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.
Baby you've been had
I am forever searching high and low
But why does everyone tell me 'no'?
Neptune of the seas, an answer for me please
The lily of the valley doesn't know
I lie in wait with open eyes
I carry on through stormy skies
I follow every course, my kingdom for a horse
But each time I grow old
Serpent of the Nile, relieve me for a while
And cast me from your spell, and let me go
Messenger from seven seas has flown
To tell the king of Rhye he's lost his throne
Wars will never cease
Is there time enough for peace?
The lily of the valley doesn't know
I am forever searching high and low
But why does everyone tell me 'no'?
Neptune of the seas, an answer for me please
The lily of the valley doesn't know
I lie in wait with open eyes
I carry on through stormy skies
I follow every course, my kingdom for a horse
But each time I grow old
Serpent of the Nile, relieve me for a while
And cast me from your spell, and let me go
Messenger from seven seas has flown
To tell the king of Rhye he's lost his throne
Wars will never cease
Is there time enough for peace?
The lily of the valley doesn't know
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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I agree with all of the previous meanings. Throughout the first two prog/experimental albums, there was a lot of medieval, Greek mythology ideas in Queen's work, especially in Freddie's stuff. Sheer Heart Attack was a huge change from this. Maybe they made that change to become more commercially successful. (Sure as hell worked!) You can tell this just by looking at the album covers of Queen and Queen II vs. SHA, which contains a basic picture of the band, a modern font, and (on the CD) broken glass. This song is Freddie's goodbye to that more fantasy type of music (maybe that's why it sounds like it belongs there), as he hits 28 and finally has to grow up. After this, he never wrote a pure fantasy song again. I think everyone feels this way a few times in their life. It reminds me especially of "Bridge to Terabithia" and its themes.