Queen- Killer Queen Flashcards
(5 cards)
Intro (lyrics “She keeps…”; approx. 0:00–0:10)
Rhythm / metre / tempo: 12/8 swing feel, moderate tempo.
Melody: Word hook “Killer Queen” uses syncopated phrasing.
Texture: Homophonic vocal harmony with piano stabs.
Harmony & tonality: E♭ major, chordal “jazzy” flavor (E♭maj7 passing to C7).
Structure: Sets stylized, urbane character.
Instrumentation: Electric guitar (flanger), piano, bass, drums.
Reason: Establishes mood, texture, and swing style immediately.
Verse 1 (lyrics “She’s a Killer Queen…”; approx. 0:10–0:40)
Rhythm: Swung quavers, syncopation – gives groove.
Melody: Syllabic but occasional melisma on “guaranteed.”
Texture: Melody with rhythmic piano/guitar accompaniment.
Harmony: Uses I7–IV7–V7 with chromatic embellishments, key of E♭ major.
Tonality: Primarily E♭ major, brief ii–V progressions.
Structure: First defining lyrical exposition.
Instrumentation: Freddie Mercury voice (tenor), piano, guitar, bass, drums.
Reason: Balanced verse-harmony introduces main lyrical theme.
Chorus (lyrics “To avoid complications…”; approx. 0:40–1:00)
Rhythm: More rhythmic drive, off‑beat accents.
Melody: Catchy rising leaps (“dynamite with a laser beam”).
Texture: Vocal harmonies (3–4 parts) + band fills.
Harmony: Modulates briefly to B♭ major, strong V–I cadences.
Tonality: Moves between E♭ and B♭—adds brightness.
Structure: Chorus heightens drama and melodic contrast.
Instrumentation: Multi‑tracked guitars, piano doubling voices, backing vocals.
Reason: Chorus amplifies melodic hook and harmonic richness.
Guitar Solo (approx. 1:40–2:00)
Rhythm: Syncopated, swinging, fills in drum beat.
Melody: Freddie-style lead guitar mimics vocal motifs.
Texture: Guitar lead over band accompaniment.
Harmony: Continues chorus progression in E♭, resolves in B♭.
Tonality: Stays firmly in E♭ major.
Structure: Solo replaces chorus as instrumental highlight.
Instrumentation: Multi-tracked lead guitar using bends/slides, backing band.
Reason: Guitar solo echoes melodic material and adds virtuosity.
Outro & Final Chorus (approx. 2:00–2:55)
Rhythm: Builds slight tempo lift, ending on backbeat.
Melody: Final restatement of “Killer Queen” hook with harmonies.
Texture: Thickest texture—full band & vocal overdubs.
Harmony: E♭ major resolved via plagal cadence to end.
Tonality: Return to home key E♭ major conclusively.
Structure: Conclusive chorus leading to fade‑out.
Instrumentation: Full rock quintet instrumentation + overdubbed vocals.
Reason: Strong final statement, cohesive closure in original tonality.
