In a one-horse town
They try to put you down
And make you feel out of place
Don’t dare look in your face
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Hey, hey
Ooh, yeah
On a hot summer day
Dollar bills come your way
Somebody robbed the bank
Ooh, they picked you outta the ranks
Hey
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
(Oh, oh yeah)
(Oh yeah)
You better keep away
(Oh, oh yeah)
(Oh yeah)
Don’t get in my face
Oh yeah
(Oh, oh yeah)
(Hey, yeah)
And I’m comin’ down Main Street
Get out of my way
I ain’t stoppin’ for nobody
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Got a wild reputation
Wild, yeah
(Oh, yeah) Gotta keep away
(Hey, yeah) I ain’t stoppin’ for nobody
(Oh, yeah) I’ve got a wild reputation
(Hey, yeah)
Breaking Down the Wild Reputation
“Wild Reputation” by AC/DC taps into the energy of standing out in a place where conformity reigns. The lyrics paint the picture of a protagonist in a small town, someone who refuses to be boxed in or judged by others. Lines like “They try to put you down and make you feel out of place” capture the tension of being misunderstood, while the repeated refrain “got a wild reputation” becomes a badge of honor rather than a mark of shame. With classic AC/DC bravado, the song channels the thrill of rebellion and the pride of owning one’s unique identity, set against a backdrop of bluesy, hard-hitting rock.
Song Credits
- Artist: AC/DC
- Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson