrontation.


What I need I like
I am attracted to anything that can serve my goals or desires.


What I don't I fight
Anything that stands in the way of my desires will be met with resistance.


N' I don't like you
If I perceive you as a threat or as someone who cannot be of use to me, I will immediately dislike you.


Say bye bye
Those who have incurred my wrath will be swiftly dealt with and eliminated from my world.


While your still alive
I will not rest until those who have wronged me are dead or otherwise neutralized.


Your time is due
There is no escaping my retribution for those who have crossed me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Ronald Scott

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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