Snowballed
AC/DC
The Relentless Downfall: AC/DC's 'Snowballed'
AC/DC's song 'Snowballed' delves into the theme of sudden and uncontrollable downfall, using vivid imagery and metaphors to depict the experience of being overwhelmed by life's adversities. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has crashed out of the market, symbolizing financial ruin and the subsequent social and personal consequences. The phrase 'blood on the floor' suggests a brutal and violent fall, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The protagonist is 'bundled out of the City' and 'thrown up against the wall,' indicating a forceful ejection from a place of stability and security.
The recurring metaphor of being 'snowballed' captures the essence of the song. To be snowballed means to be caught in a situation that rapidly escalates beyond control, much like a snowball rolling down a hill, growing larger and more unstoppable. The lyrics mention 'women, drink, and money' as the culprits that lead to this downfall, highlighting the temptations and vices that can lead one astray. The shark imagery, with 'screaming for air' and 'the shark must get his share,' further illustrates the predatory nature of the world, where one’s misfortunes are exploited by others.
The song also touches on the inevitability of such downfalls, with lines like 'you can see it coming, miles and miles away.' This suggests a sense of fatalism, where the protagonist is aware of the impending doom but is powerless to stop it. The 'howl of the wolf' and 'snear in his eyes' add to the predatory imagery, indicating that danger is always lurking, ready to strike when least expected. The song's raw energy and powerful lyrics reflect AC/DC's signature hard rock style, making 'Snowballed' a compelling narrative of struggle and defeat.