Well, I was out on a drive, on a bit of a trip
Looking for thrills to get me some kicks
Now, I warn you ladies, I shoot from the hip
I was born with a stiff – stiff upper lip
Like a dog and I howl
I bite everything
And I’m big and I know
And I’ll ball your thing
I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot from the hip
I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot, and I shoot
Shoot from the hip
Yeah, I shoot from the hip
Now listen
Well, I’m working it out
And I’ve done everything, yeah
And I can’t reform, no
Can you feel my sting?
I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot from the hip
I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot, and I shoot
Shoot from the hip
Yeah, I shoot from the hip
Well, I’m out on the prowl
And I’ll ball your thing
I got the teeth that’ll bite you
Can you feel that sting?
Babe, I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot from the hip
I keep a stiff upper lip
And I shoot, shoot
Shoot from the hip
I got a (stiff upper lip)
Better believe me (stiff upper lip)
Coming down (stiff upper lip)
See my (stiff upper lip)
Yeah, I got a (stiff upper lip)
Stiff upper lip
Stiff upper lip
I got a stiff upper lip
I got a stiff upper lip
Stiff upper lip
Stiff upper lip
And I shoot
And I shoot
And I shoot
Shoot from the hip
Unyielding Attitude and Rock & Roll Swagger
“Stiff Upper Lip” by AC/DC is a hard-hitting anthem that captures the band’s signature rebellious spirit. The lyrics center on perseverance, confidence, and maintaining composure in the face of adversity. Phrases like “I keep a stiff upper lip” and “I shoot from the hip” highlight a fearless, unapologetic attitude, reflecting the British idiom of keeping calm and resilient under pressure. The driving rhythm and bold imagery evoke a sense of wild freedom, with references to prowling for excitement and refusing to conform. The song’s punchy lines and rock energy encapsulate the enduring ethos of AC/DC: facing challenges head-on and staying true to oneself.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young
Release Year: 2000
Label: East West Records