Queen Elizabeth II was the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch, with over seven decades under her belt. Throughout her lengthy reign, it is no surprise that she has been the subject of pop culture, including music and art.
Some music enthusiasts might need some help in curating their Royal-themed playlists to listen to as the world slows down to watch the proceedings of the late Queen's death.
Some songs are more wholesome than others, but nonetheless, all were inspired by Queen Elizabeth II.
1. "Her Majesty" By The Beatles (1969)
It is no surprise The Beatles' "her Majesty" is about Queen Elizabeth II, as the title sort of gives it away. The song is included in The Beatles' iconic album "Abbey Road," released in 1969.
The song was written by Paul McCartney, who ironically was knighted by the Queen herself, had this to say about the song, "It was quite funny because it's basically monarchist, with a mildly disrespectful tone, but it's very tongue in cheek. It's almost like a love song to the Queen."
2. "On Her Silver Jubilee" by Leon Rosselson (1979)
"On Her Silver Jubilee" is Leon Rosselson's satirical and sardonic take on England's monarch institution. Rosselson is a children's book author and songwriter, and the song captured his sentiments on the matter.
3. "The Queen Is Dead" by The Smiths (1986)
According to Billboard, The Smiths' singer Morrissey has been vocal about his disdain towards Queen Elizabeth II. He revealed the reason behind his contempt in 2016 to an Australian news outlet, "Monarchy represents an unequal and inequitable social system. [...] You either buy into the silliness or else you are intelligent enough to realize that it is all human greed and arrogance."
The official music video of "The Queen Is Dead," directed by Derek Jarman, was released on Feb. 7, 2014, a day after the Queen celebrated her 62nd year on the throne.
4. "Elizabeth My Dear" by The Stone Roses (1989)
The Stone Roses' singer Ian Brown is a staunch critic of England's monarchy. During a show in Manchester in June of 2012, he called them "parasites."
"This song's dedicated to those parasites down the road [in London] , celebrating 60 years of tyranny," he said.
5. "God Save The Queen" by Sex Pistols (1977)
Another one in the list who is not too happy with the royal institution is the Sex Pistol's singer John Lydon. "God Save The Queen" is a sarcastic take on the saying "God save the Queen."
The English singer clarified that he has no personal animosity towards the late Queen, but towards the institution itself, "I've got no animosity against any one of the royal family. Never did. It's the institution of it that bothers me and the assumption that I'm to pay for that."
6. "Rule Nor Reason" by Billy Bragg (1997)
Unlike the previous songs that took a cynical view of the English monarch and institution, Billy Bragg's "Rule Nor Reason" portrayed the late Queen as a lonesome person. He sang, "she looks out the window and cries."
7. "Dreaming Of The Queen" by Pet Shop Boys (1993)
"Dreaming Of The Queen" takes on a more humorous note, as the lyrics follow a tea party with the late Queen and Princess Diana. However, apparently, everything was just a dream, hence the title.
© 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
