Back To The Wall
Divinyls Lyrics

In the song "Back To The Wall," Divinyls singer Christina Amphlett sings about the desperation one feels when they feel trapped and unable to escape. The lyrics describe the feeling of being pushed to the brink and feeling like there is no escape from the situation. The title suggests that the singer has been backed into a corner and is now at their most vulnerable. They've been bottling up their emotions, trying to avoid exploding like a ticking time bomb. Now that their back is against the wall, the pressures of life have become intolerable, and they may do anything, even things they wouldn't normally do, to escape.

The chorus highlights the feeling of desperation, anger, and fear: "When my back's to the wall, I might do anything at all." The line "you better watch what you do" warns those around the singer to be careful, lest they trigger a dangerous reaction. The final line "look it out, don't come any closer" accentuates the song's confrontational tone and the singer's desperation.

The song's emotional power and Amphlett's dynamic voice were critically acclaimed, contributing to Divinyls' success. The band's reputation was bolstered by Amphlett's raw onstage persona and inimitable voice, with critics calling her "one of the most awe-inspiring frontwomen to ever appear on stage." Despite their success, the band found it difficult to break into international markets beyond Australia and the UK, where they had significant success. "Back To The Wall" is just one example of their powerful, raw sound.