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

Riff Raff

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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

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.

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

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