T.N.T.

Album: High Voltage (1975)
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Songfacts®:

  • This explosive rocker was originally released in 1975 in AC/DC's home country Australia on their second album, which was also called T.N.T. Their first two Australian releases were combined to form High Voltage, which was released worldwide. The album fared well in Europe, but met stiff resistance in America: Rolling Stone called it an "all time low" for hard rock in their scathing review.
  • This was one of AC/DC's first singles with Bon Scott on lead vocals. Originally a roadie, he took over lead vocals when their first singer, Dave Evans, didn't show up for a gig.
  • AC/DC found a good way to capture the energy of their live shows for the High Voltage album: they went into the studio and recorded right after gigs. The result was a very raw, but energetic sound, smoothed out with production by Harry Vanda and George Young (brother of Angus and Malcolm), who were members of the group The Easybeats, best known for their hit "Friday On My Mind."
  • T.N.T. stands for Trinitrotoluene, an explosive compound. It was popularized in Road Runner cartoons when the Coyote would buy explosive items (from Acme) labeled "T.N.T." in an attempt to blow up the Road Runner. To this date, the coyote has not been able to harm the Road Runner in any way, and has done much more damage to himself through careless use of Acme products.
  • The song plays in the 2006 film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Gary Cole reprised his role as Reese Bobby and the iconic line, "if you ain't first, you're last" in a 2020 Dodge ad that featured the AC/DC song "Shot In The Dark."

Comments: 50

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganThis song rocks, yet it's so simple. The riff is 3 chords, the chorus is the same three chords in a different order! So fun to play, and the solo kicks! It was the first AC/DC solo I ever learned, note for note.
  • Kevindeltufo from Gainesville Fl.Was the logic Dynomite taken from Jimmy JJWalker
  • Adam from Alexandria, IndianaYes they are actually oi that is the real lyrics. Its a European way of saying like "hey, hey, hey" like Americans do!
  • John from The Beach At Tampa BayHe's not saying oi, WTF is that anyway? I used to think he was saying that when I was 12 or 13, then I got some headphones.
  • Philip from Highland InFirst song I learned on guitar. Very easy to learn. Such an awesome song.
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjI saw a live version by Six Feet Under on youtube, it was pretty cool. The riffs to this song are really easy to play, even if you're a beginner you should learn it.
  • Lily from Los Angeles, Camy band performed this live it is SO fun to play omg.
  • David from Knoxville, TnHuge difference hearing the studio version of this and hearing them do it live. It gives you a whole different appreciation for the power of the song despite its simplicity. The lyrics are hilarious and they knew EXACTLY what they were doing when they wrote it. It was nothing more than a gas and anyone who thinks Bon Scott was taking himself serious when he wrote the lyrics is a Tool.
  • Ryan from Somewhere In, NjThis probably hits the number one spot on the list of my favorite songs of all time. Great song, catchy lyrics. I'm impressed it was written at such a young age!
  • Oldpink from New Castle, InYet another big time rocking song from AC/DC with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
    I'm a Pink Floyd fan, first and foremost, but it is a nice bit of relief that here is a band who do not take themselves seriously at all.
    Very true to the roots of rock and roll, taking their cue from Chuck Berry and (the late) Bo Diddley.
  • Ron from Sioux Falls S.d., SdRonald Belford Scott a.k.a. Bon R.I.P. my rock n roll bretheren ...Greatest frontman in the history of rock... Truely a top notch entertainer!!! You are missed...
  • Austin from Bristow, VaThe song that started it all. AC/DC will always be my favorite.
  • Andy from B'ham, AlThis is the climax of AC/DC as far as I know. I don't really know the meaning of the lyrics, but it's fun to sing along. And with the drumbeat, it's fun to dance to it too! Pretty much everything else by AC/DC is just noise and/or screaming. No offense, Angus. But I can't help but notice that it's not just metal; it's HEAVY metal, which really isn't what I consider "music". T.N.T. seems to be what little "music" AC/DC even has! I'm so glad that AC/DC has a hit I can appreciate greatly!
  • Emilio from Valencia, SpainThere´s a killer modernmetal cover on Six feet under´s album Graveyard classics #1: it features
    Chris Barnes formerly from Cannibal Corpse singing.
    Graveyard´s #2 is AC/DC´s Back in Black fully covered+more.
    Also Hayseed Dixie ( gettit?) cover AC/DC hillbilly style to death. Fabulous!
  • Selina from Perth, Australiaaussie aussie aussie OI OI OI- they should use Acca Dacca's 'OI's' for that...love this song, musta been one of th first riffs i taught myself on guitar- f**k th smoke on the water...nah...love this song- such a powerful 3 chords...
    And by the way Ang said something about the history of where this song came from, like you were just sitting at the back of the class thinking about what you'd like to do to this teacher, and he was chanting away, so yeah maybe he was f**kin 12yrs old but it's still genius aint it- n I'd like to see all you carry out those lyrics like Bon does...
    Just that first powerchord and th drums bangin in just starts the party. Simple is the best. Rock On
  • Jake from Keokuk, IaI love AC/DC!!! I'm 11 and have been playing guitar for about half a year now, and can play hells bells, TNT, thinderstruck, and Back in Black. This song is so much fun on guitar!!!AC/DC ROCKS!!
  • Amy from Rockingham, WaGYCASGHVDGFTR
  • Amy from Rockingham, Waac/dc will rock 4eva lol
  • Gerry Walsh from Melbourne, AustraliaYer you bloody beauty, how Ocka is the start with 'T.N.T' OI OI OI'................Cant help but pump ya fist to the sky............R.I.P Bon
  • Buzzwood from Lansing, MsI pesonally feel that this is one of Bon scotts best songs. I prefer brian jonson mostly but You have to have the original singer for the older stuff to get the right feel for the music.
  • Steve from Winnipeg, Canadaamazin song me and me friends go crazy with this song
  • Sabin Shankhadev from Dadhikot-6,bhaktapurIt's really a high voltage song which makes us jump,rock n wild.
  • Fiona from London, EnglandCameron Cairns Australia - Is that you? It is me Fiona McLean from way back and back. Get in touch if you want - Tragic comment you made about ACDC ...mmm? Not sure what it contributed :)
  • Jon from Oakridge, OrPeople, calm down over the road runner fact. I'm sure it's just a little fun like on The Bee Gees "Stayin Alive" page about John Travolta (check it out).
  • Ty from Marion, Ini'll have to say that ac/dc isnt really that talented, they just have alot of energy and heavy guitar. there isnt really anything technical about they're songs. i personally dont like most of they're songs.
  • I'm Awesome from Boulder, CoAC/DC is dynomite!!!!
  • Bianca from Sydney, AustraliaI love this song. it is the first acca dacca song i have ever heard i am now a big fan
    it rox
  • Voodoocat from Zimbabwe, United StatesAC/DC is one of my favorite bands, and I've been listening to them since the beggining of my existence. This is ab awesome song. Very fun to sing and rock out to (most AC/DC songs are).
  • Windy from Otway, OhAC/DC IS THE BEST BAND EVER! R.I.P. Bon Scott.
    TNT is good,but i like Who Made Who.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScSteph, I get ypor point, but they weren't the only ones who performed that kind of music and wrote those kinds of lyrics. In fact, I think the lyrics in contemporary rap songs are worse.
  • Ben from Nyc, MsI have a live version on my computer with Brian Johnson, he does a great job on the vocals.
  • Chase from Sedona, AzWell i am a great AC/DC fan, My opnion and knowledge from this band is this.

    Angus young was about 16-17 when he made the song (his bro was about 19-20) Bon scott was definitly in his mid 20's.

    Also these lyrics are definitly sex related, but what other way to do rock n roll then just have a fun time and drink your boose.
  • Ryan from Shoal Harbour, CanadaThis song possibly could be inspired by an old blues song. Check out the lyrics to "I'm ready" by "Buddy Guy".. there's a few similarities.. just a thought.
  • Mleissa from Wasaga Beach, CanadaAnd I dont really think they cared about the people who didnt like the song, because im pretty sure that the people who love TNT far outweigh the people who dont. By the way, its so awesome when you hear Malcolm Young on backing vocals growling out "TNT" its so hot. lol
  • Melissa from Wasaga Beach, CanadaI think AC/DC wasnt trying to be subtle with their sexual lyrics. Bon Scott said thats what they were about, sex, drugs and rock n roll. And he should know, he died of alcoholism. And however many people laugh at Angus' schoolboy suit, no one dares make fuun of him when he pounds out the opening chords to "Thunderstruck" All new bands have their faults, and they were just having fun with their songwriting, they werent super-famous at that time, so they didnt make a big deal about TNT, and why iotys so famous now is because it has a raw power to it, big marshall stacks distorting the guitars. This group wasnt worried about their image. They wanted to do whatever they do well, and have fun while theyre doing it.
  • Haggai from Sydney, AustraliaI shudder with excitement everytime i hear that opening chord...
  • Cameron from Cairns, AustraliaIn response to the above, Bon Scott was actually AC/DC's bus driver, who was called on to sing at a gig when Evans refused to come on stage. Wow...three in a row.. I'M BLAZING!!
  • Cameron from Cairns, AustraliaI think this article should be about Road Runner, not AC/DC!!! So much info on Road Runner, but what about the song???
  • Josh from Las Vegas, NvWhether or not this was one of their best written songs, they weren't bad songwriters. Jailbreak or Big Balls (still cracks me up to this day) are creative as hell. I'm not saying they're the best songwriters, but they didn't suck. They're the bast band ever tied with zep, nad this song kicks ass.
  • Brandon from Morristown, Tn''This is a highly overrated and poorly written song. The vocals make me want to throw up and the lyrics sound like a 12 year old wrote them. 'OO YA! DYNAMITE! YA! WOOO HOOO. HEHE. LIKE INDIANA JONES! EXPLODE YA!!!''
    Tech. they were in there late teens when they started and this is off there first album,so you might have a bit of a point there(but they werent 12, that I know)But this song isnt overrated.It has alot going for it-melting guitar,gritty vocals,and a catchy tune to it-These are why one of the reasons this song is pretty famous with people who know rock.One a side note-Has anyone else noticed AC/DC being used in alot of movie trailers lately?
  • Urckle from Stoke-on-trent, EnglandThe hoarse energy in bon scotts voice is dunfounding, love it
  • Matt from Millbrae, CaI must admit that AC/DC's strength did not lie in their songwriting (as an eight year old could have probably written these lyrics) bu Bon Scott's voice is amazing and their music is so friggin awesome.
  • Derrick from Linden, CaThis is a highly overrated and poorly written song. The vocals make me want to throw up and the lyrics sound like a 12 year old wrote them. 'OO YA! DYNAMITE! YA! WOOO HOOO. HEHE. LIKE INDIANA JONES! EXPLODE YA!!!'
  • Austin316 from Yaromuth, Mesteph, you need to learn to appreciate good music. its been a while since weve seen such a group of dirty, gritty, and utterly grungy guys crank out such hard tunes. lighten up. after all, as the saying goes, its all about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll."
  • Lulu from Cardiff, CaTHis song rocks! Angus Young is the best and has to be one of the best guitar players ever. (After Jimi Hendrix of course!) I love in the beginning when they go Oi Oi Oi! Its so hot. Cause they're like Auzzies and stuff. Angus Young turned 50 in february! Wow! That is so awesome. Awesomeness. Wayne's World! Partytime! Excellent! Yeah! Rock On!
  • Kyle from Boise, IdThis song was also in a trailer for Napoleon Dynamite.

    My two favorites mixed together, it was awesome.
  • Shana from Pembroke, CanadaThis song is sweet..I love the beginning with all the Oi Oi Oi Oi's
  • Gabe from Utica, NyThis song os so cool!! AC/DC rocks my socks!!
  • Andy from Halifax, EnglandSo much detail about roadrunner!
  • Chronometer from Somerset West, South AfricaThis song also appears on the game "Tony Hawks Pro Skater 4"
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