For those about to rock!

I have an hour plus commute to and from Midtown Manhattan. Every morning as the train approaches 125th Street, I select my heavy metal playlist and start playing anthem rock. The song that I love to play is For Those About to Rock by AC/DC, one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands of all time. I've been following AC/DC since elementary school. I was always impressed by their intensity and connection with their fans (some would say charitable because what other band hands out currency during their tours---Money Talks Tour). What it is about this song that makes me feel refreshed and ready to tackle another day lies within the depths of the lyrics.

AC/DC lyrics aren't in the Elliot Smith/Ryan Adams stratosphere of storytelling. In fact, AC/DC probably resides with Poison/Ted Nugent on the pyramid of relevant rock and roll lyrics. However, any band that leaves its listeners gratified by their message is making a lyrical connection. Usually this connection comes from a sappy love song (Drive by the Cars comes to mind immediately) or a song about hard times or wanton drug use (example being Morning Glory by Oasis). AC/DC does it with a simple, "Thank you."

For those about to rock, we salute you!

As you can see, AC/DC is basically giving me a pat on my back and saying, "Hey, you rock and roll and kick ass? I salute you man!" It's so touching that a band would stand up for the rock and rollers and basically write a thank you ballad. In fact, they go one step forward and not only thank me with their touching message but hand out twenty-one gun salutes. I always get off the train with a smile on my face knowing that my rock and roll deeds do not go unnoticed by the same group that I have been giving my own salute to for 20-odd years. Music is a thing that stays with you throughout your life and takes on different meanings.

For Those About to Rock in 1985 was about noise and something different from what typical 3rd graders liked (Prince/Michael Jackson). For Those About to Rock in 1992 was about getting into the right frame of mind before a big baseball game or track meet (or that someone special?). For Those About to Rock in 2001 is about my first dance as a married couple (We can wish). For Those About to Rock in 2006 is certainly about compliments from rock and roll royalty.

We all are victims of certain insecurities. I happen to enjoy compliments as much as the next guy. However, in the history of music, I cannot remember one instance where a musical group had the moxy to stand up and thank their constituents for something they love to do, which is rock and roll at every opportunity. So, to AC/DC (cue the twenty-two gun salute), I salute you back!

Good day.