Well, they moved on down
And they crawled around
Walkin’ sideways
Side-way walkin’
Give me the blues
And you start to scratch
When they start to hatch
Walkin’ sideways
Side-way walkin’
Give me the blues
Ooh, but when they start to bite
Then it’s time you saw the light
For an appointment
I know
Before you start to scream
That’s when you apply the cream
Blues ointment
Mulligan
Well, the doctor said
“We got to make ’em dead”
Walkin’ sideways
Side-way walkin’
Give me the blues
And when you start to scream
That’s when you apply the cream
Blues ointment
And when they start to itch
You go out and you take the bitch
For an appointment
Well you rub it on
And you rub it in
Stops ’em walkin’
Side-way walkin’
Gives them the blues
Side-way walkin’
Side-way walkin’
They’ve got the blues
Give them the blues
They got the blues
Give them the blues
A Bluesy Take on an Unusual Subject
“Crabsody In Blue” by AC/DC stands out as one of the band’s most tongue-in-cheek tracks. With its unmistakable blues influence, the song uses clever wordplay and vivid imagery to describe an uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing predicament. The lyrics depict a humorous scenario where the protagonist is plagued by an itch caused by crab lice, cleverly referencing “side-way walkin'” as a metaphor for the discomfort and irritation. The use of blues motifs in both the music and the lyrics enhances the song’s playful storytelling, turning an awkward situation into a rollicking, relatable tale.
Humor and Honesty in Classic AC/DC Style
AC/DC’s trademark raw energy and irreverent humor shine through, as the song explores how to deal with the problem—visiting a doctor and applying “blues ointment.” The band manages to make light of the situation with catchy riffs and witty lyrics, showcasing their ability to tackle any subject matter with charm and musical prowess.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
Release Year: 1976
Label: Albert Productions