The message behind this hit song from the UK band Queen is often argued among die-hard fans and music critics alike.
Some say that there are hidden meanings when you play the song backward. Others think that there's a deep link to bisexuality in the track. What's the truth? Let's start with the basics.
"Another one bites the dust" is a common phrase used to describe a situation where someone is dying in the context of a battle.
Biting the dust was commonly said in times of Western stand-offs, for example. The phrase has been around since way before band member John Deacon wrote the song in the 1980s.
Queen bassist John Deacon was responsible for creating these simple and catchy lyrics, while the bass line was highly inspired by "Good Times" by the disco group Chic.
The vocals were heavily influenced by the style of Michael Jackson's vocal flow in his lower register.
"Another One Bites the Dust" was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, and went on to be one of the longest-running top ten songs of 1980 on the Billobard charts.
"I listened to a lot of soul music when I was in school, and I've always been interested in that sort of music. I'd been wanting to do a track like 'Another One Bites the Dust' for a while, but originally all I had was the line and the bass riff," John Deacon said in 1996.
"Gradually, I filled it in, and the band added ideas. I could hear it as a song for dancing but had no idea it would become as big as it did.
"The song got picked up off our album, and some of the black radio stations in the US started playing it, which we've never had before. Michael Jackson actually suggested we release it as a single."
The first verse starts with a simple yet deadly story of gun violence occurring in the streets, presumably amongst gangs in a rough neighborhood.
It matches up pretty well with the overall message in the hook, since the main character of the story, Steve, bites the dust when the first chorus comes in.
The second verse then changes the direction of the lyrics and tells a short story of the narrator himself going through romantic struggles. In this sense, he and/or his partner have bitten the dust since the relationship has officially failed.
The connection between death and suffering is brought together in the final lyrics of the song, stating that a man can bite the dust in plenty of different ways, including being cheated on and beaten.
Biting the dust can represent all types of personal failures, and it seems like we are all going through it all of the time. There's another one, another one, and another one, which makes the chorus so effective and catchy.
Related Post: Songwriting Lessons - 4 Ways To Get Real Results
There was a rampant rumor going around that a hidden message was behind the song if the listener were to play the band's hit in reverse.
While the claims have been denied by representatives of their label, Hollywood Records, people claim that they hear lyrics promoting marijuana.
What do you think when you hear the clip above? I personally believe that if you look into something hard enough, your imagination will start to run wild to the point where you see or hear things that aren't really there.
There is another, even less substantial, claim that the song was written about lead singer Freddy Mercury's battle with bisexuality as a plea by his friend John Deacon to be careful before he bites the dust.
Some even say that the song references Freddy Mercury's battle with AIDS, but the timing isn't right since he wasn't diagnosed until the mid-1980s.
This song was released in 1980, and John Deacon likely would not have written like that about his bandmate even if he had been diagnosed earlier.
Related Post: Guitar Picks For Players
Writing a catchy song about the dangers of getting caught up in failure can be a sure way to make a hit that people won't forget.
Here are a few tips for my fellow writers out there that really drive home the success behind "Another One Bits The Dust".
Identify a Universal Theme: Choose a theme related to failure that many people can relate to. It could be a personal failure, a common struggle, or a humorous take on a challenging situation.
Create a Memorable Hook: Craft a catchy and memorable chorus or hook that captures the essence of the song. Think about the hook in "Another One Bites the Dust" – it's simple, repetitive, and instantly recognizable.
Tell a Story: Narrate a story of failure in a way that draws listeners in. Use vivid imagery and relatable scenarios to paint a picture of the experience. This can make the song more engaging.
Experiment with Instrumentation: Experiment with different instruments and sounds to create a unique and memorable musical backdrop. Elements like funky basslines, upbeat percussion, and groovy guitar riffs can contribute to the danceable vibe.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
