Power Pop Music

The song was written by band member and singer Freddie Mercury. "Killer Queen" was released on Queen's 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack. It was also released in 1974 as a double A-side in the U.K., The U.S. and Canada with another of Mercury's songs "Flick of the Wrist." With "Killer Queen," the group was developing their "radio sound," with hints of vaudeville from an upright piano (aka the "jangle piano), and on their way to becoming masters of power pop. The song was their first big international charting success, rising to #2 in the U.K. and Ireland, #3 in The Netherlands, #4 in Belgium and Norway,  #12 in Germany and on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and U.S. Cash Box Top 100, and #15 in Canada.

Mercury has said that the song was about a high-class call girl (French champagne and Marie Antoinette quotes et alia) to let people know that someone of women's oldest profession could be classy and powerful. He also goes on to say that people should interpret the song their own way and read into it whatever they like.

Guitarist Brian May said that the group hesitated a bit to release the song , because it was lighter than their earlier-hard material. However, he feels that it's a well-constructed pop record.  "Little things that visit once and come again, like the little bell in the second verse. "

Queen formed in London, England, in 1970. On the track for "Killer Queen" were Freddie Mercury (lead and backing vocals, piano, jangle piano, finger snaps), Brian May (electric guitar, backing vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, triangle, chimes, backing vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar).  Membership in the group has changed over the years. They continue to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to "Killer Queen" by Queen:

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...

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You're welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed "Killer Queen" by Queen.