Touch Too Much, released in 1979 by the band AC/DC, is a compelling song with a message about sexual addiction and the psychological toll it can take on someone’s life. The song conveys the idea that lust and love have become interchangeable, and that this unhealthy relationship with sex can lead to a person becoming emotionally and sexually overwhelmed.
The song begins with a guitar riff that sets the tone for the poetic lyrics, which describe a person’s inability to find true love, instead substituting it with casual sex. “No matter what I do I find myself flirtin’ with the dangerous,” lead singer Bon Scott emphatically sings in the second verse, lamenting the lure of sexual indulgence.
The chorus evokes a warning about the dangers of an excessive longing for physical contact. “Touch too much, and you’ll feel the bite of the serpent’s touch,” the band cautions in a poetic way, delivering a powerful message about the need to exercise control when engaging in physical intimacy.
The song has been widely interpreted in different ways over the years, with people from all walks of life relating to the lyrics and the sentiment behind them. Some have seen it as traditional moral warning about the dangers of promiscuity, while others have found it reflective of the times it was released in.
The lyrics draw in the listener to the idea that unrestrained lust can lead to broken relationships and the pain of regret, and the song has been described as a timeless classic. The band has also discussed the power of its imagery, with guitarist Angus Young stating that AC/DC were always keen to write “powerful and thought-provoking lyrics” which had the ability to transcend generations.
As with many of AC/DC’s hits, the message in the lyrics of Touch Too Much still resonates today. Mental health experts say the idea of losing control can be a sign of compulsive sexual behavior, and urge people to seek help if they find themselves facing such an addiction.
Psychology Behind the Song
Touch Too Much is an emotionally charged song, and its message is complex and thought-provoking. The approach of the songwriter, Bon Scott, has resonated with many people, as it taps into the psychological complexities of an addiction to sex.
Scott drew on the idea that the need for physical reassurance, the belief of being unworthy of love and the cycle of seeking short-term gratification can all lead a person to become addicted to sex – a concept he termed “chemical lust”.
The idea of the pleasure that comes from reacting to chemical attraction, rather than fulfilling emotional needs, is being connected to our sexual experience more often in the modern world, making the message of the song ever more timely.
Psychologists suggest that this craving for physical release causes a person to “lose sight of the spiritual or emotional aspects of a relationship”, and eventually can lead to emotional instability. Scott seemed to have had a clear understanding of this concept with the lyric: “Ain’t no danger when love’s no stranger. That’s just a masquerade, a trick of your mind.”
The idea of the temporary high from physical contact is put into a very real context by the composer, and this approach has made the song Last forever in the minds of its listeners.
Cultural Significance
Touch Too Much, released in 1979, has become a timeless classic and an important part of the AC/DC discography. The song has become a staple of the band’s live performances, and its message has found a place in the modern zeitgeist.
The lyrics have been subject to many interpretations over the years, but they all seem to center around the idea of addiction, reminding us that our cravings and desires can control us if we allow them to.
The song has also become a symbol of the era it was released in, and the culture of 1970’s America. The decade of the 70s saw a rise in sexual liberation and the rise of disco culture; it was a period which saw more focus on pleasure and non-traditional approaches to relationships, and this has in many ways been reflected in the lyrics of Touch Too Much.
The song has transcended time, culture and language, and the message of the potential danger of addiction can still be seen in its words today.
The Impact of the Song on the Band
Touch Too Much served as a reminder to both AC/DC and their growing fan base that the rock-and-roll lifestyle could be a slippery slope – one that could lead to moments of pleasure, and moments of regret.
The band was already hugely successful by the time the song was released, and had already made their mark with some of their greatest hits such as Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway to Hell and T.N.T.’s.
Touch Too Much was part of an album that went on to become one of the band’s biggest successes. The album, Highway to Hell, was released in July 1979 and went on to be the band’s first number one album in the United States.
The success of the album led to AC/DC becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world, and Touch Too Much has become an iconic part of their legacy. The band is still performing the song during their live sets today, testament to the its lasting impact.
Interpretations of the Song
Touch Too Much has been interpreted in numerous ways since it was released, with people from different backgrounds, cultures and ages all finding something to relate to in the song.
For some, the message is cautionary – a warning against the dangers of indulging in physical liaisons with no regard for the emotional consequences. For others, the message of the song has reflected the culture of the time: highlighted the struggle between pleasure and restraint in a decade where sexual liberation was on the rise.
Others have embraced the words of the song, but have seen them as taking on a more romantic hue, the idea of which Angus Young, the band’s guitarist, has suggested was an intention of Bon Scott, the songwriter.
For generations of people Touch Too Much has come to signify a much deeper message than perhaps was originally intended. The power of the lyrics continues to make the song stand the test of time.
Musical Context
Touch Too Much is set to one of the most memorable riffs from the AC/DC catalogue, a guitar-driven tone with a pounding rhythm underneath. The melody played over the song’s intro and chorus helped to propel the song as an anthem, the chorus in particular becoming instantly recognisable.
The pairing of the catchy riff with the lyrics was said to present a huge contrast between what was being said in the lyrics, and the cheerful, upbeat music. The contradiction was said to add to the power of the song, as young people heard the message in the words and could relate to the idea they were singing along too.
The music itself has been seen by many in the industry as having a huge impact on the success of the song. Angus Young himself has credited the riff to the success the band has enjoyed over the years, and to the longevity of the song.
The riff has become an iconic part of many AC/DC live sets, and continues to be received with much enthusiasm from their fans all over the world.
Production and Influence on Popular Music
Touch Too Much was one of AC/DC’s earliest releases on a major label, and was produced by Vanda & Young – the team responsible for the band’s multi-million selling Highway to Hell album.
The production was said to add to the drama of the track, helping it to stand out in a era of big drums and heavy guitars. The song has been credited with influencing the sound of popular music to come, incorporating several elements of the more mainstream sounds of the time, as well as touches of blues-rock and glam rock.
The track is seen by many as the perfect blend of the various genres popular in the 1970s, with its core rock sound.The resulting track has become a timeless classic, and has helped to propel AC/DC’s sound and their career forward.
The influence of the song can be heard in the music of future generations, with many rock bands
