Meaning of Great King Rat (BBC Session/December 3rd 1973, Langham 1 Studio) by Queen

The Queen song, 'Great King Rat', is a gritty and raw piece of music that delves into the depths of darkness and immorality. The song, written by Freddie Mercury, was recorded during a BBC session on December 3rd, 1973, in Langham 1 Studio. It offers a powerful exploration of themes such as corruption, deceit, and the allure of sin. While the song may not be one of Queen's most well-known hits, its lyrics contain a fascinating commentary that deserves further exploration and interpretation.One of the standout lyrics in the song is "Great King Rat died today." This line introduces us to the central character of the song, a figure of authority and power who meets his demise. The theme of mortality becomes apparent, highlighting the transient nature of worldly power. The lyrics continue, "Born on the twenty-first of May, Died syphilis forty-four on his birthday." Here, we are confronted with the consequences of a life led by indulgence and sin. The Great King Rat's descent into illness reflects the self-destructive path he chose to tread.Through the lyrics, "Every second word he swore, Yes, he was the son of a whore, Always wanted by the law," we gain insight into the Great King Rat's character. He is portrayed as someone who flouts societal norms, disregards decency, and revels in profanity. This particular lyric develops the theme of rebellion against authority. It suggests that the allure of breaking the rules and embracing a life of debauchery can be irresistible for some individuals, regardless of the consequences.The chorus of the song, "Wouldn't you like to know? Wouldn't you like to know, people? Great King Rat was a dirty old man, and a dirty old man was he. Now what did I tell you? Would you like to see?" plays with the idea of curiosity and the fascination people often have with scandal and immorality. It also invites the listener to question their own moral compass and contemplate the morality of those around them. This lyric helps to develop the theme of human curiosity and the allure of the forbidden.In the verse, "Where will I be tomorrow? Will I beg or will I borrow? I don't care, I don't care anyway," we see the Great King Rat's disregard for the consequences of his actions. This line explores the theme of recklessness and the pursuit of immediate gratification without regard for future repercussions. It speaks to the human tendency to live in the present, sometimes at the expense of long-term consequences.The bridge of the song takes an unexpected turn, stating, "Don't believe all you read in the Bible. You sinners get in line, Saints, you leave far behind. Very soon, you're gonna be his disciple." Here, we witness a critical commentary on religious hypocrisy. The lyrics suggest that people should question blind faith and dogma, encouraging individuals to think for themselves and not be swayed by religious doctrines. This theme of individualism and skepticism ties back to the overarching theme of the song: the corrupting influence of power and the allure of sin.Overall, 'Great King Rat' presents a multi-faceted exploration of themes. It delves into mortality, rebellion against authority, curiosity, recklessness, and religious skepticism. While it may not be the most popular song in Queen's discography, it showcases the band's ability to tackle thought-provoking subjects with vivid and imaginative lyrics. 'Great King Rat' is a testament to the depth and complexity of Queen's songwriting, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of succumbing to our primal desires.