Shot Down In Flames by AC/DC

Album: Highway To Hell (1979)

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Songfacts®:

This song is about a guy who goes out for a night on the town, hoping to hook up with a girl. Although he tries countless times to get with a woman over the course of the night, he fails, thus he gets "Shot down in flames."

The lyric comes courtesy of lead singer Bon Scott, who in contrast to the typical swaggering rock frontman, would often sing self-deprecating lines about his romantic foibles, which could be anything from an adventure in low standards
to a social disease.
Mutt Lange, who would later helm albums for Shania Twain, The Cars and Foreigner, produced the Highway To Hell LP. He kept it lighthearted on this track, allowing Bon Scott to interject vocals over Angus Young's guitar solo ("That's nice!"), and closing the song with a classic scream from Scott.
This is an example of Bon Scott's very relatable songwriting. "He's writing songs about being kicked in the guts by women, or losing out in love or not having money," said Jesse Fink, author of Bon: The Last Highway. "Basic human issues that we all face at one time or another. I think that's why those songs go so brilliantly with listeners. Think of 'Shot Down In Flames.' He's singing about being turned down by a woman. They're just simple things that work."

Comments: 8

Dee from ChattanoogaYes Aussie we have to own the historical and current racism in US. Same as you have to own the same behavior in Australia against indigenous Australians. Horrific behavior which evidently is getting worse. You people are a**s for treating them this way!!!!!!
Aj from TennesseeIn the songs opening, there’s a “whoa” then a scream. Who does those?
Nancy from Baltimore, MdI love the song and always will.
Joshua from La Crosse, WiFittingly enough, the NHL's Calgary Flames play this song's chorus (accompanied by a HUGE blast from a flamethrower suspended above the rink) whenever the team scores a goal during home games.
Selina from Perth, AustraliaAh the frustrations of tryin to pull some1...haha...great song, i love the slides throughout the solo- so great :)
Dudes, this is to comment on a song, jeez...
But in history of great music, AUSSIE, fffff, Australia, you're right...and Roman, Denver, CO, dont take it personally
Rock On
Roman from Denver, CoHey Aussie...wear a hat, you're getting too much sun. Thanks for for broad stroke of your opinionated comment to apply to all "Yanks". Get help soon. I like to suggest Anger Management for starters.
Aussie from Fffff, AustraliaSheer brilliance. It took a celtic Aussie to bring out this "Chuck Berry on Steroids" sound. But then Americans are that stupid and racist it took the British to sell blues back to the USA. Hendrix could only get a start as a session muso before moving to the UK. Yanks would not know good music if it bit them on the a**. Even if they did create it. The USA treatment of Black fellas was disgraceful and Americans would not lower themselves to listen to the Blues until the Brits said it was good and then Americans loved them . This is fact, read and listen to the interviews from the likes of Chuck, Little Richard and Bo Didley. You people are a**s for treating them this way!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark from London, EnglandA live versiopn was issued as one of two tracks on the B-side of the UK hit "Highway To Hell".

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