Lyrics: Down Payment Blues by AC/DC
I know that it's evil I know that it's got to be No, I ain't doing much Doing nothing means a lot to me Living on a shoestring A fifty cent millionaire Open to charity Rock 'n' roller welfare Sittin' in my Cadillac Listenin' to my radio Suzie, baby, get on in Tell me where she want to go I'm living in a nightmare She's looking like a wet dream I got myself a Cadillac But I can't afford the gasoline I got holes in my shoe And I'm way overdue Down payment blues Get myself a steady job Some responsibility Can't even feed my cat On social security Hidin' from the rent man Oh, it make me want to cry Sheriff knockin' on my door Ain't it funny how the time fly? Sittin' on my sailin' boat Sippin' on my champagne Suzie, baby, all at sea Say she want to come again Feelin' like a paper cup Floatin' down the storm drain Got myself a sailin' boat But I can't afford a drop of rain I got holes in my shoes And I'm way overdue Down payment blues Down payment blues Down payment blues Down payment blues I got holes in my shoe And I'm way overdue I got the down payment blues
The Struggles Behind the Blues
“Down Payment Blues” captures the harsh realities of living on the edge. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rock ‘n’ roller facing financial hardship, juggling dreams of luxury with the inability to afford basic needs. The recurring imagery of owning a Cadillac or a sailing boat, but lacking the means to enjoy them, highlights the irony and frustration of chasing success. The song’s raw honesty about debt, missed opportunities, and the pressure of responsibility resonates with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by life’s demands. AC/DC’s gritty delivery turns these struggles into an anthemic, relatable blues.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
- Release Year: 1978
- Label: Atlantic Records