<P> A slightly shortened version of the song is also the first track on the international version of High Voltage, released in May 1976 . This version appears only on the vinyl release and the 2003 CD reissue . </P> <P> The full version of the song is also on the Volts CD of the Bonfire box set, released in 1997 . </P> <P> This was a signature song for Bon Scott . Brian Johnson, who replaced Scott as AC / DC's lead vocalist from 1980 until his departure in 2016, did not perform it out of respect for his predecessor . </P> <P> The song chronicles the hardships endured by a rock band on tour, such as being robbed, assaulted, stoned and cheated by a greedy agent . However, the band accepts these hardships as natural on the path to stardom, saying that "It's a long way to the top / If you wanna rock' n' roll". </P>

Who sings it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll