In 1974, Freddie Mercury took a risk by straying from Queen’s very heavy and rock-oriented sound, and released the song “Killer Queen.” While the band was worried that it would be taken too lightly, Freddie was able to win them over. “Killer Queen” was then released on their album “Sheer Heart Attack,” which, ironically, gave fans a sheer heart attack at the change in sound.
When it first came out, fans were confused as to the meaning of the song since it was so wildly different from the band’s usual music. Later in the year that the album was released, Freddie Mercury decided to address his fans and show his natural, down-to-earth, self. One of his more memorable statements was this: “It’s about a high class 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 would like.”
What contributed to this song’s stardom was the power behind the lyrics that was both profound and brilliantly thought out. For example, the line, “‘Let them eat cake’ she says, just like Marie Antoinette,” has gone down in history as justification for the French revolution by demonstrating how out of touch with the common folk the ruling class had become. According to legend, when informed that there was no bread for the people to eat, she replied, oblivious, “then let them eat cake!” It is said, that enraged by this incredibly ignorant response, the people revolted. In the song, it is used to demonstrate at what level this high priced prostitute sells her wares.
With this new approach to music, Queen was able to expand their music sound and, instead of driving fans away, it became number 2 in British charts and also became their first hit in the U.S.
Click here to listens—–> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAf2S6ij2gk
Jenna Hakun says
QUEEN IS AMAZING. My friends from high school and I used to do a mean acapella of Bohemian Rhapsody. I can’t wait to hear your take on that song! Killer Queen is such a statement song; playful as a pussy cat is one of my favorite lines ever! Especially the way he says it. Looking forward to reading your blog!
tyb5158 says
Awesome blog! It’s interesting to consider how “Killer Queen” was initially rejected. Now, I just think of it as a Queen classic, something that fits in well amongst all their other hits. It’s also great to hear Freddie’s interpretation of the song. While I always knew the song is about some snooty, hifalutin lady, I never put it together with promiscuity. Now it seems so obvious. Whoops!
Queen’s music has always been near and dear to my heart, but I really don’t know much about the band itself. I look forward to future posts!
Joseph Sheaffer says
I love Queen and this story made me enjoy them even more. Freddie Mercury not only could sing, but was a musical genius. The lyrics of Queen songs are always thought provoking, and extremely entertaining.