Queen – Killer Queen (Live at the Rainbow ‘74)
Did Queen go soft, or was this the music they were always striving to play?
Freddie Mercury elucidates on this song: “It’s about a high class call girl. I’m trying to say that classy people can be whores as well. That’s what the song is about, though I’d prefer people to put their interpretation upon it – to read into it what they like.”
“Killer Queen” was written by lead singer and pianist, Freddie Mercury. The title track was featured on their 1974 album, Sheer Heart Attack, and also appeared on the band’s compilation album, Greatest Hits. With the release of “Killer Queen” came the band’s first major breakthrough on the worldwide singles chart, despite being taken from their third studio album.
I love watching live performances of who is said to be the greatest live rock band of all time. With Freddie’s untimely passing, its such a blessing to be able to relive these moments in history, and reveal in the magic of true classic rock.
Killer Queen Fun Facts!
- Brian May said in Q magazine March 2008: “This is a perfect pop record and one of Freddie’s greatest songs. It’s beautifully constructed and it’s also got one of the solos I’m most proud of.”
- In regards to releasing it: “I was a little hesitant; I was thinking are we setting ourselves as something very light?” He relates this back to how initially the band were very heavy and rock-orientated, and “Killer Queen” was a major departure from that sound.
- Mercury commented that he wrote the lyrics before the melody and music, whereas he would typically do the opposite.
+Killer Queen lyrics below+
She keeps Moët et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
‘Let them eat cake,’ she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Kruschev 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
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 all 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…
