About the song
“Killer Queen,” released in 1974, is a defining track from Queen’s third album, Sheer Heart Attack. Written by Freddie Mercury, this song is a sophisticated and quirky pop-rock masterpiece that showcases the band’s musical versatility and Mercury’s lyrical wit. It’s a playful and somewhat satirical portrait of a high-class courtesan, painted with colorful imagery and a distinctive blend of musical styles. “Killer Queen” is a perfect example of Queen’s ability to combine theatrical flair with complex musical arrangements and catchy melodies.
The song is characterized by its intricate piano melodies, the band’s signature layered vocal harmonies, and Mercury’s suave and charismatic vocals. The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and vivid descriptions, creating a memorable and engaging narrative. The song’s unique blend of rock, vaudeville, and pop sensibilities, along with its unexpected tempo changes and harmonies, made it a standout track of the 1970s. It’s both elegant and edgy, making for a uniquely captivating listening experience.
“Killer Queen” was a major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK charts and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, becoming Queen’s first major hit in both countries. While the song itself didn’t win any specific music awards, its impact on popular music and its contribution to the band’s early success is undeniable. It helped establish Queen as a force to be reckoned with in the music world and remains one of their most beloved and recognizable songs.
The enduring appeal of “Killer Queen” lies in its unique blend of sophistication, quirkiness, and musical innovation. It’s a song that perfectly showcases Queen’s ability to combine complex musical arrangements with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. “Killer Queen” is more than just a hit song; it’s a testament to Freddie Mercury’s exceptional talent as a songwriter and performer, and a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
She keeps her Moët et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
“Let them eat cake, ” she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Khrushchev and Kennedy
At anytime an invitation
You can’t decline
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
She’s a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
To avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minah
Then again incidentally
If you’re that way inclined
Perfume came naturally from Paris (naturally)
For cars she couldn’t care less
Fastidious and precise
She’s a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Drop of a hat she’s as willing as
Playful as a pussy cat
Then momentarily out of action
Temporarily out of gas
To absolutely drive you wild, wild
She’s out to get you
She’s a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
You wanna try
