About the song
It seems like there might be a slight mix-up with the song title you’re asking about. I believe you meant “Flash’s Theme” by Queen, which is the iconic track from the 1980 soundtrack of the film Flash Gordon. This song became one of Queen’s most recognizable works, largely due to its dramatic and energetic composition that blends rock, opera, and cinematic flair.
“Flash’s Theme” was released as part of the Flash Gordon album, which came out in December 1980. The soundtrack was a unique project for Queen, as they typically focused on original studio albums, but the band’s creative freedom in working on this movie score allowed them to experiment with sounds and structures that were not typically associated with their usual music style. The album itself was an adventurous departure, mixing orchestral elements with Queen’s signature rock sound. This track, specifically, was designed to serve as both an introduction to the movie’s action-packed plot and a powerful anthem for the character Flash Gordon.
The song’s meaning ties directly to the 1980 science fiction movie’s central character, Flash Gordon, who is depicted as a hero fighting against the evil forces led by Emperor Ming. The lyrics of “Flash’s Theme” echo the over-the-top, comic book hero energy of the film, with Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals delivering lines like “Flash! Ahh-ahh! Savior of the Universe!” The dramatic tone of the song mirrors the film’s exaggerated action and adventurous spirit, and this sense of grandiosity is perfectly suited to Queen’s theatrical style. The song represents the timeless theme of heroism—Flash Gordon is not just a man, but a larger-than-life figure who stands against the forces of evil, and the music supports that narrative with its bombastic, heroic sound.
Musically, “Flash’s Theme” is both symphonic and rock-driven, merging sweeping orchestral passages with a propulsive guitar riff, making it feel like an anthem for both rock fans and moviegoers. It was one of the first instances where Queen fully embraced synthesizers and electronic elements, giving the track a futuristic feel that complemented the film’s sci-fi world. The song’s energy, urgency, and soaring vocals are unforgettable, creating a piece of music that transcends both the film’s original context and the rock genre itself.
The cultural impact of “Flash’s Theme” is significant, especially within Queen’s legacy. The film Flash Gordon may not have been a huge commercial success at the time, but the song has endured as one of Queen’s most celebrated anthems, showing up in various pop culture references, from television to video games to live performances. The track encapsulates Queen’s ability to merge the dramatic with the catchy, the operatic with the rock, a balance they would go on to refine in later works.
In conclusion, “Flash’s Theme” is a high-energy, cinematic experience that showcases Queen’s creativity and their ability to break boundaries within both film scoring and rock music. The song’s theatrical scope, bold instrumentation, and unforgettable chorus make it a standout piece in the band’s catalog and a reminder of Queen’s immense ability to craft timeless, iconic music that has influenced generations of artists and fans alike.
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Lyrics
Klytus, I’m boredWhat play thing can you offer me today?An obscure body in the S-K System, your majestyThe inhabitants refer to it as the planet EarthHow peaceful it looksMost effective, your majestyWill you destroy this Earth?LaterI like to play with things awhileBefore annihilationFlash! A-ah!Saviour of the UniverseFlash! A-ah!He’ll save every one of usFlash! A-ah!He’s a miracleFlash! A-ah!King of the impossibleHe’s for every one of usStand for every one of usHe saves with a mighty handEvery man, every womanEvery child, it’s the mighty flashFlash! A-ah!Flash! A-ah!He’ll save every one of usJust a man with a man’s courageYou know he’s nothing but a manAnd he can never failNo one but the pure at heartMay find the Golden GrailOh-oh, oh-ohFlash!My God, we’re movingFor God’s sake, strap yourselves down