AC/DC and The Flying Burrito Brothers may come from different corners of the musical universe, but both reshaped their genres with lasting impact.
AC/DC, formed in 1973 by Australian brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, electrified the world with their raw energy, thunderous guitar riffs, and rebellious spirit in hard rock.
On the flip side, The Flying Burrito Brothers, founded in 1968 by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, pioneered the country-rock sound.
While stylistically worlds apart, both bands broke new ground, left bold musical legacies, and redefined what it meant to blend raw emotion with groundbreaking sound.
About the Song
Sin City is a sad and honest country song that talks about a place filled with greed and broken dreams. The lyrics warn about losing your way in a world full of false promises. It’s a slow, heartfelt song with great insight and emotion.
Artist | Released | Album | Writers | Producers |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Flying Burrito Brothers | February 1969 | Close Up the Honky Tonks | Chris Hillman & Gram Parsons | The Flying Burrito Brothers, Larry Marks & Henry Lewy |
AC/DC | May 5, 1978 | Powerage | Angus Young, Bon Scott & Malcolm Young | Harry Vanda & George Young |
Sin City Lyrics by AC/DC
Verse 1
Diamonds and dust
Poor man last
Rich man first
Lamborghinis
Caviar
Dry martinis
Woo, Shangri-La
Pre-Chorus
I got a burnin’ feelin’
Deep inside of me
It’s a-yearnin’
But I’m gonna set it free
Chorus
I’m goin’ in
To sin city
I’m gonna win
In sin city
Where the lights are bright
Do the town tonight
I’m gonna win
In sin city
Post-Chorus
Oh, let me roll you baby, yeah
Should we die
Oh
Guitar Solo
Bridge
Ladders
And snakes
Ladders give
Snakes take
Rich man, poor man
Beggar man, thief
Ain’t got a hope in hell
That’s my belief
Fingers Freddy
Diamond Jim
They’re gettin’ ready
Look out, I’m comin’ in
Verse 2
So spin that wheel, cut that pack
And roll those loaded dice
Bring on the dancin’ girls
And put the champagne on ice
Chorus
I’m goin’ in
To sin city
I’m gonna win
In sin city
Where the lights are bright
Do the town tonight
I’m goin’ in
To sin city
Sin City Lyrics by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Verse 1
This old town is filled with sin
It will swallow you in
If you’ve got some money to burn
Take it home right away
You’ve got three years to pay
But Satan is waiting his turn
Chorus
This old earthquake’s gonna leave me in the poor house
It seems like this whole town’s insane
On the thirty-first floor a gold plated door
Won’t keep out the Lord’s burning rain
Verse 2
The scientists say
It’ll all wash away
But we don’t believe any more
‘Cause we’ve got our recruits
And our green mohair suits
So please show your I.D. at the door
Chorus
This old earthquake’s gonna leave me in the poor house
It seems like this whole town’s insane
On the thirty-first floor a gold plated door
Won’t keep out the Lord’s burning rain
Instrumental Break
Verse 3
A friend came around
Tried to clean up this town
His ideas made some people mad
But he trusted his crowd
So he spoke right out loud
And they lost the best friend they had
Chorus
This old earthquake’s gonna leave me in the poor house
It seems like this whole town’s insane
On the thirty-first floor a gold plated door
Won’t keep out the Lord’s burning rain
On the thirty-first floor a gold plated door
Won’t keep out the Lord’s burning rain
On the thirty-first floor a gold plated door
Won’t keep out the Lord’s burning rain
Similar Songs Like Sin City
If you are into country or pop music, here’s a list of recommended songs that you might want to browse through:
- Back in Black: It is a high-energy rock track celebrating survival and courage. With its electrifying guitar riffs and rebellious spirit, it’s one of the band’s most enduring songs.
- Riff Raff: This track, also from the Powerage album, features high-octane guitar riffs and a raw, energetic delivery that matches the intensity of Sin City.
- Christine’s Tune ( A.k.A. Devil in Disguise): The opening track from The Gilded Palace of Sin is a driving country-rock song with sharp storytelling and a rebellious spirit
Similar Artists Like AC/DC & The Flying Burrito Brothers
Here’s a list of similar old country rock artists and singers that you might love:
- Omah Lay
Genre: Afrobeat, Afro-fusion
Top Albums: Get Layd (2020), What Have We Done (2020), Boy Alone (2022) - Mohbad
Genre: Afrobeat, Street-hop
Top Albums: Light (2020), Marlian (2020), Blessed (2022) - Led Zeppelin
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Top Albums: Led Zeppelin IV (1971), Physical Graffiti (1975), The Song Remains the Same (1976)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Song Sin City About?
The song is a cynical, cautionary lament about the darker side of Los Angeles and the music industry. It uses biblical and apocalyptic imagery to warn of corruption, greed, and the consequences of chasing fame and fortune in Sin City.
Why is Sin City Important in Music History?
It became one of the signature songs of the country-rock movement in Los Angeles and is considered a lasting anthem for the music industry.
Was Sin City a Commercial Hit?
While the song and its album did not achieve major commercial success upon release, they have since been recognized as foundational works in the development of country rock and are critically acclaimed.