I’ve never truly liked AC/DC. Save for a few of their songs that I’ve grown to like, I could just never quite get there as a fan. However, as I’ve gotten older and my musical taste has somewhat matured, I’ve developed a fairly profound appreciation for classic rock, and AC/DC’s storied catalog certainly fits that bill due its longevity and sonic style.

One of the band’s songs that I have always liked, for as long as I’ve been old enough (and experienced enough) to appreciate it, is “You Shook Me All Night Long” from their monster 1980 rock record Back In Black. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like this song, because it’s simply a massively fun classic rock tune about balls-to-the-wall sex. There’s no love-making here – it’s fully gung-ho.

She was a fast machine
She kept her motor clean
She was the best damn woman I had ever seen
She had the sightless eyes
Telling me no lies
Knockin’ me out with those American thighs

The song is the first single released by the band with Brian Johnson on lead vocals, who took the job after former lead singer Bon Scott’s death. In the opening verse, the song gives a shout-out to American women, who I suppose are well-known for their sexual prowess.

Taking more than her share
Had me fighting for air
She told me to come but I was already there
‘Cause the walls start shaking
The earth was quaking
My mind was aching
And we were making it and you

For a song that is so much fun musically, I’m not sure the sexual experience that is being sung about is all that great of a time. Although I consider “she told me to come but I was already there” is one of the greatest lines ever written for a song, lines like “had me fighting for air” and “my mind was aching” lead me to believe that this guy can’t wait for the pounding to end.

Shook me all night long
Yeah you shook me all night long

I’ve always marveled at stories I’ve heard about people having sex for hours on end, or as in this case, “all night long.” The excitement of really good sex is something everyone should experience, but I’m sure most people can attest that even when it’s mind-blowing, it has to end at some point. Eventually things start to hurt and not function as they should, and simply put, it can even get to be boring.

Working double time
On the seduction line
She was one of a kind, she’s just mine all mine
Wanted no applause
Just another course
Made a meal out of me and came back for more
Had to cool me down
To take another round
Now I’m back in the ring to take another swing
‘Cause the walls were shaking
The earth was quaking
My mind was aching
And we were making it and you

This song is exhausting, isn’t it? Between an aching mind, shaking walls, and a quaking earth, it sounds like the cool-down between rounds that’s referenced is much-needed. Us guys need a refractory period between sessions, usually involving some video games, and definitely a sandwich. Protein is important, people, especially when you’re trying to pull an all-nighter that doesn’t revolve around studying.

Shook me all night long
Yeah you shook me all night long

And knocked me out and then you
Shook me all night long
You had me shakin’ and you
Shook me all night long
Yeah you shook me
Well you took me

“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a classic song about unending, unabashed sex, and one that people sing without reservation in public. Loaded with lively and melodic guitars, as well as with Brian Johnson’s signature raspy vocals, this song is one for the ages…and one for the bedroom!

This wraps up the second installment “For Unlawful Carnal Composition” here at The No Seatbelt Blog! Stay tuned for another edition next week!