About the Song
Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls”, led by the iconic vocals of Freddie Mercury, is more than just a party anthem with a catchy hook. Released in 1984 on the album The Works, it’s a tongue-in-cheek celebration of physical attractiveness, laced with Freddie’s characteristic flamboyance and theatricality.
The song’s playful nature lies in its unconventional subject matter. Mercury, known for defying musical and lyrical expectations, throws a curveball with his ode to “round things and curves in all the right places”. The lyrics are peppered with playful rhymes and cheeky innuendo, creating a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere.
“Fat Bottomed Girls” isn’t meant to be a profound social commentary. It’s a celebration of visual allure, a departure from the band’s usual brand of complex rock anthems. The focus is on having fun and letting loose, evident in lines like “I see a little silhouetto of a girl / Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?” This nonsensical verse adds to the song’s playful spirit and its campy theatricality.
The enduring appeal of “Fat Bottomed Girls” lies in its infectious energy. The driving rhythm section, featuring a prominent bass line and John Deacon’s pounding drums, creates a party atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. Mercury’s soaring vocals and playful delivery perfectly complement the music, guaranteeing to get listeners moving and singing along.
Musically, the song is a classic example of Queen’s ability to blend genres. It combines elements of rock, pop, and even a touch of disco, resulting in a unique and energetic sound. The guitar work by Brian May is flashy and energetic, mirroring the song’s overall vibe.
“Fat Bottomed Girls” might raise eyebrows in today’s more critical social climate. However, it remains a beloved classic within Queen’s extensive catalog. It’s a reminder of Freddie Mercury’s ability to push boundaries, embrace theatricality, and craft a song that’s both catchy and fun. While the lyrics focus on physical beauty, the song’s true charm lies in its energy and its ability to get listeners moving and enjoying the moment.
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Lyrics: Fat Bottomed Girls
Oh you gonna take me home tonight
Oh down beside that red firelight
Oh you gonna let it all hang out
Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rocking world go ’roundHey, I was just a skinny lad
Never knew no good from bad
But I knew life before I left my nursery (huh)
Left alone with big fat Fanny
She was such a naughty nanny
Heap big woman, you made a bad boy out of meHey, hey!
I’ve been singing with my band
‘Cross the water, ‘cross the land
I’ve seen every blue-eyed floozy on the way (hey)
But their beauty and their style
Went kind of smooth after a while
Take me to them dirty ladies every timeC’mon!
Oh, won’t you take me home tonight?
Oh, down beside your red firelight
Oh, and you give it all you got
Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rocking world go ’round
Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rocking world go ’roundHey, listen here
Now I got mortgages and homes
I got stiffness in the bones
Ain’t no beauty queens in this locality (I tell you)
Oh, but I still get my pleasure
Still got my greatest treasure
Heap big woman you done made a big man of me (now get this)Oh (I know), you gonna take me home tonight (please)
Oh, down beside that red firelight
Oh, you gonna let it all hang out
Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rocking world go ’round (yeah)
Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rocking world go ’roundGet on your bikes and ride
Ooh, yeah, oh, yeah, them fat-bottomed girls
Fat-bottomed girls, yeah, yeah, yeah
Alright
Ride ’em come on
Fat-bottomed girls
Yes, yes, right