The song tells the story of a man who has been sentenced to sixteen years in prison for murder. Determined not to spend his life in prison, he plans a jailbreak and dreams of escaping and being free. He witnesses his lady being unfaithful and takes matters into his own hands, resulting in a shootout and him being shot in the back. However, he still manages to make his escape.

Meaning of "Jailbreak" by AC/DC

"Jailbreak" by AC/DC explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the desire to break free from the confines of society. The protagonist, who has been wrongly convicted of murder, refuses to accept a life behind bars. He yearns for liberty and longs to escape the oppressive environment of the prison. The repetition of the phrase "All in the name of liberty" highlights the protagonist's belief that his actions are justified in his pursuit of freedom. The mention of seeing his lady with another man suggests that the protagonist is also motivated by a desire for revenge and to regain control over his personal life. The violent shootout represents a breaking point for the protagonist, where he takes matters into his own hands and fights back against the injustice he has faced. Despite being shot in the back, he manages to make his escape, symbolizing his determination and resilience. Overall, "Jailbreak" portrays a character who refuses to be confined or controlled, and instead, takes risky and rebellious actions to reclaim his freedom.