AC/DC’s song “What Do You Do for Money Honey,” is on the “Back in Black” album. It talks about the tough topic of using relationships to make money. Mainly, it looks at how a woman earns her living in this way. The lyrics show judgment and raise questions about the morality of this.
The song digs into the entertainment world’s dark sides. It explores the challenging life of those who rely on the world’s oldest profession. AC/DC uses rock sounds and bold lyrics to make fans think about money, power, and closeness in today’s world. This track from their huge hit album criticizes how people use relationships for material gains.
Key Takeaways
- The song explores themes of prostitution and survival.
- It questions the moral implications of financial gain through personal relationships.
- AC/DC’s confrontational lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on societal norms.
- “What Do You Do for Money Honey” highlights the unfulfilling nature of transactional relationships.
- The track adds depth to the legendary “Back in Black” album.
Background of AC/DC’s “Back in Black” Album
Released on July 25, 1980, Back in Black is an iconic album in rock history. It paid tribute to Bon Scott and introduced Brian Johnson as the new lead singer. The album boasts hits like “Hells Bells” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” It pushed AC/DC to new levels of fame.
Album Release and Success
When Back in Black was released, it was a massive hit. It sold around 55 million copies globally. This made it the second-highest-selling album ever. In the U.S., it earned 22× Multi-Platinum status.
It was number one in the UK and number four in the U.S. charts. In March 1981, it also topped the ARIA Charts in Australia. The album’s success led to a revival in popularity for AC/DC’s earlier albums.
Influence of Producer Mutt Lange
The influence of Mutt Lange on the Back in Black album background is significant. His careful production gave the album a polished sound. This matched the band’s energy perfectly. Lange’s work helped create the album’s memorable riffs. It became a rock classic because of this.
Impact on AC/DC’s Career
The success of Back in Black was a huge milestone for AC/DC. It ensured their spot among the top acts in the early 1980s. The album got 27× Platinum from the RIAA in 2024. It also made Rolling Stone’s list of The 100 Greatest Albums of the 80s.
Its success influenced many artists and bands. This secured AC/DC’s legacy as rock legends. The album’s acclaim is highlighted by high-profile recognitions. It’s seen as a milestone in music.
The Lyrical Content of “What Do You Do for Money Honey”
“What Do You Do for Money Honey” by AC/DC shakes listeners with its energy. It asks how far a woman might go for money in relationships. The song’s analysis uncovers its deep meaning and story.
The Story Told in the Lyrics
The chorus highlights a woman using her charm for money. It’s a critique on chasing wealth. The line “You’re loving on the take, and you’re always on the make” shows her life’s balance. It’s between love and exploitation.
Brian Johnson’s lyrics are full of imagery and heart. His words paint vivid pictures, making the song more impactful.
Brian Johnson’s Interpretation
After Bon Scott’s death, Brian Johnson brought a bold take to AC/DC. His rugged voice and the band’s fast beat add intensity to the story. Johnson’s performance makes the song’s message on greed and desire hit hard.
Analysis of Key Verses
The song begins by showing a woman seeking wealth not through jobs but people. With each line, her dependence on others for money grows. This deep dive into the lyrics critiques society and shows Johnson’s skill in songwriting.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Song Duration | 3:35 |
| Key | A major |
| Tempo | 126 BPM |
| Genre | Hard Rock |
| Main Themes | Desire, Materialism |
| Tutorial | Dotti Brothers |
This analysis highlights the song’s structure and depth. It praises Johnson’s ability to convey complex themes. The song invites listeners to reflect on the ethical questions it raises.
The Themes Explored in the Song
AC/DC’s “What Do You Do for Money Honey” looks deep into big ideas. These ideas show how society’s issues play out in music. The band is known for mixing rock music with meaningful social comments.
Materialism and Relationships
The song gives a sharp look at materialism in relationships. It shows how some people chase money and things through who they know. AC/DC wants us to think about what this really means.
It’s not just about personal ties but also about what society values. The way materialism is shown in this song makes us picture it clearly. This ties back to the big ideas in the music.
Critique of Social Behaviors
This track also talks about common social behaviors. Like many rock songs, it hides deep societal comments in the lyrics. It points out the bad side of chasing shallow wins.
The clear storytelling in the lyrics highlights this. It makes the song’s message against materialism powerful and makes us think.
| Song Title | Duration |
|---|---|
| Hells Bells | 5:12 |
| Shoot to Thrill | 5:17 |
| What Do You Do for Money Honey | 3:35 |
| Givin’ the Dog a Bone | 3:31 |
| Let Me Put My Love into You | 4:15 |
| Back in Black | 4:15 |
| You Shook Me All Night Long | 3:30 |
| Have a Drink on Me | 3:58 |
| Shake a Leg | 4:05 |
| Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution | 4:26 |
What Do You Do for Money Honey by AC/DC in Pop Culture
“What Do You Do for Money Honey” isn’t just a hit song. It’s also a big deal in pop culture. This song is from the “Back in Black” album by AC/DC. This album is huge, with over 50 million copies sold. It’s the sixth highest-selling album ever, according to the RIAA. You can hear this song in movies and various media, showing AC/DC’s big impact.
Appearances in Movies and Trailers
This song brings life to many movie trailers. It fits perfectly with exciting scenes, making them even more thrilling. For example, it was used in the comedy “Masterminds,” which stars Kristen Wiig and Zach Galifianakis. This shows that AC/DC is not just about music. Their songs fit well in movies too. The mix of this song with the movie’s humor shows its versatility and ongoing fame.
Other Notable Mentions
This track has also left its mark on other media. You can hear it in commercials and TV shows. This proves how popular AC/DC’s music is everywhere. By using their songs, different media can reach more people. This helps keep AC/DC’s legend alive in popular culture. AC/DC’s music has really made a lasting impression. It shows their lasting effect, beyond just the music world.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Movies and Trailers | Featured in “Masterminds” |
| TV Shows | Ubiquitous reference points |
| Commercials | Used for dynamic energy and brand recall |
Audience Reception and Legacy
The song “What Do You Do for Money Honey” by AC/DC has become legendary in rock music. Fans love its raw energy and bold themes. It’s seen as a key part of AC/DC’s music collection.
Fan Reactions Over the Years
Since its release, fans have really connected with “What Do You Do for Money Honey.” Its rough guitar sounds and straightforward lyrics showcase AC/DC’s classic hard rock vibe. This has helped keep the song popular over time.
In 2001, AC/DC played this song on tour, boosting its fame. This brought in fans from many generations. Their continued enthusiasm shows the song’s important role in AC/DC’s history.
Critics’ Opinions
Critics agree that “What Do You Do for Money Honey” is a standout rock song. It’s part of the famous “Back in Black” album produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. This adds to its praise in critical circles.
Various reviews highlight its bold commentary on society, reflecting AC/DC’s tendency to provoke. Critics note the song’s critique of a materialistic mindset. This has helped seal its place in rock music.
The song’s ongoing popularity with fans and critics alike underlines its key role. It has helped shape AC/DC’s impressive career and their place in rock music history.
AC/DC’s Stance on Music Licensing
AC/DC is known for being careful with their music licensing. They want to protect their songs and keep their image strong. They’ve started to say yes to some licensing offers that fit their plans.
Their music has been in big movies like “Iron Man 2.” This lets them reach more people but still keep control. They also work with companies like Walmart, careful to keep their artistic values.
Steve Barnett from Columbia Records talks about AC/DC’s care for their fans. This shows they try to balance making good business choices with keeping fans happy. They pick opportunities that match their goals and respect their history in rock music. This careful selection shows they really care about their fans and their own identity.
