Kings and Queens

Aerosmith

About Kings and Queens

"Kings and Queens" is a song by American hard rock band Aerosmith. It was written by Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Jack Douglas, their producer, who helped the band write many of the songs on Draw the Line. Douglas also played the mandolin featured in the song. The song first appeared on the album Draw the Line in December 1977 and was released as a single on February 21, 1978. The song was also used as a B-side to Aerosmith's version of The Beatles' "Come Together," released to promote the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band film and soundtrack. 


Year:
1980
3:49
142 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Long ago in days untold 
Were ruled by lords of greed
Maidens fared with gold they dared
To bare their wombs that bleed
Kings and queens and guillotines 
Taking lives denied
Starch and parchment laid the laws 
When bishops took the ride
Only to deceive
Oh I know I 
Lived this life afore
Somehow I know now 
Truths I must be sure
Tossin', turnin', nightmares burnin'
Dreams of swords in hand
Sailing ships, the Viking spits
The blood of father's land
Only to deceive
Living times of knights and mares
Raising swords for maidens fair
Sneer at death, fear only loss of pride
Living other centuries
Deja vu or what you please
Follows true to all who do or die
Screams of no reply
They died
Screams of no reply
And died
Died
Lordy, Lordy, they died

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Aerosmith

Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band." Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop,heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano, and formed Aerosmith. In 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford, and the band began developing a following in Boston. more »

11 fans

Written by: BRAD WHITFORD, JACK DOUGLAS, JOSEPH KRAMER, STEVEN TYLER, TOM HAMILTON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Kings and Queens" was released in 1978 on Aerosmith's fifth studio album "Draw the Line."
Album Ranking
The album "Draw the Line" reached number 11 on the US Billboard 200.
Song Complexity
"Kings and Queens" is notable for its complex song structure, featuring several tempo changes throughout the song.
Lyrics
The lyrics are a commentary on the greed, lust, and power gained, manipulated and lost by historical figures throughout history.
Songwriters
The song was written by all five members of Aerosmith: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer.
Single Release
"Kings and Queens" was released as a single in 1978, and reached No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Live Performances
Despite not being one of their biggest hits, "Kings and Queens" has been performed live by Aerosmith on numerous tours and has become a fan-favorite over the years.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Kings and Queens" over the years, including Shakira, who performed the song live at a 2010 tribute concert for Aerosmith.
Music Video
The music video for "Kings and Queens" features Aerosmith performing in a medieval castle setting.
Song Interpretation
The band described this song as their foray into fantasy-driven lyrics and a stylistic departure from their typical hard-rock sound.
Critical Response
Over time, many critics have lauded "Kings and Queens" as one of Aerosmith's most underrated songs.
Soundtrack Appearances
The song has been featured on several of Aerosmith's compilation albums, including "Gems" (1988), "Big Ones" (1994), and "Devil's Got a New Disguise" (2006).

Discuss the Kings and Queens Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Kings and Queens Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/841928/Aerosmith/Kings+and+Queens>.

    Missing lyrics by Aerosmith?

    Know any other songs by Aerosmith? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Kings and Queens

    62,411
    873     105

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1978

    Billboard #70


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Rap Monster is from which boy group?
    A GOT7
    B BTS
    C Why Don't We
    D The Vamps

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Aerosmith tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!