Flash and the Pan (aka Flash & The Pan) were a New Wave / Rock band from Au… Read Full Bio ↴Flash and the Pan (aka Flash & The Pan) were a New Wave / Rock band from Australia formed in 1977 by Harry Vanda and George Young, the older brother of the AC/DC members Angus Young and Malcom Young. Both formerly members of The Easybeats. In the UK, until the release of "Waiting for a Train" in 1983 they had been a one-hit wonder, which was coincidental as the expression, 'Flash in the pan', denotes something which is only briefly popular.

Hey St. Peter
Flash and the Pan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The morning was cold and lonely
City lights old and gray
The sun arose, and, trying to smile
Gave it all away
The honky-tonk called a stranger
The stranger couldn't pay the bill
Made a stand, raised his hand
Sang a song, no time to kill

I said, hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
I've got a tale to tell
I've just been down in New York town
It really feels like hell
It really feels like hell

Billy was out of fashion
Manhattan was years ago
Yesterday he wasted time
Money was kind of slow
Billy had friends of glory
Billy was a friend of fame
Took a chance and raised his hand
Sang a song, now he's back in the game

I said, hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
I've got a tale to tell
I've just been down in New York town
It really feels like hell (hell)
It really feels like hel)

I said, hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
Hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
Hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
It really feels like hell (hell)
It really feels like hell

Hey, St. Peter
Before you ring your bell
Just been down in New York town
Done my time in hell
Done my time in hell

I said, hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
Hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
Hey (hey), hey (hey), hey, St. Peter
It really feels like hell (hell)
It really feels like hell (hell)

It really feels like
Hell

Overall Meaning

The song "Hey St. Peter" by Flash and the Pan is a powerful commentary on the state of urban life in New York City. The song opens with the description of a cold and lonely morning in the midst of a city that is old and gray. The sun tries to shine, but it seems to give up, unable to overcome the bleakness of the surroundings. The lyrics then shift to the story of a stranger in a honky-tonk who can't pay his bill. Rather than leaving quietly, he stands up and sings a song, seizing the moment and refusing to let life beat him down.

The chorus of the song is a plea to St. Peter, asking him to listen to the tale being told. The singer has just come back from New York City and declares that it feels like hell. The verses then continue with the story of Billy, a man who was once in fashion but is now struggling to get by. Billy has friends in high places and is a friend of fame, which gives him the courage to stand up and sing a song. The chorus repeats, driving home the point that life in New York City feels like hell and that the singer and Billy have both been through it.

Line by Line Meaning

The morning was cold and lonely
The start of a bleak and harsh day, with no warmth or companionship

City lights old and gray
The city is drab and lacks vibrancy, looking worn down and desolate

The sun arose, and, trying to smile, Gave it all away
The sun rose but couldn't quite manage to bring any brightness or positivity to the scene

The honky-tonk called a stranger
A bar or club tried to entice in a person who was unfamiliar to the place

The stranger couldn't pay the bill
The person was unable to afford the cost of their drink or entry to the establishment

Made a stand, raised his hand, Sang a song, no time to kill
Instead of paying, the person performed a song for the crowd, making the best of a bad situation

I've got a tale to tell, I've just been down in New York town, It really feels like hell
The singer has a story to share about their negative experience in the city, which felt like a version of hell

Billy was out of fashion, Manhattan was years ago
A person named Billy was no longer in style, and the city of Manhattan felt like a thing of the past

Yesterday he wasted time, Money was kind of slow
Billy spent the previous day idling and didn't have much cash to spend

Billy had friends of glory, Billy was a friend of fame
Despite his current circumstances, Billy had connections to successful and popular individuals

Took a chance and raised his hand, Sang a song, now he's back in the game
Billy decided to risk performing a song, and this led to a boost in his fortunes

Before you ring your bell, Just been down in New York town, Done my time in hell
The artist addresses St. Peter, warning him not to dismiss them before hearing about their experience living through a hellish time in New York City

It really feels like hell
A repetition of the sentiment that the city is unbearable and a version of hell

Contributed by Ethan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@elmonteslim3711

2y↑39

Back in the 70's we had no idea how brilliant these guys really were....amazing. George's keyboards are timeless.

@PassionJo777

1y↑36

Man no words for this band!! That and down among the dead man are true masterpieces!! Brilliant orchestral arrangement

@ron1martens

1y↑4

Joanne Marshall. I actually preferred the music from flash in the pan than AC/DC. AC/DC were too heavy for me as I liked violins and pianos like supertramp, Neil diamond. My younger brother liked Deep purple AC/DC Elton John. Although I did like Elton John.

@davidtaylor595

Checkout Howzat on Netflix… cricket story. It’s one of the songs in the series.

@KickassUncle

You forgot yourself.

@KickassUncle

Walking in the Rain.

@allanbaker7601

1y↑3

@@ron1martens You do know that George Young is the older brother of AC/DC guitarist Angus Young?

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@doncharters1018

5y↑62

THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREATEST SONGS!!!!!

@dantwomey4215

49w↑2

No argument here!

@marcelwilliamson7384

6y↑141

They were so ahead of their time I absolutely love this song
It's a huge part of the soundtrack to my life
Rest in peace George
Your friend from Canada

@eduardasurbstavicius5529

5y↑3

from Lithuania too...

@ripping6900

A CFNY Toronto classic ..

@B00stedbarra12

2y↑20

This song has the vibe of taking you back in the past, it's a such a feeling you get listening to these songs, just another banger that is truly not forgotten but missed by many people of this story..

@Dottydawes

19w

Especially with the “Peters” ice cream…..

Great times.

@chuckschillingvideos

7y↑37

A four minute opera in three acts. Truly an underappreciated work.

@boerekable

Care to elaborate? I really fail to see the deeper sense in this song.

@andysmith6218

@boerekable I don’t think he was implying that there was a deeper meaning to this song.....

@spello8191

@boerekable care to elaborate why you seem to disagree? I mean it’s easy to throw a line out there

@johnn2518

2y↑2

Is a true story about a door man said something to one of them in new York and the person they singing about, please search it

@krisscanlon4051

39w↑1

I'd like to add to this 3 part opera debate but I can't because I'm enjoying the music too much! Cmon guys let's dance 💃 🕺 !

@jeffkrong621

6y↑23

There is something creepy about their music, but it's exactly what I love about it!

@motherloverjones6008

yeah it's sort of gives me the yellow submarine type of vocals sound vibe, i love it.

@acdcrocks9938

4y↑10

All George and Harry’s stuff is fantastic. Producing as well! Rip George! The legacy you’ve left around the world and particularly in Aus 🇦🇺 music, will never be forgotten.

@bigguys45s29

6y↑31

Absolutely brilliant song. Should've been a much bigger hit here in America. Peaked at No. 76 here in the States during the summer of 1979 on the Billboard Hot 100.

@bernie2231

2y↑2

Wow, I thought that it was a bigger hit. I know that song was played over the air on a regular basis, when it came out, in north central PA. I always thought that is was more successful than that. I always thought that it was a great song.

@pierreleysen7240

2y↑2

It was big in Belgium and the Netherlands.

@kevbhoy05

2y↑1

america different life style than oz m8.

@dennispicone6801

51w

Only because the American system is completely different to others. Please note Delta Goodrem for example, and that's just for starters.😊

@americantoycoon9206

3y↑10

I loved this song so much! I listened to it on KROQ radio in Los Angeles in 1979/80. It was so magically weird and complex with a lot of depth to uncover. I memorized every single lyric.

@billsager5634

1y↑4

Remember, Flash N The Pan is George Young (and Harry Vanda). The duo are former members of the Easybeats, and for the metal heads out there, George Young is the brother of Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC!! Too bad Flash N The Pan were little more than a flash in the pan. Very talented duo!

@kerriesciberras5229

8y↑57

AHEAD OF ITS TIME AND REMAINS TIMELESS, LOVE THIS SONG

@memphisblue287

6y↑21

Everytime I watch this clip, I have to smile. George Young and Harry Vanda was a fanatastic duo they were, they make my day x

@pvronopor4ever822

2y↑3

He escuchado esta canción hace 3 días en la online de Doblenueve Lima. Nada qué bestia!!! No me sorprende que no haya tenido tanta difusión. Y no me desagrada que pocos la conozcan. Doblenueve es una radio que desde 1979 pasaba los no singles, los no hits. Si la canción se volvía hit la dejaba de pasar. Noto que este tema ha inspirado posteriores canciones. Una Joya.

@Phoenix85006

6y↑21

Back when you could make a music video for $35. Love this song ❤️

@randybugger1477

7y↑41

RIP George Young, you made growing up in the 70's great, you will be missed.

@KodieTheAussieBrony94

1y↑4

Now everytime this song comes up to play on my phone, I get excited and start singing along to it. Absolute fave Flash & The Pan song

@1morelefty

6y↑44

Harry and George created such an amazing array of sound for this song and included versus spoken through a megaphone nearly 30 years before Gorillaz Feel Good Inc. I guess you could say it was decades ahead of it's time.

@satanshog

36w↑1

I always wondered how that transistor radio sound was created, thanks for enlightening me

@Rawhide68

4y↑8

I had this band on my mono cassette player when I was just a kid, couldn't get enough of it it sounded so cool, still is cool 😀

@mannyballas2289

4y↑10

These guys were awesome, well ahead of their time, rip George, brilliant song!!

@peterbutler8167

7y↑23

RIP George, a true giant of Aussie rock.

@themiddlekid1966

1y↑2

That piano ROCKS MY WORLD

@jandejongh

1y↑3

So weird: Back in the days ('75) I lived at an intern school in the Netherlands, and pretty much traveled weekly to my parents living and working on their barge. Often I had to travel to Belgium, either to Ghent St Pieter Station or beyond. This song brings back so many memories, and often takes me back to the Ghent St-Pieter Station. Thanks Flash and the Pan and the beautiful city of Ghent.

@henq

1y↑3

I bought this album when I was 22, in 1978. Flash had had one or two hits in the Netherlands.
Half a decade later, Pet Shop Boys came with their smash hit "West End Girls". I knew where they've got the idea from...

@brendancasbolt2471

2y↑2

This is a masterpiece. Top 10 best songs of all time.

@davec7759

7y↑29

40 years ago. Unbelievable that Oz talent was so good all those years ago.
Love the Peters ice cream bit!

@lyndelltaylor7297

3y↑1

Those Young brothers are one very talented bunch of guys. RIP George & Malcolm. You have given us many years of great music that will continue to live on. Brings back very fond memories for me of a time when life was so much simpler.

@Higgo64

7y↑8

RIP George Young, Thank you for all the great music that we have you to thank.

@eduardasurbstavicius5529

from Lithuania too

@pommiegirl8079

6y↑6

Such an awesome song!

@joseclaudiodasilva1407

6y↑1

Flash And The Pan muito bom

@alanburge4798

4y↑2

If you are a fan of this group you know really good music when you hear it. I feel sorry for those who don't see or get it.

@masenko4519

2y↑4

2022 and still a staple in my playlist

@TheGrumpy01

7y↑44

RIP George Young. Aussie Music has lost another legend.

@foremerino2811

1y↑1

I love Aussie Rock and I loved growing up down-under watching it from the beginning. Fabulous times and absolutely fabulous fun. I just hit my 60's but keep going back to the classics.

@danpetrie6564

6y↑7

The incredible George Young (RIP). Produced and played on the early ACDC albums. Mark Evans has described George Young as an incredible musician.

@ruiseartalcorn

6y↑32

Great stuff!!! Without George Young we would never have had ACDC!!!

@envyXzor

2y↑1

actually we would, his brothers Malcom and Angus formed ACDC, George had nothing to do with it...dont spread false info

@alecthunder9196

2y↑7

@fighter Nevertheless, it is the truth that AC/DC's "High Voltage", "T.N.T.", "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", "Let Tere Be Rock" and "Powerage" (the first 5 albums) were produced by ..... Harry Wanda and George Young (= Flash & The Pan)

@nagaslrac

2y↑4

@fighter I may be remembering it wrong but I think George was instrumental in developing the sound of acdc & also the Angels. No doubt many more, too.

@envyXzor

2y↑1

@Alec Thunder true

@envyXzor

@nagaslrac he was but only very early in the begining

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@ynnebbenny

5y↑9

Sometimes I play the piano break over and over. Love this song.

@traceymoore291

3y↑2

Seriously. Me too. Love that piano. So energizing.... I remember the first time I heard that I actually got goosebumps

@ynnebbenny

@Tracey Moore It has a cheekyness about it.

@traceymoore291

3y↑1

@Ben Frawley Agree! That's what hooked me as well. I can hear it in my mind exactly to this day. Very honey tonk and energizing at the same time.

@sherreerichardson623

3y↑3

This came out when I started high school. I bought the album. It's still one of the best songs I've heard. Truly one of the most innovating albums unleashed in the 70s

@traceymoore291

3y↑1

I'm 65 now, but got married when I was 18 years old and I remember that my husband and Iistened to this song before he went out to race his street bike. This song is totally energizing

@traceymoore291

I remember the album cover. And hey Saint Peter was the only song I like but it was worth the album

@mikeg6606

3y↑4

This was an absolute banger when it came out. Still is. Had they been English would have been huge worldwide hit.

@KodieTheAussieBrony94

3y↑2

This song just randomly played in my head today. A very old song, yes, but it's a bloody great song

@johngordon880

44w↑1

Love this

@jhunter3538

1y↑1

Stumbled across this song. Gosh I remember playing this on the jukebox in school at lunch time. I feel old all of a sudden haha. And I remember the lyrics. And it's been a long long long long time 🙂

@jaymmzzs

1y↑1

Your school had a juke box ?

@alanburge4798

4y↑2

2 very clever men in an awesome band. Top track. Top class pop music. Unique and different.

@PeterBethanis

8y↑1

True artists never take themselves too seriously.

@Seaverful

12y↑1

Great and classic song !!!!!!! Brings back a lot of memories growing up in the wild, wild, wild, 70s in New York City. Thanks for uploading this !!!!!!

@gregcornell6910

4y↑4

I won’t hear better piano than this. Brilliant

@012wtfez8

@wagthedog9

34w

RIP George Young absolute genius ❤

@sluggerwest3414

3y↑4

Dad showed me this song nearly 15 years ago. Loved it ever since haha.

@KristofferSkjrestad

8y↑102

This song is so underrated! I mean, it really feels like I'm listening to a classic song that everybody knows, but the reality is far from that. The video has been on YouTube for almost ten years, and it has only got 137 000 views? Haha

@boerekable

7y↑2

Do you understan why Saint Peter dances at the end? I also dont understand the point of the songtext.

@gregshea1018

7y↑3

boerekable ...Haha...The video is not meant to make any sense..Its a stupid video....fantastic song tho

@johnpollock3246

7y↑1

Ice cream man ringing his bell and selling ice creams.

@gregshea1018

7y↑4

boerekable ...'Peters' icecream was an Australian brand of icecream so it may have been some sort of joke that could only be understood on drugs...lol..

@Gerardus1970

6y↑6

Wikipedia explains what inspired the song. "George was in New York chatting to the hotel doorman about the weather and the African American guy says 'Oh well, man, when my time comes, I am going to say to St Peter "You can't send me to hell, I have done my time in hell in New York!"' George just picked up things you and I would say and turn them into songs" HTH

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@CaptainNigh

7y↑51

R.I.P. George Young, musical genius. Died 23/10/2017 aged 70.

@johnpollock3246

6y↑2

Harry is still around, so are Dick Diamonde & Snowy Fleet. 3 Easybeats left.

@lavendermoon9mycashappheyw32

7y↑5

always loved this song!

@bigguys45s29

6y↑2

This song is simply so catchy and brilliant. Shame it wasn't a bigger hit here in the States. The usage of the word Hell reminds me of Arthur Brown's "Fire". That was a huge hit however.

@TheWhitde

7y↑6

RIP George Young... taken this day but never forgotten.

@waynephillips1895

28w

These two guys are Australian legends. Working for Albert's they produced most of the early ACDC and many other Australian bands of the day.

@gregkokkosupplymanagementc6419

7y↑2

RIP George Young....great memory from my university days when this was a BIG LP!!

@stevebrickshitta870

2y↑1

Fuck, is rare to see George without a smoke in his hand, or to his lips.
Just love seeing the chemistry of these two together. Fantastic stuff.

@MrPete1966

5y↑2

SO honoured to be bestowed a sainthood by Harry & George!!

@anthonylennen4067

4y↑2

I have always loved this song!

@Joe-mz6dc

8y↑114

Great song. Let's be honest. This is awesome.

@johncady9780

8y↑13

Almost 40 years later, it's still awesome!

@Frederico222

7y↑7

Agreed but one of the strangest videos I ever saw.

@tullfan7872

7y↑2

It certainly is!

@tullfan7872

7y↑2

Frederico, it looks like what you get when you have no budget, I'm guessing.

@the_black_douglas9041

7y↑4

Are you kidding +Robert ? This was the side project of the two guys who produced AC/DC

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@lucyfaiella7220

JUST A GREAT SONG LOVE IT 💞💗💖🎸🎸🎸🎹🎹🎹🎹🥁🥁🥁🎤🎤🎤♥️

@MasalaiMeri

Still brilliant after all these years.

@traralgontowing106

Amazing talent!

@fortymillioncoins9066

3y↑1

I've always loved this song and George and Harry!

@TheBeermebitch

7y↑1

Aussie Rock'n'Roll icon right there..now with Stevie in Easybeat heaven...thank you so much for the influence guys...RIP.

@madeleinehague648

RIP, George Young. What a legacy!

@mattharris5067

9y↑88

Fucken amazing song by 2 of the most talent musos/ producers this world has to offer.

@westozrocker7698

7y↑1

And this put faces to the names for many.
For years the masterminds of many a career in the studio or behind the scenes and then this went nuts it was a huge hit but then still there was a lot more to flash and the pan than this one

@tabfiend

Timeless........and entirely unforgettable.

@patriciascully5369

Love it ! ❤❤❤

@michaelmarshall1713

These two were geniuses .

@philliptorcasio7583

7y↑1

RIP George Young .... Legend.

@goforthe1948

This is a great song, definitely dug these guys back then...

@wildlifehd6839

Great lyrics, Great music and Great rhythm ..The Holy Trinity

@patriciascully5369

I love it ! ❤❤❤❤❤

@germanshepherdlover2613

3y↑1

The Vanda/Young partnership was every bit as good as the Lennon/McCartney partnership!

@tell5396

4y↑3

Ah Vanda & Young, true predecessors of Aussie rock ergo AC/DC and The Easybeats 🤟🤟🤟

@ellzedd4113

1y↑1

Watched this on The New Music when I was ten or eleven. Loved this song and still do ❤

@jamesmercer3693

32w

I love this song a big AC⚡DC fan That's how I stumbled across this band😊

@pacyfinkaonline7526

9y↑3

i love it when a specjally build stage in the studio;
flash changed my approach to life, sometimes you need to hear the words spoken thought for others to realise what you mean :) i love their lyrics.

@bine9531

2y↑5

Einer der absolut allergeilsten Songs ever!!!! Da hab ich sogar morgens schon gute Laune 😃‼️
Mich hatte voriges Jahr irgendwann mein Radio drauf gebracht, diesen Song zu suchen. Der wurde nämlich just in dem Moment gespielt, als ich übermüdet und dementsprechend gelaunt auf die Handwerker lauern mußte.... 😆

@elainelewis9545

3y↑2

Love it,they dont take themself seriously looked like they enjoyed themself

@beorlingo

2y↑1

This vid captures the good humour of the '70s!

@traralgontowing7030

7y↑32

As good today as it was 40 years ago!

@WillieDuitt1

4y↑2

I was an young teenager when this came out, WMMS in Cleveland,Ohio used to play this all the time, oh also Walking In The Rain from the same album, I still own this disc.

@gregshea1018

Great song, great sound and a song with meaning but a crazy video!

@RockHistoryMusic

8y↑22

OMG, love this tune.

@Heston68

7y↑1

Great song, RIP George.

@elizabethduncan8371

Songs like this one, reminds me strongly of the sad and good times in my era👍😔

@robertberne4310

2y↑1

One of my epic song. Going back 40+; a lot of dope got smoked to their albums Flash and Lights in The Night....

@underscorerjb625

R.I.P George Young. You will be missed by many.

@erice.214

6y↑2

Bought and still got this album back in the late 70's. Great tune. Only got played on wxrt here in Chicago land.

@pattii55

7y↑13

Very sad that George died. Such a talent is gone.

@peterevans6102

3y↑3

Vanda & Young taking the piss, and it is still Genius. Incredible talent!

@thcbfleuren

7y↑2

Blijft een steen goede plaat met een te gek filmpje erbij moet hem elke week weer horen!

@ginahanlon1815

Possibly one of the best takes on midnite cowboy ever.

@jagaderolls

5y↑40

AC/DC would not have existed without the assistance of big brother George Young. Rest in peace my friend.

@mereditharbon9918

3y↑2

Middle brother.... Malcolm was the eldest. BUT, I bow my head in truth....

@beastieboy9286

3y↑5

@Meredith Arbon Alex was the eldest 1938 then george 1946 & then malc 1953.

@andysmith6218

3y↑1

@Meredith Arbon nope. Alex, George, Malcolm then Angus. I think Margaret was between Alex & George.

@leegary3941

3y↑2

No George is older than Malcolm

@gomerpyle3936

3y↑1

Have to check but wasn’t there a Steve father of the nephew who replaced Malcolm

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@jeanmarcpaap9509

3y↑1

Heerlijk nummer om uit je plaat te gaan!

@ashleyheitger2975

8y↑304

I can't believe I found this. around 1978 or 79 I was dating this air force guy named "Phil" we got stoned all the time and he played this weird album all the time. one day he told me he was being transferred to another base and handed me a cassette tape of this strange band to "remember" him by. although he recorded it on a dimestore cassette I have listened to it many times and I still have it. recently I picked up an old boom box with a cassette player so I've been listening to it again. the cheap tape is about 37 years old and I'm so afraid it's gonna break that I decided to look for the band. Phil hand wrote flash and the pan on the tape . Omg. I found it. I didn't know that anyone else on earth knew about this band

@Ozwarlock0

8y↑21

+Ashley Heitger Flash and the Pan were essentially George and Harry's side-project between producing albums for AC/DC. It was a studio act and never toured.

@barbredgreen3403

7y↑13

Ashley Heitger Nice. Me too I had it on tape back then, my classmate gave to me. We were 13 years old at the time. I lost contact with her when I moved away. Listening to this made me realize that little girl was the best friend I ever had and I'm so dumb for loosing sight of her.

@barbredgreen3403

7y↑6

Ashley Heitger Nice. Me too I had it on tape back then, my classmate gave to me. We were about 13 yrs old at the time. Listening to this made me realize that girl was the best friend I ever had, and I hate myself now for loosing sight of her.

@DMSProduktions

7y↑10

Duhh we Aussies do!

@DMSProduktions

7y↑1

Losing.

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@edhelvey

1y↑2

I was introduced to the Easybeats by David Bowie's cover of "Friday On My Mind" on his album "Pin-ups". I already owned AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". I'd heard Flash and the Pan on the radio and had no idea that George Young was related to Angus and Malcolm until recently.

@helpstopanimalabuse8153

Love these older videos. The were 70's & 80's were a great time to grow up, AC/DC, The Angels, Flash N The Pan, Elton John, Boz Scaggs etc..Great times, greatera in music. I became a professional musician be cause of these music videos & now have played with, Elton John, Toto & many more. A real blast from the past. (Just like a cavemans fart)!