The 10 Best Lyrics From Queen

Legendary British rock band Queen has produced some of the world’s most influential rock records of all time. Their songs have stood the test of time, as evidenced by emerging fans brought on by the biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Their premier songwriting and compositional prowess can be credited to each of the member’s individual skills. Unparalleled at their time in terms of creativity and revolutionizing the rock and roll genre, the dramatically-inclined band established themselves on the pedestal along with music virtuosos. Queen’s songwriting is a treasure trove full of wonders, ranging from lyrics embedded with various historical references that are tailored to the song’s theme, to personal storytelling and motivations. Indeed, while the melody brings out the musicality of a song, the lyrics serve as flesh to the melodic spirit. Let’s discuss the best lyrics the band has ever written!

Hammer to Fall (1984)

“Hammer to Fall” has been the center of controversy in the past, as the lyrics closely referenced the nuclear war theme. The band’s members who saw the Cold War erupt, added fuel to the fire. The Live Aid version has a faster tempo that intensifies the fervor of the song.

For we who grew up tall and proud
In the shadow of the mushroom cloud
Convinced our voices can’t be heard
We just wanna scream it louder and louder and louder
What the hell we fighting for
Just surrender and it won’t hurt at all
You’ve just got time to say your prayers
While you’re waiting for the Hammer to Fall

I Want It All (1989)

One of the songs Mercury recorded at his ailing days, he never got the chance to sing it live. The song was written by Brian May as expression of his conflicted feelings between his divorce and new relationship. While May has disputed it wasn’t so, the song perfectly fits a personal perspective, one that is fighting for aspirations. It may come across as a materialistic themed-track, it displays a person’s awareness of his ambitions and how he strives to reach it.

I’m a man with a one track mind
So much to do in one lifetime 
Not a man for compromise and where’s and why’s and living lies
So I’m living it all, yes I’m living it all
And I’m giving it all, and I’m giving it all

The Show Must Go On (1991)

This is Freddie Mercury’s brazen statement in his final days. Penned by Brian May for his friend, it is evident in the recording how Mercury’s voice waned due to his illness. Nevertheless, Mercury delivered with the intensity he was always known for. This song is an acceptance of one’s fate and acknowledging the legacy to be left behind. The track’s hard rock sound gives in an intense aura, while exuding a bidding melancholy to the listener.

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly my friends

Ooh, I’ll top the bill, I’ll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on 

We Are The Champions (1977)

One of the best rock anthems of all time, the song was written as a response to fans singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” to the band. It paints the story of hardships before the victory, and all that comes after it. The track has been used worldwide as victory anthems for various events.

But it’s been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain’t gonna lose

I’m In Love With My Car (1975)

Dubbed as Roger Taylor’s masterpiece, the song was misinterpreted for a while until it was cleared that the song was dedicated to one of the band’s roadies. Taylor reportedly locked himself in a cupboard to blackmail Mercury into making the song the B-side to “Bohemian Rhapsody“. Apparently the tactic worked, but caused internal conflict as it was receiving the same amount of royalties for Taylor himself as the A-side did.

I’m in love with my car, gotta feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy racer roll bar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal

Told my girl I’ll have to forget her
Rather buy me a new carburetor
So she made tracks saying this is the end, now
Cars don’t talk back they’re just four wheeled friends now

Another One Bites The Dust (1980)

One of John Deacon’s disco funk creations, the track is one of the most remixed and sampled songs of Queen today. The song talks about sheer resilience and perseverance despite the casualties rendered by life. Deacon is a master of funky basslines, and with Mercury’s powerful vocals, the song drives its message across the room with ease.

There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man
And bring him to the ground
You can beat him, you can cheat him
You can treat him bad and leave him when he’s down

But I’m ready, yes, I’m ready for you
I’m standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
Repeating to the sound of the beat oh yeah

Somebody to Love (1976)

The choir-laden track is a harmonic masterpiece written by Mercury. This is a call to the Divine Providence by a person who has a lack of the experience of love in his life. Applied in any variation of love, the track utilizes the complex harmonies in an alluring yet melancholic fashion. Critically-acclaimed by most, it has been said that “Queen could swing as hard as it could rock, by channeling the spirit of gospel music.”

I work hard every day of my life
I work ’til I ache in my bones
At the end 
I take home my hard earned pay all on my own
I get down on my knees 
And I start to pray
‘Til the tears run down from my eyes
Lord, somebody, ooh somebody
can anybody find me somebody to love?

Killer Queen (1974)

Queen’s penchant for more controversial themes is evident in this track. “Killer Queen” is about a courtesan for socialites, and her arsenal of charms and wit. Mercury playfully covers the interesting character’s significant points, with an eloquence contrasting the motif of the track tastefully.

She keeps her Moet 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

Bohemian Rhapsody (1977)

Hailed as Queen’s magnum opus, the operatic-rock ballad won the hearts of audiences due to its poetic storytelling. Coupled with an emotional progression that eventually leads to a head-banging affair and ending in a reflective tone, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a wild cornucopia of emotions and musical craftsmanship. People have long thought of the song as Freddie Mercury’s coming-out song, but as artists always say, it is best left to the creative licenses of the audience.

Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he’s dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away
Mama, oh oh 
Didn’t mean to make you cry
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters

Don’t Stop Me Now (1979)

This energy-charged track begins with Mercury’s mellow piano playing and hitting delicate notes, before entering into a fast-paced progression that’s sure to get people on their feet. Indeed an unstoppable force, the lyrics match the melody and fly off to an ecstatic hype. Mr. Fahrenheit sure has brought the fire to this single.

I’m a shooting star, leaping through the sky
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity
I’m a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva
I’m gonna go, go, go
There’s no stopping me

I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah
Two hundred degrees
That’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I’m traveling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you