Down Payment Blues

Album: Powerage (1978)
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  • I know that it's evil
    I know that it's got to be
    No, I ain't doing much
    Doing nothing means a lot to me
    Living on a shoestring
    A fifty cent millionaire
    Open to charity
    Rock 'n' roller welfare

    Sittin' in my Cadillac
    Listenin' to my radio
    Suzie, baby, get on in
    Tell me where she want to go
    I'm living in a nightmare
    She's looking like a wet dream
    I got myself a Cadillac
    But I can't afford the gasoline

    I got holes in my shoe
    And I'm way overdue
    Down payment blues

    Get myself a steady job
    Some responsibility
    Can't even feed my cat
    With social security
    Hidin' from the rent man
    Oh, it make me want to cry
    Sheriff knockin' on my door
    Ain't it funny how the time fly?

    Sittin' on my sailin' boat
    Sippin' on my champagne
    Suzie, baby, all at sea
    Say she want to come again
    Feelin' like a paper cup
    Floatin' down the storm drain
    Got myself a sailin' boat
    But I can't afford a drop of rain

    I got holes in my shoes
    And I'm way overdue
    Down payment blues

    Down payment blues
    Down payment blues
    Down payment blues
    I got holes in my shoe
    And I'm way overdue
    I got the down payment blues Writer/s: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Ronald Scott
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • John from PennsylvaniaIsn't it, "Got myself a sailing boat, but I can't afford a gust of wind"?
  • Richie Rich from Portland OregonThe entire Powerage album has always been extremely underrated.

    The song down payment blues is a song each of us can relate to. The way the song quietly simmers on the back burner and then frantically boils over is a metaphore of the frantic desperation of poverty. Most of us only a paycheck away from oblivion. I have a rather fond memory of my wife years ago in our youth listening to it with me, both of us laughting at Bon's hopeless, sardonic lyrics,

    "Sheriff knocking on my door, Ain't it funny how the time flies."
  • John Delmos from Lebec CaliforniaOne of the very best songs they ever did, bought this album in whatever 76 77 when it came out, was in the navy. they are always best.
  • Paul from UkMy favourite song ever - the guitars, bass and drums keep building and releasing intensity with Bon's wonderful melody and lyrics over the top. I love it.
  • Martin from EnglandShows Bon’s brilliance as a lyricist/poet and a great tune too.
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjGreat song from an underrated album
  • Randy from New Hartford, NyThis was one of those songs that I knew I was gonna love right from the first few notes- even though at the time I had no clue who did it. It remains as one of my top 5 AC/DC songs.
  • Austin from Bristow, VaVery sad song. It shows that the boys from AC/DC went through some tough times before sucess was theirs.
  • Selina from Perth, AustraliaThis is a great song from Bon n the boys- someone comment!!!...
    Explains alot about the early life of the band who were ready to get their kick-start but livin off the strerets n sharin beds with rats. Rock On AC/DC ! :)
see more comments

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