About the song
“Another One Bites the Dust” is a quintessential track by the British rock band Queen, written by bassist John Deacon and featured on their 1980 album *The Game*. Released as a single on January 26, 1979, the song swiftly ascended to become one of Queen’s most iconic hits. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks in October 1979, marking the band’s second and final number-one single in the country. This success was not confined to the US alone; the song reached impressive chart positions globally, including number seven on the UK Singles Chart, and was a significant hit on the Hot Soul Singles and Disco Top 100 charts.
“Another One Bites the Dust” is celebrated as Queen’s best-selling single, with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, and it remains a cornerstone of their discography. The song’s compelling bass line, which John Deacon famously crafted, was inspired by Chic’s “Good Times,” reflecting a fusion of rock and disco influences. The recording sessions, conducted at Musicland Studios in Munich, saw Deacon taking on a multifaceted role, playing bass guitar, piano, electric guitar, and even handclaps, while Roger Taylor added a drum loop and Brian May contributed guitar effects. Notably, the track features no synthesizers; instead, its distinctive sound is created through piano, electric guitars, and creative tape manipulation, including reversed playback.
The song’s enduring popularity is evident from its appearances in various media, including films, commercials, and TV shows, and its use at sports events. Its significance in popular culture was bolstered by its inclusion in the 1981 compilation album *Greatest Hits* and its recognition at the 1981 American Music Awards, where it won for Favorite Pop/Rock Single. Additionally, it earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
“Another One Bites the Dust” has been the subject of various covers, remixes, and samples, reflecting its influence across genres and generations. It even featured in a preliminary cut of *Rocky III*, although it was later replaced by Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” The song’s powerful bass line and catchy hooks have also found practical application; it was used in a study to train medical professionals on the correct rate for chest compressions during CPR.
Critically acclaimed for its “snarling track” and “brutal bass,” as noted by Billboard and Record World, the song has also been the subject of controversy due to alleged backmasking claims, though these have been refuted by the band. Despite such controversies, “Another One Bites the Dust” remains a staple of Queen’s legacy, illustrating the band’s innovative approach to rock music and their ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s go!
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
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
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
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
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
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Hey!
Oh, take it
Bite the dust
Bite the dust, hey
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
Ooh, shout!
There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man
And bring him to the ground
You can beat him, you can cheat him, you can treat him bad
And leave him when he’s down, yeah
But I’m ready, yes I’m ready for you
I’m standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
Repeating to the sound of the beat, oh yeah
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
Shoot out
Ay-yeah
Alright