Thunderstruck – English Lyrics

• By: AC/DC
• Album: The Razor's Edge

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the electrifying world of AC/DC with "Thunderstruck," a song that embodies raw power and high-octane rock and roll. Its iconic guitar riff and pulsating rhythm are not just musically brilliant but also provide a dynamic way to experience English in a rock context. You'll grasp powerful, action-oriented vocabulary and expressions, as well as the energetic cadence of rock lyrics. The song's clear, anthemic chorus and repetitive structure make it an excellent entry point for understanding conversational English and common rock idioms. Prepare to be "thunderstruck" by the language and the sheer force of this timeless classic!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
thunder /ˈθʌndər/ B1	noun - a loud crash of sound caused by lightning verb - to make a loud, rumbling noise
caught /kɔːt/ A2	verb - past tense of catch, to seize or capture
railroad /ˈreɪlroʊd/ B1	noun - a railway or railway system
track /træk/ A2	noun - a rough path or road verb - follow (someone or something) by observing their marks or other evidence
knew /njuː/ A1	verb - past tense of know, be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information
turning /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/ A2	verb - move in a circular direction, revolve
mind /maɪnd/ A2	noun - the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought
raced /reɪst/ B1	verb - past tense of race, compete in a contest of speed
sound /saʊnd/ A1	noun - vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear
drums /drʌmz/ A1	noun - a percussion instrument sounded by being struck with sticks or the hands, typically cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or bowl-shaped, with a taut membrane over one or both ends
beating /ˈbiːtɪŋ/ B1	verb - strike (a person or animal) repeatedly and violently so as to hurt or injure them
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - a hollow muscular organ that pumps the blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation
guns /ɡʌnz/ A2	noun - a weapon incorporating a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are fired by explosive force, typically making a loud report
tore /tɔːr/ B1	verb - past tense of tear, pull (something) apart or to pieces with force
highway /ˈhaɪweɪ/ A2	noun - a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities
limit /ˈlɪmɪt/ B1	noun - a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend verb - set a limit to

Key Grammar Structures

• I was caught In the middle of a railroad track

  ➔ Past Simple Passive (was caught)

  ➔ The subject 'I' receives the action. 'Was caught' indicates that someone or something else caused the speaker to be in that position.

• And I knew there was no turning back

  ➔ Existential 'there was' + gerund ('turning')

  ➔ 'There was no turning back' means that the situation was irreversible. 'Turning back' is a gerund acting as the subject of 'was'.

• And I thought what could I do

  ➔ Embedded question with subject-verb inversion ('what could I do')

  ➔ This is an indirect question. Instead of 'What can I do?', it's embedded within the statement 'And I thought'. Note the word order is changed (subject-verb inversion happens in direct question, not indirect).

• Broke the limit we hit the town

  ➔ Past Simple (Broke, hit)

  ➔ Describing actions that happened in the past. "Broke" is past form of "break" and "hit" is the past simple form of "hit" which does not change.

• Some dancers who gave a good time

  ➔ Relative clause (who gave)

  ➔ 'who gave a good time' is a relative clause modifying 'Some dancers'. It provides additional information about the dancers.

• Could I come again please

  ➔ Modal verb 'could' for polite request

  ➔ 'Could' is used to make a polite request. It suggests a possibility or ability in a more indirect and respectful way than 'can'.