ROCK MOMENT – AC/DC ‘What Do You Do For Money Honey
When AC/DC released Back in Black in 1980, the album was packed with songs that would become hard rock classics. While tracks like ‘Back in Black,’ ‘Hells Bells,’ and ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ often receive the most attention, ‘What Do You Do for Money Honey’ remains one of the album’s most beloved deep cuts. It perfectly captures the band’s raw energy, sense of humor, and ability to turn everyday observations into unforgettable rock anthems.
The song was recorded during the Back in Black sessions at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas. These sessions were particularly significant because they marked the band’s first recordings with new lead singer Brian Johnson. Just months earlier, AC/DC had suffered the tragic loss of original frontman Bon Scott. Many fans wondered whether the band could continue, but Johnson quickly proved he was the right choice to carry AC/DC into its next chapter.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, ‘What Do You Do for Money Honey’ showcases the chemistry that developed almost immediately between the new vocalist and the Young brothers. The song tells the story of a mysterious and attractive woman whose lifestyle leaves the narrator wondering exactly how she earns her living. Like many AC/DC songs, the lyrics are filled with double entendres and tongue-in-cheek humor rather than serious social commentary.
Musically, the track is classic AC/DC. Malcolm Young’s driving rhythm guitar forms the backbone of the song, while Angus Young delivers sharp, blues-influenced riffs and a memorable solo. Johnson’s gritty vocals add a sense of attitude and swagger that helped distinguish him from Bon Scott while still fitting perfectly into the band’s established sound.
Although ‘What Do You Do for Money Honey’ was never released as a major single in most markets, it became a fan favorite and a frequent part of AC/DC’s live performances during the Back in Black era. Its placement as the second track on the album was no accident. Following the dark, bell-ringing atmosphere of ‘Hells Bells,’ the song kicks the album into high gear and signals that AC/DC was ready to move forward despite the challenges they had faced.
Today, ‘What Do You Do for Money Honey’ remains a standout track from one of rock’s greatest albums. While it may not have achieved the chart success of some of its album mates, it embodies everything fans love about AC/DC: powerful riffs, unforgettable hooks, irreverent humor, and an undeniable sense of fun. More than forty years after its release, the song continues to be celebrated as a key part of the album that transformed AC/DC from rock stars into legends.
