AC/DC – Highway to Hell (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind Highway to Hell:
Highway to Hell is a reference to an actual road in Australia. While the real Canning Highway in Perth leads to Bon Scott’s favorite pub, it is notorious for fatal crashes. Beside this roadway, members of AC/DC were also referring to the bands grueling life on tour. Going from place to place, performing and traveling wore down members of this iconic rock group.
Biblical Application:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it, Matthew 7:12-14.
Exegesis of Highway to Hell:
Livin’ easy, lovin’ free
Season ticket on a one-way ride
Askin’ nothin’, leave me be
Takin’ everything in my stride
The joy of being able to be on tour as part of a rock band. Once the tour begins, it doesn’t stop until the final destination. There aren’t many moments alone, but you take this reality in stride.
Don’t need reason, don’t need rhyme
Ain’t nothin’ I’d rather do
Goin’ down, party time
My friends are gonna be there too, yeah
The regular parties after a show.
I’m on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
Highway to hell
I’m on the highway to hell
Either on a bus to this pub or the exhaustion of being on a long tour.
No stop signs, speed limit
Nobody’s gonna slow me down
Like a wheel, gonna spin it
Nobody’s gonna mess me around
Either a reference to this highway in Perth or simply living life without any restrictions.
Hey Satan, payin’ my dues
Playin’ in a rocking band
Playing rock music is compared to taking an oath to serve Satan.
Hey momma, look at me
I’m on my way to the promised land, wow
Impressing their mother, on the way to fame and fortune.
I’m on the highway to hell
Highway to hell
I’m on the highway to hell
Highway to hell
Chasing a dream but it’s not what it seems.
Mm, don’t stop me
Eh-woo
Happy with their current path in life.
I’m on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
I’m on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
Not willing to deviate course.
Highway to hell (I’m on the highway to hell)
Highway to hell (highway to hell)
Highway to hell (I’m on the highway to hell)
Highway to hell
Accepting the gruel of being on tour for an extended time.
And I’m goin’ down
All the way, wow
On the highway to hell
Ain’t no stopping now.
Final Thoughts:
All human beings have experienced prodigal moments in life. My first semester of college could be described as being on the Highway to Hell. I ditched my faith for popularity and public acclaim. I was one of the members of the 4 Horseman, eating, drinking and partying for 4 months. While on the outside it was like being in a rock band, but on the inside I was dying. After my 3 friends all funked out, I spent the winter semester trying to pick up the pieces of my character and dignity. Following a weekend at James Madison University, I was brought back into fellowship with God, rededicating my life to the Lordship of Christ. This is the only way today to escape the Highway to Hell.
by Jay Mankus
