Meaning and Lyrics of Another One Bites The Dust by Queen

Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust,” a resounding bass-driven anthem, not only showcases the band’s versatility but also marks a significant intersection between rock and funk genres. Initially released in 1980 on their *The Game* album, it has remained an enduring staple of their catalog. Here’s a deep dive into the song’s composition, cultural impact, and artistic merit.

Intro

“Ooh, let’s go!”

A simple yet electrifying kickoff, the intro sets the tone for what’s about to unfold. The excitement and urgency in Freddie Mercury’s voice are palpable, as if he’s gearing up for a showdown.

Verse 1

“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”

From the outset, the narrative unfolds like a gritty urban drama. The character Steve is reminiscent of a film noir antihero. He’s cautious, almost paranoid, as he trudges through deserted streets. The “machine guns ready to go” is a vivid metaphor for a readiness to confront danger. Mercury’s delivery here is crisp and haunting, laying the groundwork for the track’s tension.

“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”

The questions Mercury throws out are rhetorical yet engaging, pulling listeners into the suspense. The bullets ripping “to the sound of the beat” brilliantly marries the song’s thematic violence with its musical backbone, a relentless and infectious bassline.

Chorus

“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”

The chorus is both catchy and foreboding. On the surface, it’s a repetitive hook, perfect for sing-alongs. However, the phrase “another one bites the dust” becomes a chilling refrain. Each repetition underscores the idea of inevitability—whether it’s defeat, death, or the cyclical nature of conflict.

Verse 2

“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”

The song pivots to a personal grievance, possibly a rocky breakup or a betrayal. Mercury’s voice drips with both anguish and defiance. The lyrics explore themes of abandonment and survival, making it universally relatable.

“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”

Again, we encounter a rhetorical questioning that demands not just introspection but accountability. The recurring imagery of bullets and beats enhances the song’s pulsating urgency and latent aggression.

Bridge

“Hey
Oh, take it
Bite the dust, 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-eh-eh
Ooh”

The bridge serves as a rhythmic interlude, punctuated by Mercury’s exclamations and grunts. It’s a funk break that adds a new layer of rawness and spontaneity, almost as if we’re momentarily stepping out of the structured storyline for a freestyle jam session.

Verse 3

“There are plenty of ways you can