About the song
“Another One Bites the Dust,” an iconic song by the legendary British rock band Queen, resonates as a timeless anthem of the 1980s. Written by bassist John Deacon, this track became an instant global phenomenon upon its release as part of Queen’s eighth studio album, *The Game*, in 1980.
The song’s impact on the charts was monumental, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for three weeks, marking Queen’s second and final number-one single in the United States. Its success was not limited to America; it also achieved high chart positions globally, including number two on the Hot Soul Singles chart and number seven on the UK Singles Chart. “Another One Bites the Dust” remains Queen’s best-selling single to date, having sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
Musically, the song is distinctive for its infectious bassline, famously inspired by Chic’s “Good Times,” as acknowledged by Chic co-founder Bernard Edwards. Deacon’s multi-instrumental talent shines through as he played bass guitar, piano, and even contributed handclaps during the recording sessions at Musicland Studios in Munich. Roger Taylor’s drum loop and Brian May’s guitar effects, including his use of an Eventide Harmonizer, further enriched the song’s distinctive sound.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Deacon, evoke imagery of resilience and defiance, referencing themes of perseverance and triumph over adversity. The phrase “bite the dust,” which means to die or to face defeat, is cleverly woven into the narrative, giving the song a gritty, determined edge.
Beyond its musical and lyrical prowess, “Another One Bites the Dust” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It has been covered, remixed, and sampled by numerous artists across different genres. Its inclusion in various media formats, including TV shows, commercials, films, and sporting events, underscores its enduring popularity and cultural significance.
The accompanying music video, filmed at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, captures Queen’s electrifying stage presence and further solidifies the song’s impact visually. Its inclusion in Queen’s Greatest Hits album in 1981 ensured its legacy would endure for generations to come.
In essence, “Another One Bites the Dust” encapsulates Queen’s ability to blend rock with funk influences, creating a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its success not only reaffirmed Queen’s status as rock icons but also cemented the song as a pivotal moment in music history, where innovation and creativity converged to produce a song that remains as powerful and relevant today as it was over four decades ago.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s go!
Steve walks warily down the street
With the brim pulled way down low
Ain’t no sound but the sound of his feet
Machine guns ready to go
Are you ready? Hey
Are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat, yeah
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust (yeah)
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
How do you think I’m going to get along
Without you, when you’re gone?
You took me for everything that I had
And kicked me out on my own
Are you happy, are you satisfied?
How long can you stand the heat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat, look out
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Hey!
Oh, take it
Bite the dust
Bite the dust, hey
Hey
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust, ow!
Another one bites the dust, hey, hey
Another one bites the dust, hey
Ooh, shout!
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, yeah
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
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust, yeah
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Shoot out
Ay-yeah
Alright