Lyrics: Beating Around The Bush by AC/DC
Smiling face and loving eyes But you keep on telling me all those lies How'd you expect me to believe? Honey, I ain't that naive Baby, I've got my eye on you 'Cause you do all the things I want you to Stop your crying and dry your tears I ain't that wet behind the ears And you can throw me lefts And you can throw me rights But where was you last night? Beatin' around the bush Wish I knew what's on your mind And why you're being so unkind Remember those nights we spent alone Talking on the telephone? Thoughts of you go through my brain Told me that you felt the same Don't say that you love me too Tell me who would lie with you? I was talking birds And you was talking bees Or was he down upon his knees? Beatin' around the bush You're the meanest woman I've ever known Sticks and stones won't break my bones I know what you're looking for You've eaten your cake, you want some more I'm gonna give you just a one more chance Try to save our romance Done everything I'm going to do The rest is up to you And you can chew it up And you can spit it out Let it all hang out Beatin' around the bush Chew it up Spit it out Let it all hang out Beatin' around the bush
Unraveling the Meaning Behind the Lyrics
Facing Deceit and Frustration
“Beating Around The Bush” captures the frustration of dealing with dishonesty in a relationship. The narrator senses deception and mixed signals from their partner, questioning their loyalty and intentions. AC/DC uses clever wordplay and innuendo, referencing euphemisms like “birds and bees” while calling out evasive behavior. The repeated phrase “beatin’ around the bush” highlights the partner’s avoidance of truth, while the narrator’s tone shifts between confrontation and a final attempt to salvage the romance. This song’s raw lyrics, paired with its driving rhythm, embody AC/DC’s signature blend of directness and rock attitude.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott
- Release Year: 1979
- Label: Atlantic Records