Riff Raff by AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle (2024)

Riff Raff by AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle (1)

Riff Raff

AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle

AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle

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See it on television, every day
Ya hear it on the radio
It ain't humid, but it sure is hot
Down in Mexico
A barmaid's tryin' to tell me (ha-ha)
"Beginning of the end"
Sayin' it'll bend me
Too late, my friend

Riff raff
Oh, it's good for a laugh
Ha-ha-ha
Riff raff
Go on and laugh yourself in half
Smile a while

Now, I'm the kinda guy that keep his big mouth shut
It don't bother me
Somebody kickin' me when I'm up
Leave me in misery
I never shot nobody
Don't even carry a gun
I ain't done nothin' wrong
I'm just having fun

Riff raff
Oh, it's good for a laugh
Ha-ha-ha
Riff raff
Go on and laugh yourself in half
Smile a while

Do it again


Overall Meaning


The lyrics of AC/DC's "Riff Raff" paint a vivid picture of a lively and chaotic scene. The song opens with a reference to the omnipresence of news and information, stating that one can see and hear it everywhere - on television and the radio. The mention of the heat in Mexico sets the stage for a wild and unrestrained setting. The lyrics then introduce a barmaid who is warning the singer that it's the "beginning of the end" for him, implying impending trouble or danger. Despite her ominous words, the singer seems dismissive and carefree, jokingly acknowledging the warning with a laugh.

The chorus of the song, with its repeated emphasis on "Riff Raff," seems to suggest a sense of amusement and frivolity in the face of potential trouble. The singer invites the listener to join in the laughter and take things lightly, even as challenges may loom. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and nonchalance, as the singer asserts that he is not bothered by others' actions or words. Even if someone tries to bring him down or cause him misery, he remains unfazed and maintains a carefree attitude. The singer emphasizes that he is not a violent or malicious person, simply looking to enjoy himself and have a good time.

The repeated refrain of "Riff Raff" serves as a rallying cry for embracing the chaos and absurdity of life with a sense of humor. The singer encourages those around him, as well as the listener, to find joy in the madness and to smile despite any challenges that may arise. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and an attitude of making the best of a situation, even if it may seem uncertain or challenging. The playful and spirited tone of the song suggests that laughter and humor can serve as a coping mechanism in the face of adversity, urging listeners to take life in stride and keep moving forward with a smile.

In the final lines, the singer hints at a cycle of repeating the same actions or behaviors, suggesting a sense of continuity and perseverance in the face of obstacles. The lyrics leave an open-ended invitation to "do it again," implying a readiness to confront whatever comes next with the same lighthearted and carefree approach. Overall, "Riff Raff" by AC/DC conveys a message of embracing the chaos of life, finding humor in difficult situations, and remaining steadfast in one's resolve to keep going, no matter what challenges may come.

Line by Line Meaning


See it on television, every day
Constantly exposed to chaos and negativity through various media outlets

Ya hear it on the radio
The same negative messages being broadcasted through different channels

It ain't humid, but it sure is hot
Despite the lack of moisture in the air, the situation is intense and heated

Down in Mexico
A specific location where these events are taking place

A barmaid's tryin' to tell me (ha-ha)
A bartender attempting to warn about the consequences of a destructive path with a sense of irony

"Beginning of the end"
Signals the start of a negative chain of events

Sayin' it'll bend me
Warning that this behavior will lead to personal harm or trouble

Too late, my friend
Ignored the warnings and now facing the consequences

Riff raff
Reckless and irresponsible behavior that may be amusing at first

Oh, it's good for a laugh
Initially entertaining but can lead to negative outcomes

Ha-ha-ha
Mocking laughter indicating a lack of concern for the situation

Go on and laugh yourself in half
Encouraging reckless behavior and self-destructive choices

Smile a while
Find temporary enjoyment in risky actions

Now, I'm the kinda guy that keep his big mouth shut
Someone who avoids confrontation or conflict by staying silent

It don't bother me
Unaffected by the negativity or criticism from others

Somebody kickin' me when I'm up
Being targeted or attacked even when in a position of success

Leave me in misery
Causing pain or suffering despite not doing anything wrong

I never shot nobody
Not physically harming anyone intentionally

Don't even carry a gun
Not resorting to violence to solve problems

I ain't done nothin' wrong
Believing in innocence despite being judged unfairly

I'm just having fun
Engaging in risky behavior for personal enjoyment

Do it again
Continuing down a destructive path without learning from past mistakes


Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ronald Belford Scott, Angus Mckinnon Young, Malcolm Mitchell Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Highway to Hell

02You Shook Me All Night Long

03Thunderstruck

04Back In Black

05T.N.T.

06Hells Bells

07Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

08Let There Be Rock

09For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

10Rock N Roll Train

11Moneytalks

12It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)

13Riff Raff

AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle

14Rock 'N' Roll Damnation

15Rock or Bust

16Let's Get It Up

17Touch Too Much

18Jailbreak

19Shoot to Thrill

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Riff Raff by AC/DC • From Smart Shuffle (2024)

FAQs

What is a Riff Raff slang? ›

If you refer to a group of people as riff-raff, you disapprove of them because you think they are not respectable. [disapproval] The riff-raff are less of a problem than the price for keeping them out. Synonyms: rabble [derogatory], undesirables, scum, hoi polloi More Synonyms of riff-raff.

What tempo is Riff Raff by ACDC? ›

Riff Raff is a moody song by AC DC with a tempo of 185 BPM. It can also be used half-time at 93 BPM.

Why did Riff Raff go to jail? ›

On August 11, 2013, Riff Raff was arrested in Greensboro, North Carolina after police found an open container of alcohol, marijuana, another unspecified illegal substance and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

What is a riff insult? ›

/ˈrɪf ræf/ [uncountable] (disapproving) an insulting way of referring to people of low social class or people who are not considered socially acceptable We don't want to let all the riff-raff in. Take your English to the next level.

Is Riff Raff white noise? ›

The Riff Raff has so many well designed features, the built in white noise, the dummy holder, how easy it is to wash and that you can personalise it.

Is the Thunderstruck riff hard? ›

The notorious opening riff is extremely hard to play and perform as it requires a very consistent fretting hand, doing legato lines up and down the neck. Thomas walks you through it nice and slowly, as well as the rest of the track and the solo.

What is the meaning of riff and Raff? ›

/ˈrɪf.ræf/ us. /ˈrɪf.ræf/ Add to word list Add to word list. people with a bad reputation or of a low social class: She says that charging high prices will keep the riff-raff out.

What does Riff Raff mean in the UK? ›

people with a bad reputation or of a low social class: She warned her son to keep away from such riffraff. (Definition of riffraff from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

What is Riff Raff known for? ›

American rapper Riff Raff was born Horst Christian Simco on June 29, 1982 in Texas. Raised in the Houston area, he began his music career in 2005 rapping over previously produced beats and distributing the songs on social media and homemade CDs.

Is Riff Raff the bad guy? ›

Riff Raff is the secondary antagonist of the Underdog franchise. He is an anthropomorphic wolf gangster who leads a gang that often carries out various crime waves, though they are usually stopped by Underdog.

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