The video games say, “Play me”
Face it on a level, but it take you every time on a one-on-one
Feelin’ running down your spine
Nothin’ gonna save your one last dime ’cause it own you
Through and through
The databank know my number
Says I got to pay ’cause I made the grade last year
Feel it when I turn the screw
Kick you ’round the world
There ain’t a thing that it can’t do
Do to you, yeah
Who made who, who made you?
Who made who, ain’t nobody told you?
Who made who, who made you?
If you made them and they made you
Who picked up the bill and who made who?
Who made who, who turned the screw?
Satellites send me picture
Get it in the aisle
Take it to the wall
Spinnin’ like a dynamo
Feel it goin’ round and round
Running outta chips, you got no line in an 8-bit town
So don’t look down, no
Who made who, who made you?
Who made who, ain’t nobody told you?
Who made who, who made you?
If you made them and they made you
Who picked up the bill and who made who?
Ain’t nobody told you?
Who made who?
Who made you?
Who made who?
And who made who?
Yeah
Nobody told you?
Analyzing the Lyrics: Technology and Identity
“Who Made Who” by AC/DC cleverly explores the relationship between humans and the technology they create. Through references to video games, databanks, and satellites, the lyrics question who truly holds the power—the creators or their inventions. The song’s recurring question, “Who made who?”, highlights a sense of confusion and reversal, as machines begin to dictate terms and influence human behavior. Lines like “the video games say, ‘Play me’” and “nothing gonna save your one last dime ’cause it own you” suggest a world where technology is in control, blurring the lines between user and tool. The energetic delivery and hard rock sound amplify the sense of urgency and irony embedded in the lyrics.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson
Release Year: 1986
Label: Atlantic Records