Problem Child
AC/DC Bon Scott 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
The AC/DC song Problem Child, performed by Bon Scott, is an anthem for all those who refuse to play by society's rules. The singer of the song is a self-assured, aggressive and volatile character who does just as he pleases whether it's good or bad, right or wrong. The opening lines of the song suggest a person who is both full of confidence and unpredictable. The phrase "I'm hot and when I'm not, I'm cold as ice" indicates that he can be disarming and friendly but can also turn on a dime.
The rest of the lyrics describe the character's modus operandi, which is to be completely self-serving, taking what he wants and breaking what he doesn't. The persona is painted as someone who is vindictive and dangerous, willing to hurt or kill anyone who gets in his way. He is a "problem child," someone who is inherently difficult to control, living life on his own terms, and perfectly happy to cause trouble for anyone who gets in his way.
In conclusion, the song "Problem Child" is a brilliant and intense rock and roll anthem that paints a vivid and memorable character who embodies the boundaries of societal norms. The song's protagonist is a classic example of individualism and defiance, which is why it has become a timeless classic of rock music.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm hot
I am feeling confident and fierce
And when I'm not
But if I'm not feeling confident, I am cold and distant
I'm cold as ice
I can be very distant and uncaring
Get out of my way
Don't stand in my path or challenge my authority
Just step aside
Clear the way for me
Or pay the price
Because if you don't, you'll regret it
What I want I take
I have a take-charge attitude and always get what I want
What I don't I break
And if I can't have it, I destroy it
And I don't want you
I want nothing to do with you
With a flick of my knife
I am capable of causing great harm with a simple action
I can change your life
My actions can drastically alter the course of your life
There's nothing you can do
Because I have all the power in this situation
I'm a problem child
I am a troublemaker by nature
Make my stand
I will stand up for myself
No man's land
I am independent and don't rely on anyone else
On my own
I can handle things on my own
Man in blue
This is a reference to the police, who I view as an adversary
It's up to you
You have to decide what to do, but I'm not going to make it easy
The seed is sown
This is a warning that I have set something in motion that cannot be undone
What I want I stash
I keep what I want close to me
What I don't I smash
And I destroy what I don't want
N' you're on my list
You are someone I am planning to take action against
Dead or alive
I don't care what condition you're in when I'm done with you
Got a .45
This is a reference to a pistol I have in my possession
N' I never miss
I am a skilled shooter and always hit my target
Just watch your step
Be careful how you interact with me, because I can be dangerous
Every night
This is a reference to my destructive lifestyle
Street light
I am a nocturnal person
I drink my booze
This is a reference to my heavy drinking
Some run
Some people try to avoid me
Some fight
Others try to stand up to me, but they never win
I win they lose
I always come out on top in a confrontation
What I need I like
I indulge in whatever I desire
What I don't I fight
If someone tries to take something away from me, I will resist
N' I don't like you
I have no respect or affection for you
Say bye bye
This is a threat that I am going to harm you
While your still alive
This is a warning that you should be afraid of what I am capable of doing to you
Your time is due
Your fate has been sealed and you are going to suffer as a result of crossing me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Ronald Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind