The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
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
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
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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I hate to be the one to point out the obvious, but Gunpowder, Gelatin & Dynamite are 3 basic explosives. They are all volatile, dangerous. Exciting! Throw in the Lazer Beam for a good rhyme and more raw energy.
Freddy did confess on several occassions that this song was just about a high society call girl. In particular, I agree with psa09140: Freddy had Christine Keeler in mind when he wrote the song. But, most people on this list are WAY too young to know who she is.
Also: wazojugs -- Margaret Thatcher was not PM when the song was written in 1974. Learn something about history.
@JunkWoman Extreemly informative and useful comment<br />
Though, she was, rich she always felt poor. She tried to make herself happy by surrounding herself with fancy, exspensive things, but money only mad her suffer more<br />
People are used to hard rock, energy music from Queen, yet with this single you almost expect Noel Coward to sing it. It's one of those bowler hat, black suspender belt numbers — not that Coward would wear that. (...) 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. -Freddie Mercury
This is about a high class call girl, or whore, or prostitute, whatever you wanna call it, that is what it is...
i love this song =]
@molarbear I think that this song is genius. "Dynamite with a lace of beads, guaranteed to blow your mind". I never analyzed it to much, but Mercury was so gifted as a songwriter and performer. I feel lucky to have lived through the period when Queen was on top.
I hate to be a b*tch, but every line gives its own answer...many of your comments refer to historical inaccuracies due to timelines...here we go...
Everything up through the first chorus is referring in general to the well-groomed "Will and Grace" & "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" gay man.
The Kruschev and Kennedy line is basically referring to "if they'd just get it over with and make it then everything would be fine."
Dynamite with a laser beam. Are you freaking kidding me? Are there no gay men on this site? Laser beam is weenie!
Gunpowder/gelatin think people think...what shoots out of a "laserbeam" and is a sticky gelatin substance?
Guaranteed to BLOW your mind! Do you really not get this yet?
Insatiable an appetite...a common stereotype for gay men.
To avoid complications, she never kept the same address. Yes, yes, yes! You got it, a high class TRANNY, well paid at that.
The Geisha line refers to the most famous of all transvestites, Madame Butterfly! I can't believe no one got that one
If you are that way inclined...again, how literal does Freddy have to be for you guys to get it.
Momentarily out of action...a female prostitute could go all night, but a male would need a short period for recovery, ya know.
If you think playful as a pussycat refers to a woman, think again. It refers to a man who is as COY as a woman.
Some people think the last lines are "wanna try..wanna try" they are actually "What a Drag"
That says it all... now, if you want to take an introductory poetry class, let me know. The first thing you'd learn is that metaphors are not mixed. A message in a poem is generally consistent. Freddy Mercury is one of the greatest poets in music. I doubt he'd mix his metaphors.
Sorry again to be so bitchy.
@RedShana that's fucking stupid lmao
@RedShana that's fucking stupid lmao
@RedShana that's fucking stupid lmao
@RedShana All that shit is your opinion Red... Gunpowder and gelatin are 2 ingredients in plastic explosive that are used by Special Force Groups like SWAT and Covert Military... Gelatin is very volatile and enhances currents because of the liquid qualities in it... It is also a great silencer because of the absorption properties.<br />
In my opinion this song represents a woman with a certain life style - the luxurious life style with the good food and all life' pleasures. On the other hand I believe the song also mocks this vacant and superficial life. Plus the insinuation and comparing to Marie Antoinette and more over a Killer Queen, all seem to lead to a vey destructive way of life.
Images of Joan Collins flash tomy mind when I hear this... And the "dynamite with a laser beam"-bit, I believe that it's just a description of some sort.
amen brother,amen.
I love this song. The way he sings it it so appealing, especially, for some reason (for me at least), "Caviar and Ciggarettes". I think it may be about a hooker, but I'm not so sure, because...uhm, it's QUEEN...if you get my reference. But then again...eh, never mind. Kick ass song. My favorite by Queen.
AWESOME SONG. definately about a high classed prostitute. a transexual I think "Then again incidentally, if you're that way inclined" in the 70's "that way inclined" ment gay. Still does except for the uber politically correct. Have you ever seen the SNL skit with Christopher Walkin and the short brown haired guy dressed as a transexual stripper named "MANGO" yeah.. this song to me is about a MANGO like person. Someone said it might be about a friend he had for a long time that lived with him and served him tea? all the way till he died? If i was rich and gay and famous i would have someone like MANGO serve me tea.. come to think of it, I might even if I wasn't gay. incidentally, I just got a cat this weekend.. I think I'll name it Mango...
A legendary song that got me hooked on Queen so many years ago. I heard this song and was like this is the most unique music I ever heard. It still sounds great today. Remarkable lyrics that keep you guessing. I will still listen to Queen when I am old and gray. I love them.