I’ve been listening to this since 1977. When I finally met Brian May a few years ago, I tried to tell him how this song, and this album influenced my visual art by teaching me to work in layers. He said “most people don’t listen that carefully.” I was a little taken aback by his answer.
Nice reaction! Basically, side “White” is all May compositions (save “Loser in the End”) while “Black” is all Mercury. Back in the day, Mercury would wear all black in concert while May would wear all white.
The March Of The Black Queen - by Freddie John Deacon: Bass Brian May: Tubular bells, backing vocals and electric guitar Freddie Mercury: Piano, lead and backing vocals Roger Taylor: Co-lead and backing vocals and drums
Queen 2 is my favorite of all their albums. I love the experimental music and the raw sound of it. Multiple listens are needed to hear everything. I will have to say that although it’s my favorite, their best 3 albums came next. I just have a thing for their 2nd album. It’s so unique. There’s nothing else like it. Their overall sound Improved on the 3rd album and beyond and the songwriting is just phenomenal on the next 3 albums. Sheer heart attack has my favorite song by Roger Taylor (Tenement Funster). It has a different overall sound from Queen 2 and it came out the same year. It’s a fun album.
Back in the day, I'd try to make it past the bell ringing crescendo without my mother screaming for me to turn it down. That section always, let's say, "animated" her. I first saw Queen at the Beacon Theater in NYC in 1976. They played Procession, White Queen, Ogre Battle, and a section of The March of the Black Queen (as part of a medley.) They only had 4 albums at that point and they had just released A Night at the Opera, so the show featured multiple tracks from each album. This album made me a Queen fan. I still listen to it regularly, almost 50 years later. I'm laughing when you say you have to listen to it again. Yes. Yes you do. 😊
I was lucky to see them two nights at the Beacon Theater 2/76. We had tickets for the first show on a Thursday. They were so good. We went back and scalped tickets for the fourth show on Sunday night. Snowed quite a bit by the time concert ended. Tough trip home after that one.
One of my favorites! Justin, I really like the words you use to describe your reactions. I agree that the White and Black designation ifs for theme rather than the music itself. They were in a black and white stage in their stage costumes then too. Queen really did work to keep their listeners and audience from being bored. Even later on they would add little changes to even their "poppiest" songs, a slightly different chord progression, a rhythm change, or like this one a surprise ending. I really look forward to seeing you go through their next album, Sheer Heart Attack.
Been super excited for you to get to this masterpiece and seeing you grin ear to ear at the end says it all. Congrats - you now get to live with and enjoy this song for many years to come.
Brian's songs were on the white side (except for one Taylor song) and Freddie's songs were on the black side. In concert Brian wore white nail polish on his left hand and Freddie wore black nail polish on his left hand. In the Rainbow 1974 concert he asked the audience who had white and who had black nail polish on. I don't think it had anything to do with darker music but I think Freddie probably felt his music was more dramatic. He would be right! Freddie had a white jumpsuit on for the first part of the concert and a black one on for the second part. At one point he had hand jewellery on one hand and a black glove with "diamond" studs in it on the other. That concert is a must see. I wore this record out in the 70s.👑
I've been a Queen fan since 1973. And I definitely prefer the early stuff. In my opinion Queen II is a much overlooked and underrated album. And to this day is still my favourite Queen album. Good reaction video. Thanks
Es exacto como dices, no se trata de que las canciones son más oscuras o no, sino para separar dos mundos, uno repleto de emociones, y otro repleto de historias fantásticas salidas de un mundo de fantasía.
Yes, it is a lot to take in at once, you really need to listen to it again. Brian's side was the first side with one song of Rogers and Freddie had the black side, He wrote this in his fantasy world called Rhye. You determine lyrics meaning for yourself, as he would not explain,, as I understand. Glad you appreciated it. One of my favorites!
I have been excitedly waiting for you to react to this song. It is one of the three that I consider Freddie's masterpieces, one building into the next. They are: March Of The Black Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody and Innuendo. If I could only pick three Freddie songs that I thought summed up his creative mind it would be these. They are the ultimate Mercury Trilogy for me, musically and lyrically. White nail varnish = Brian May, Black nail varnish = Freddie Mercury. That is how I get the whole black/white thing. I think most of the white side is Brian's music and I think all of the black side is Freddie's? Thank you for a great reaction to this outstanding song.
Their second 'kitchen sink' song. One of my favorites. Night of The Queen play this live with 8 backing singers, 2 guitarists, bass, drums and a singer who does a great job.
My favorite part of this song is when Freddie does a little "flutter" on the piano or harpsichord, and then Brian plays his response on the guitar and also has the same "flutter".
I think this is a nice example of how May does not play solo`s, but rather playes a part in the song. Also, Mercury already showing his talent for writing music, as well as playing the piano. His writing then, may as well be sigh for being capable of writing music for movies. First of all Flash Gordon and Highlander, but also for Mad Max The Road Warrior, for wich Brian May did the soundtrack.
Hey. Amazing reaction Justin. This is one of my favourite Queen tracks. It’s so mind-blowing for me, even for the 65th time… I can only imagine what a really fun journey you’ll have with Queen.
My #2 Queen song .. let’s just say this , if I were a cast away on Gilligan’s Island, I would make sure I had March of the Black Queen, Somebody To Love, Brighton Rock, & Tie Your Mother Down in my island hut. I’m sure the Professor could rig up a record player! Hahaha! 🤣🤣 🌊💦⚓️🛥🌴🌴
Interesting you mention Some Day One Day. Besides playing golf alot I lead a pretty boring life. I tend to go back and relisten to songs that catch me. I have listened to Some Day One Day the most lol. White Queen being second. The live version of White Queen is amazing...
It wasn’t over 😢 Love it so much …… I wouldn’t concern myself about black side dark side. I wouldn’t even concern myself as to the meaning of each song ( esp Freddie’s songs) You will change your mind as to what was meant the more you know and listen to Queen. In the end you either like it or you don’t🥰 I love being a simple person that way
Your reaction at 9.10 is mint! This song reminds me being a rough uncut diamond, and when it's cut and polished, you're then left with Bohemian Rhapsody.
Freddie wrote this song and just like, "Bohemian Rhapsody", it is full of metaphors. Freddie never explained what he was thinking or the meaning of the lyrics. A friend of mine believes the meaning of "The March of the Black Queen" was influenced by Freddie's early childhood in Zanzibar and the stories of the slave ships he heard while playing on the wharves. Here is his interpretation: This song is about a young man on a slave-trading ship. The Black Queen is the British Empire and the "black" slave trade. This young man is torn about his loyalty to the crown (as he's been raised) and what he is experiencing on the ship: Do you mean it Do you mean it Do you mean it Why don't you mean it Why do I follow you And where do you go The young man is seeing exotic lands and he finds them heavenly but he's struggling with the reality of what he sees and his loyalty to the crown. You've never seen nothing Like it no never in your life Like going up to heaven And then coming back alive Let me tell you all about it (And the world will so allow it) Oooh give me a little time to choose The next verse is a reference to a British children's book. Blue Powder Monkeys are the young boys on naval ships who brought up gunpowder to the cannons: Water babies singing In a lily-pool delight Blue powder monkeys Praying in the dead of night The verse below is about where the powder monkeys go if they don't follow orders. "Sugar Ni**ers" was in the original recording but in later recordings, the term is removed for obvious reasons. It was a term used for slaves who were shipped to the Caribbean to work the sugar plantations, some who were groomed to be in charge of the crew's needs (baby oil reference). The boy realizes his food and shelter are provided by the Crown, the slaves are traded to provide luxury for the elite, and "all that noise" refers to making trouble or keeping quiet and having a full belly: Put them in the cellar with the naughty boys Little ni**er sugar than a rub-a-dub-a-baby oil Black on black on every fingernail and toe We've only begun - begun Make this make that keep making all that noise Ooh, march to the Black Queen Now I've got a belly full... This next verse is about the young man remembering what he was taught by his parents/religion, good thoughts, good works, and good deeds. Being a good person without expecting a reward. Notice he says "In each and every soul lies a man", meaning we are born good and equal and only allow ourselves to be corrupted by our quest for material things but he'll convince himself that he's still good. A voice from behind me reminds me Spread out your wings, you are an angel Remember to deliver with the speed of light (A little bit of love and joy) Everything you do bears a will And a why and a wherefore (A little bit of love and joy) In each and every soul Lies a man and very soon He'll deceive and discover But even till the end of his life, He'll bring a little love The next verse is about the Empire (Queen). The crown at home is holy, good, and great (reign with my left hand) while it conquers and pillages the Indies (rule with my right). The young man realizes the power and that he'll never win, so he gives up, accepts that the Crown will rule, and decides he'll take the good and ignore the bad. I reign with my left hand I rule with my right I'm lord of all darkness I'm Queen of the night I've got the power Now do the march of the black Queen My life is in your hands, I'll fo and I'll fie I'll be what you make me I'll do what you like I'll be a bad boy, I'll be your bad boy I'll do the march of the Black Queen Ah, ah, ah, ah The verse below is about the marking of the territory, declaring it part of the British Empire (tattoos all her pies). There is a childhood nursery rhyme about baking pies for the King that was beautiful on the outside but full of blackbirds on the inside, a "dainty dish to serve the King". "Never dots her "I'"s refers to ignoring the details of what is happening to the people of the conquered empire: Walking true to style She's vulgar, 'buse, and vile Fie-fo the Black Queen tattoos all her pies She boils and she bakes And she never dots her i's (She's our leader) This last verse is telling you to forget the tales you've been told about how wonderful it was, that the Black Queen ruled over the blacks and used them to bring you wealth and luxury. Forget your sing-a-longs and your lullabies Surrender to the city of the Fireflies Dance to the devil in beat with the band To hell with all of you hand in hand But now it's time to be gone Anyway, this is one interpretation...
Zanzibar were ruled by Arab Sultan and continued when the British abolished slavery there and it became a British protectorate the British were never involved with the slave trade there the Arabs were the sultans were like royalty naval ships were not involved with the slave trade but abolishing it he may have seen hypocrisy in the fact they used children from poor families let me choose.. ( water babies ) Kingsley uses Tom's endeavor to subtly undermine contemporary social problems in England, including its brutal treatment of those in poverty, as well as unconscionable child labor issues. poor children had options of being chimney sweeps, often died young and developed disabilities, joined the navy as powder monkeys, stole to survive .. in the story Tom steals to eat ends up dying but redeems himself and become a spirit a water baby there's nothing clear to claim the author was racist it certainly wouldn't be evident in his work, the only claim to it is he said pike were ugly Nigger sugar it certainly doesn't sound like that, I can't find anyone saying they heard the record and heard that word I think someone made a mistake by writing it that way now everyone claims that's what it was if the word nigger was used it didn't say ' sugar niggers ' as you have said but ' nigger sugar' ' and baby oil' so it would be referring to the sugar that way as it was harvested by slaves I can't find anything about this term ' sugar niggers wouldn't make sense in this song remembering to be kind...teachings of most religions and in that time would be Christian in regards to the navy and British in general good thoughts, good works, and good deeds is very pacific to his families religion Zoroastrianism it's not necessarily thinking of the British monarchy the Government abolished slavery but any country people witnessing it would be torn in the way you describe the people in Zanzibar didn't revolt over slavery to end it but in response to the Arab Government not willing to follow democracy and respecting their vote the British were respected in Zanzibar but they were involved in slavery and colonies in other countries Arabs ruled Zanzibar and were involved with slavery far longer than anyone else you post this comment on each reaction to BQ I don't want people to get the wrong idea of the British involvement in Zanzibar especially as you suggest this song could have been influenced by stories he heard as a child he wouldn't have heard negative stories of Britain as a child when the revolt happened he was 17 it had been ordered not to kill and white people and they weren't many Arabs/Asians were killed but Freddies family were protected and saved by the British and found refuge in Britain I have no idea what tattooing all her pies could refer to, doesn't make much sense really, not sure reference to territories fits to refer to it as pies pies are more associated with British culture but I looked up African traditions then Islam Zanzibar was ruled by Sultans and it did come up that Sultans had a tradition of pies and were seen as special and were offered in diplomatic feasts but there's no reference to them being tattooed/ decorated in any special way unless it's just making a comparison that great detail was taken with some things but not others tattoos all her pies but doesn't dot her I's and it rhymes! this could be reflecting on any monarchy or power system not necessarily British though it could be showing hypocrisies that even though when the British were stopping slavery and other atrocities they were still involved with bad things as were other countries/people but as I said as a child these negative subjects would be introduced to him about Arabs but reference to (water babies ) and powder monkeys is associated with Britain but nothing to do with the slave trade only later in stopping it the nursery rhyme, there are lots of ideas of what it was referring to if anything it has been claimed as part of the wedding celebrations a large pie was brought in but when opened birds flew out he isn't necessarily referring to slavery but in general people in power treating people badly for selfish reasons and the hypocrisy if referring to slavery ' black Queen' could be an African Queen who sold slaves. black Queen could be anyone but black referring to bad either the British or Arabs.. not just black people who were treated badly, he refers to water babies and powder monkeys these are reference to poor white children many non black people had to become indentured servants to escape bad situations, to try and have a better life once their term was over and so on the idea of knowing the black Queen is bad but decides to support her can be used to just about any group/country especially in the time period of slavery including people in Zanzibar especially when the revolt happened he may have questioned why this hadn't happened to stop slavery Zanzibar
I'm struggling to believe that with his experiences he would only be seeing the British as the bad people especially when they stopped slavery in Zanzibar and saved his family and especially with what the history of Zanzibar was
Great interpretation, except Zanzibar was the centre of the Arab slave trade. Britain had abolished the Slave trade world wide before Zanzibar became a British protectorate.
@@jodawson5268 Britain were directly involved with abolishing the slave trade in Zanzibar Over many years, reducing the trade making agreements, finding alternatives and so on until it was completely abolished 'In 1822, the British signed the first of a series of treaties with Sultan Said to curb this trade. Under strong British pressure, the slave trade was officially abolished in 1876, but slavery itself remained legal in Zanzibar until 1897.'
@@jodawson5268 Does not matter. This is a song, not a history lesson. Remember Freddie was first educated in Zanzibar and then in India. He was taught British history from the perspective of India after it gained its independence from Britain.
How popular were Queen? Justin's videos have twice the number of ads as usual. 😁 But I'd never heard that before and you can totally hear how it was a blueprint for "Bohemian Rhapsody". I feel like this is where they really become Queen.
White side is mostly all May compositions, besides "Loser in The End" and take on a more real life setting, talking more realistic themes. While side Black, which are all Mercury compositions, are all Fantasy themed, and very abstract. At least this is my interpretation.
In my opinion this is their best song and they never played it live…and they remained very popular….just imagine Led Zeppelin never playing Stairway to Heaven live…..would they be as popular as Queen….
Everybody at some point yearns for their youth in some form. Well, we had THIS as one of many things. I pity the poor sods who'll have only Britney or dose, lol.
I loved the song for decades, although when I read the lyrics, i got a bit...errr... Do you mean it? Do you mean it? Do you mean it? Why don't you mean it? Why do I follow you and where do you go? You've never seen nothing like it No, never in your life Like going up to heaven And then coming back alive Let me tell you all about it And the world will so allow it Ooh, give me a little time to choose Water babies singing in a lily-pool delight Blue powder monkeys praying in the dead of night Here comes the black queen, poking in the pile Fie-fo the black queen, marching single file Take this, take that Bring them down to size (March to the black queen) Put them in the cellar with the naughty boys A little n***er sugar then a rub-a dub-a baby oil Black on, black on every finger nail and toe We've only begun, begun Make this, make that Keep making all that noise (March to the black queen) Now I've got a belly full You can be my sugar baby You can be my honey chile, yes A voice from behind me reminds me Spread out your wings, you are an angel Remember to deliver with the speed of light A little bit of love and joy Everything you do bears a will and a why and a wherefore A little bit of love and joy In each and every soul lies a man Very soon he'll deceive and discover But even 'til the end of his life He'll bring a little love I reign with my left hand I rule with my right I'm Lord of all darkness I'm queen of the night But I've got the power Now do the march of the black queen My life is in your hands I'll fo and I'll fie I'll be what you make me I'll do what you like I'll be your bad boy I'll be your bad boy I'll do the march of the black queen Ah, ah, ah, ah Walking to the style She's vulgar, 'buse and vile Fie-fo the black queen tattoos all her pies She boils, and she bakes, and she never dots her "I's" She's our leader Forget your sing-alongs and your lullabies Surrender to the city of the fireflies Dance with the devil, beat with the band To hell with all of you hand-in-hand But now it's time to be gone La, la, la, la, forever, forever Songwriters: Freddie Mercury
I gotta tell you, dude, watching this reaction is like watching kittens drown. Yes, Queen will bring you eyeballs, but really, don't try to figure it all out before you've heard it. And while a little information goes a long way (there are songs that need to be played together "Heartbreaker/Livin' Lovin' Maid", "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions", etc.) And "March of the Black Queen" and "Funny How Love Is" is such a pairing. And while I rarely pass up a Queen reaction, I must say, that after 50 years of Queen, I've never once heard their music described as an "assault". And really, if you were to actually listen to the entire Queen II album, you would find that Side White (May, Taylor) is considerably "lighter" and more delicate and Side Black is quite a bit darker in mood and lyrical quality. Maybe Queen's a bit much for you. Maybe start a bit slower. Or pick somebody you like more.
This was the song on this side I was confident you would wholeheartedly enjoy, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I don't see "white" and "black" as being meaningful labels, beyond saying each should be taken as a separate set of songs; perhaps they should have chosen less loaded words? [EDIT: I've just read the comment about how they refer to May & Mercury's outfits. Cool!]
I’ve been listening to this since 1977. When I finally met Brian May a few years ago, I tried to tell him how this song, and this album influenced my visual art by teaching me to work in layers. He said “most people don’t listen that carefully.” I was a little taken aback by his answer.
You're so lucky!
He was complimentary.
Nice reaction! Basically, side “White” is all May compositions (save “Loser in the End”) while “Black” is all Mercury. Back in the day, Mercury would wear all black in concert while May would wear all white.
This song has more tempo changes than most bands have in their entire album. Queen rules!!!
The March Of The Black Queen - by Freddie
John Deacon: Bass
Brian May: Tubular bells, backing vocals and electric guitar
Freddie Mercury: Piano, lead and backing vocals
Roger Taylor: Co-lead and backing vocals and drums
Their first albums show that they used the studio as a another instrument!
One of Queen's best songs in my opinion. Very bizarre lyrics but so amazing musically and vocally.
'My life is in your hands!
I'll foe and I'll fie! '
These two lines are sung by Roger Taylor
On top of that sinister bass run, too.
Queen 2 is my favorite of all their albums. I love the experimental music and the raw sound of it. Multiple listens are needed to hear everything. I will have to say that although it’s my favorite, their best 3 albums came next. I just have a thing for their 2nd album. It’s so unique. There’s nothing else like it. Their overall sound Improved on the 3rd album and beyond and the songwriting is just phenomenal on the next 3 albums. Sheer heart attack has my favorite song by Roger Taylor (Tenement Funster). It has a different overall sound from Queen 2 and it came out the same year. It’s a fun album.
No computers, all analog, genius
Back in the day, I'd try to make it past the bell ringing crescendo without my mother screaming for me to turn it down. That section always, let's say, "animated" her.
I first saw Queen at the Beacon Theater in NYC in 1976. They played Procession, White Queen, Ogre Battle, and a section of The March of the Black Queen (as part of a medley.) They only had 4 albums at that point and they had just released A Night at the Opera, so the show featured multiple tracks from each album.
This album made me a Queen fan. I still listen to it regularly, almost 50 years later. I'm laughing when you say you have to listen to it again. Yes. Yes you do. 😊
I was lucky to see them two nights at the Beacon Theater 2/76. We had tickets for the first show on a Thursday. They were so good. We went back and scalped tickets for the fourth show on Sunday night. Snowed quite a bit by the time concert ended. Tough trip home after that one.
One of my favorites! Justin, I really like the words you use to describe your reactions. I agree that the White and Black designation ifs for theme rather than the music itself. They were in a black and white stage in their stage costumes then too. Queen really did work to keep their listeners and audience from being bored. Even later on they would add little changes to even their "poppiest" songs, a slightly different chord progression, a rhythm change, or like this one a surprise ending. I really look forward to seeing you go through their next album, Sheer Heart Attack.
Been super excited for you to get to this masterpiece and seeing you grin ear to ear at the end says it all. Congrats - you now get to live with and enjoy this song for many years to come.
Brian's songs were on the white side (except for one Taylor song) and Freddie's songs were on the black side. In concert Brian wore white nail polish on his left hand and Freddie wore black nail polish on his left hand. In the Rainbow 1974 concert he asked the audience who had white and who had black nail polish on. I don't think it had anything to do with darker music but I think Freddie probably felt his music was more dramatic. He would be right! Freddie had a white jumpsuit on for the first part of the concert and a black one on for the second part. At one point he had hand jewellery on one hand and a black glove with "diamond" studs in it on the other. That concert is a must see. I wore this record out in the 70s.👑
The march of the utterly magnificent QUEEN - 1974 Lords of the ambition
My favourite Queen album 👌
Originally the album was meant to be titled Over the Top. We can hear why .
I've been a Queen fan since 1973. And I definitely prefer the early stuff. In my opinion Queen II is a much overlooked and underrated album. And to this day is still my favourite Queen album.
Good reaction video. Thanks
I wish Freddie wrote more epics like this.
Dude,you will love this.
Its the kitchen sink.
Es exacto como dices, no se trata de que las canciones son más oscuras o no, sino para separar dos mundos, uno repleto de emociones, y otro repleto de historias fantásticas salidas de un mundo de fantasía.
Nothing compares to early Queen.
The March Of The Black Queen is Bohemian Rhapsody's wacky older sister. ^^
@@bluebell3720 older
Queen is the most unique band ever.
Best queen song!!
Yes, it is a lot to take in at once, you really need to listen to it again. Brian's side was the first side with one song of Rogers and Freddie had the black side, He wrote this in his fantasy world called Rhye. You determine lyrics meaning for yourself, as he would not explain,, as I understand. Glad you appreciated it. One of my favorites!
I have been excitedly waiting for you to react to this song. It is one of the three that I consider Freddie's masterpieces, one building into the next. They are: March Of The Black Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody and Innuendo. If I could only pick three Freddie songs that I thought summed up his creative mind it would be these. They are the ultimate Mercury Trilogy for me, musically and lyrically. White nail varnish = Brian May, Black nail varnish = Freddie Mercury. That is how I get the whole black/white thing. I think most of the white side is Brian's music and I think all of the black side is Freddie's? Thank you for a great reaction to this outstanding song.
Their second 'kitchen sink' song. One of my favorites. Night of The Queen play this live with 8 backing singers, 2 guitarists, bass, drums and a singer who does a great job.
WOW! Quite a testament to this fabulous creation.
My favorite part of this song is when Freddie does a little "flutter" on the piano or harpsichord, and then Brian plays his response on the guitar and also has the same "flutter".
Thank you one of my favourite Queen songs you have many more masterpieces to hear try The Prophet Song amazing love your reactions take care x
I think this is a nice example of how May does not play solo`s, but rather playes a part in the song. Also, Mercury already showing his talent for writing music, as well as playing the piano. His writing then, may as well be sigh for being capable of writing music for movies. First of all Flash Gordon and Highlander, but also for Mad Max The Road Warrior, for wich Brian May did the soundtrack.
Its a different Brian May!
dammit. i call copyrights !! How many are there ?@@bluebell3720
You can listen to this for the rest of your life and hear new things. I love the classical section with the harpsichord and vocals.
There's NO harpsichord on this song
@@Queen-RemasteredPL sorry. It sounded like one.
@@janetschulman8998 don't worry
Based on an anecdote about John Deacon noticing the tape was going transparent, I rather believe it was this song that happened to (first anyway).
Hey. Amazing reaction Justin. This is one of my favourite Queen tracks. It’s so mind-blowing for me, even for the 65th time…
I can only imagine what a really fun journey you’ll have with Queen.
My #2 Queen song .. let’s just say this , if I were a cast away on Gilligan’s Island, I would make sure I had March of the Black Queen, Somebody To Love, Brighton Rock, & Tie Your Mother Down in my island hut. I’m sure the Professor could rig up a record player! Hahaha! 🤣🤣 🌊💦⚓️🛥🌴🌴
Interesting you mention Some Day One Day. Besides playing golf alot I lead a pretty boring life. I tend to go back and relisten to songs that catch me. I have listened to Some Day One Day the most lol. White Queen being second. The live version of White Queen is amazing...
It wasn’t over 😢 Love it so much …… I wouldn’t concern myself about black side dark side. I wouldn’t even concern myself as to the meaning of each song ( esp Freddie’s songs) You will change your mind as to what was meant the more you know and listen to Queen. In the end you either like it or you don’t🥰 I love being a simple person that way
Hugs from Brazil 🎉
black and white, two sides of life
Glam prog. My 2nd fave Queen song (after Prophet's Song).
Your reaction at 9.10 is mint! This song reminds me being a rough uncut diamond, and when it's cut and polished, you're then left with Bohemian Rhapsody.
Freddie wrote this song and just like, "Bohemian Rhapsody", it is full of metaphors. Freddie never explained what he was thinking or the meaning of the lyrics.
A friend of mine believes the meaning of "The March of the Black Queen" was influenced by Freddie's early childhood in Zanzibar and the stories of the slave ships he heard while playing on the wharves. Here is his interpretation:
This song is about a young man on a slave-trading ship. The Black Queen is the British Empire and the "black" slave trade. This young man is torn about his loyalty to the crown (as he's been raised) and what he is experiencing on the ship: Do you mean it
Do you mean it
Do you mean it
Why don't you mean it
Why do I follow you And where do you go
The young man is seeing exotic lands and he finds them heavenly but he's struggling with the reality of what he sees and his loyalty to the crown.
You've never seen nothing
Like it no never in your life
Like going up to heaven
And then coming back alive
Let me tell you all about it
(And the world will so allow it)
Oooh give me a little time to choose
The next verse is a reference to a British children's book. Blue Powder Monkeys are the young boys on naval ships who brought up gunpowder to the cannons: Water babies singing In a lily-pool delight
Blue powder monkeys Praying in the dead of night
The verse below is about where the powder monkeys go if they don't follow orders. "Sugar Ni**ers" was in the original recording but in later recordings, the term is removed for obvious reasons. It was a term used for slaves who were shipped to the Caribbean to work the sugar plantations, some who were groomed to be in charge of the crew's needs (baby oil reference). The boy realizes his food and shelter are provided by the Crown, the slaves are traded to provide luxury for the elite, and "all that noise" refers to making trouble or keeping quiet and having a full belly:
Put them in the cellar with the naughty boys
Little ni**er sugar than a rub-a-dub-a-baby oil
Black on black on every fingernail and toe We've only begun - begun
Make this make that keep making all that noise
Ooh, march to the Black Queen Now I've got a belly full...
This next verse is about the young man remembering what he was taught by his parents/religion, good thoughts, good works, and good deeds. Being a good person without expecting a reward. Notice he says "In each and every soul lies a man", meaning we are born good and equal and only allow ourselves to be corrupted by our quest for material things but he'll convince himself that he's still good.
A voice from behind me reminds me
Spread out your wings, you are an angel
Remember to deliver with the speed of light (A little bit of love and joy)
Everything you do bears a will
And a why and a wherefore
(A little bit of love and joy) In each and every soul Lies a man and very soon
He'll deceive and discover
But even till the end of his life, He'll bring a little love
The next verse is about the Empire (Queen). The crown at home is holy, good, and great (reign with my left hand) while it conquers and pillages the Indies (rule with my right). The young man realizes the power and that he'll never win, so he gives up, accepts that the Crown will rule, and decides he'll take the good and ignore the bad.
I reign with my left hand
I rule with my right
I'm lord of all darkness
I'm Queen of the night
I've got the power
Now do the march of the black Queen
My life is in your hands,
I'll fo and I'll fie
I'll be what you make me
I'll do what you like
I'll be a bad boy,
I'll be your bad boy
I'll do the march of the Black Queen
Ah, ah, ah, ah
The verse below is about the marking of the territory, declaring it part of the British Empire (tattoos all her pies). There is a childhood nursery rhyme about baking pies for the King that was beautiful on the outside but full of blackbirds on the inside, a "dainty dish to serve the King". "Never dots her "I'"s refers to ignoring the details of what is happening to the people of the conquered empire: Walking true to style
She's vulgar, 'buse, and vile
Fie-fo the Black Queen tattoos all her pies
She boils and she bakes
And she never dots her i's
(She's our leader)
This last verse is telling you to forget the tales you've been told about how wonderful it was, that the Black Queen ruled over the blacks and used them to bring you wealth and luxury.
Forget your sing-a-longs and your lullabies
Surrender to the city of the Fireflies
Dance to the devil in beat with the band To hell with all of you hand in hand
But now it's time to be gone
Anyway, this is one interpretation...
Zanzibar were ruled by Arab Sultan and continued when the British abolished slavery there and it became a British protectorate
the British were never involved with the slave trade there the Arabs were
the sultans were like royalty
naval ships were not involved with the slave trade but abolishing it
he may have seen hypocrisy in the fact they used children from poor families
let me choose..
( water babies ) Kingsley uses Tom's endeavor to subtly undermine contemporary social problems in England, including its brutal treatment of those in poverty, as well as unconscionable child labor issues.
poor children had options of being chimney sweeps, often died young and developed disabilities, joined the navy as powder monkeys, stole to survive ..
in the story Tom steals to eat ends up dying but redeems himself and become a spirit a water baby
there's nothing clear to claim the author was racist it certainly wouldn't be evident in his work, the only claim to it is he said pike were ugly
Nigger sugar it certainly doesn't sound like that, I can't find anyone saying they heard the record and heard that word
I think someone made a mistake by writing it that way now everyone claims that's what it was
if the word nigger was used it didn't say ' sugar niggers ' as you have said but ' nigger sugar' ' and baby oil' so it would be referring to the sugar that way as it was harvested by slaves
I can't find anything about this term
' sugar niggers wouldn't make sense in this song
remembering to be kind...teachings of most religions and in that time would be Christian in regards to the navy and British in general
good thoughts, good works, and good deeds is very pacific to his families religion Zoroastrianism
it's not necessarily thinking of the British monarchy the Government abolished slavery
but any country people witnessing it would be torn in the way you describe
the people in Zanzibar didn't revolt over slavery to end it but in response to the Arab Government not willing to follow democracy and respecting their vote
the British were respected in Zanzibar but they were involved in slavery and colonies in other countries
Arabs ruled Zanzibar and were involved with slavery far longer than anyone else
you post this comment on each reaction to BQ
I don't want people to get the wrong idea of the British involvement in Zanzibar especially as you suggest this song could have been influenced by stories he heard as a child
he wouldn't have heard negative stories of Britain as a child
when the revolt happened he was 17 it had been ordered not to kill and white people and they weren't
many Arabs/Asians were killed but Freddies family were protected and saved by the British and found refuge in Britain
I have no idea what tattooing all her pies could refer to, doesn't make much sense really, not sure reference to territories fits to refer to it as pies
pies are more associated with British culture but I looked up African traditions then Islam
Zanzibar was ruled by Sultans
and it did come up that Sultans had a tradition of pies and were seen as special and were offered in diplomatic feasts but there's no reference to them being tattooed/ decorated in any special way
unless it's just making a comparison that great detail was taken with some things but not others
tattoos all her pies but doesn't dot her I's
and it rhymes!
this could be reflecting on any monarchy or power system not necessarily British
though it could be showing hypocrisies that even though when the British were stopping slavery and other atrocities they were still involved with bad things as were other countries/people
but as I said as a child these negative subjects would be introduced to him about Arabs
but reference to (water babies ) and powder monkeys is associated with Britain but nothing to do with the slave trade only later in stopping it
the nursery rhyme, there are lots of ideas of what it was referring to if anything
it has been claimed as part of the wedding celebrations a large pie was brought in but when opened birds flew out
he isn't necessarily referring to slavery but in general people in power treating people badly for selfish reasons and the hypocrisy
if referring to slavery ' black Queen' could be an African Queen who sold slaves.
black Queen could be anyone but black referring to bad
either the British or Arabs..
not just black people who were treated badly, he refers to water babies and powder monkeys these are reference to poor white children
many non black people had to become indentured servants to escape bad situations, to try and have a better life once their term was over and so on
the idea of knowing the black Queen is bad but decides to support her can be used to just about any group/country especially in the time period of slavery
including people in Zanzibar
especially when the revolt happened he may have questioned why this hadn't happened to stop slavery
Zanzibar
I'm struggling to believe that with his experiences he would only be seeing the British as the bad people especially when they stopped slavery in Zanzibar and saved his family and especially with what the history of Zanzibar was
Great interpretation, except Zanzibar was the centre of the Arab slave trade. Britain had abolished the Slave trade world wide before Zanzibar became a British protectorate.
@@jodawson5268
Britain were directly involved with abolishing the slave trade in Zanzibar
Over many years, reducing the trade making agreements, finding alternatives and so on until it was completely abolished
'In 1822, the British signed the first of a series of treaties with Sultan Said to curb this trade. Under strong British pressure, the slave trade was officially abolished in 1876, but slavery itself remained legal in Zanzibar until 1897.'
@@jodawson5268 Does not matter. This is a song, not a history lesson.
Remember Freddie was first educated in Zanzibar and then in India. He was taught British history from the perspective of India after it gained its independence from Britain.
While you may hear it, I have dozens of times, this and "Funny How Love Is" should be played together.
How popular were Queen? Justin's videos have twice the number of ads as usual. 😁 But I'd never heard that before and you can totally hear how it was a blueprint for "Bohemian Rhapsody". I feel like this is where they really become Queen.
White side is mostly all May compositions, besides "Loser in The End" and take on a more real life setting, talking more realistic themes. While side Black, which are all Mercury compositions, are all Fantasy themed, and very abstract. At least this is my interpretation.
In my opinion this is their best song and they never played it live…and they remained very popular….just imagine Led Zeppelin never playing Stairway to Heaven live…..would they be as popular as Queen….
This, Masterpiece !!! 😍
Father to Son is another
I thought your eyeballs might start spinning while you were listening.
It's good vs evil!
私のこれがジャケット写真です
Everybody at some point yearns for their youth in some form. Well, we had THIS as one of many things. I pity the poor sods who'll have only Britney or dose, lol.
I loved the song for decades, although when I read the lyrics, i got a bit...errr...
Do you mean it?
Do you mean it?
Do you mean it?
Why don't you mean it?
Why do I follow you and where do you go?
You've never seen nothing like it
No, never in your life
Like going up to heaven
And then coming back alive
Let me tell you all about it
And the world will so allow it
Ooh, give me a little time to choose
Water babies singing in a lily-pool delight
Blue powder monkeys praying in the dead of night
Here comes the black queen, poking in the pile
Fie-fo the black queen, marching single file
Take this, take that
Bring them down to size
(March to the black queen)
Put them in the cellar with the naughty boys
A little n***er sugar then a rub-a dub-a baby oil
Black on, black on every finger nail and toe
We've only begun, begun
Make this, make that
Keep making all that noise
(March to the black queen)
Now I've got a belly full
You can be my sugar baby
You can be my honey chile, yes
A voice from behind me reminds me
Spread out your wings, you are an angel
Remember to deliver with the speed of light
A little bit of love and joy
Everything you do bears a will and a why and a wherefore
A little bit of love and joy
In each and every soul lies a man
Very soon he'll deceive and discover
But even 'til the end of his life
He'll bring a little love
I reign with my left hand
I rule with my right
I'm Lord of all darkness
I'm queen of the night
But I've got the power
Now do the march of the black queen
My life is in your hands
I'll fo and I'll fie
I'll be what you make me
I'll do what you like
I'll be your bad boy
I'll be your bad boy
I'll do the march of the black queen
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Walking to the style
She's vulgar, 'buse and vile
Fie-fo the black queen tattoos all her pies
She boils, and she bakes, and she never dots her "I's"
She's our leader
Forget your sing-alongs and your lullabies
Surrender to the city of the fireflies
Dance with the devil, beat with the band
To hell with all of you hand-in-hand
But now it's time to be gone
La, la, la, la, forever, forever
Songwriters: Freddie Mercury
AMAZING lyrics . . .
I believe it's "If the word will so allow it".
Queen....in my opinion were far better in that era....full of ideas. But, lets face it....they could never keep it up.
Takes many listens and each time you discover new brilliant sections. Absolute masterpiece. Enjoy.
I gotta tell you, dude, watching this reaction is like watching kittens drown. Yes, Queen will bring you eyeballs, but really, don't try to figure it all out before you've heard it. And while a little information goes a long way (there are songs that need to be played together "Heartbreaker/Livin' Lovin' Maid", "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions", etc.) And "March of the Black Queen" and "Funny How Love Is" is such a pairing. And while I rarely pass up a Queen reaction, I must say, that after 50 years of Queen, I've never once heard their music described as an "assault". And really, if you were to actually listen to the entire Queen II album, you would find that Side White (May, Taylor) is considerably "lighter" and more delicate and Side Black is quite a bit darker in mood and lyrical quality. Maybe Queen's a bit much for you. Maybe start a bit slower. Or pick somebody you like more.
This was the song on this side I was confident you would wholeheartedly enjoy, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I don't see "white" and "black" as being meaningful labels, beyond saying each should be taken as a separate set of songs; perhaps they should have chosen less loaded words? [EDIT: I've just read the comment about how they refer to May & Mercury's outfits. Cool!]
Sorry, not sorry but this makes Bohemian Rhapsody sound like a cakewalk! Love all queen but the whole second side of Queen 2 is my favorite!!!!
admitting to having zero clue what the lyrics actually mean, yet I find a lot of them, dare I say, a bit disturbing. (albeit, beautifully presented).