A Kind Of MAgic -

Princes of the Universe

Princes of the Universe

A blazing anthem of immortal triumph from Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic, "Princes of the Universe" is Freddie Mercury's electrifying contribution to the Highlander soundtrack, serving as the film's main theme. With Brian May's searing guitar riffs, John Deacon's pulsing bass, and Roger Taylor's thunderous drums, the song channels the swagger and defiance of Connor MacLeod, the immortal hero fighting for survival and supremacy. Mercury's lyrics, delivered with operatic bravado, proclaim the immortals as "princes of the universe," born to rule with "blood of kings" and unyielding ambition, while defying doubters who claim their time has passed. Written specifically to capture Highlander's epic narrative, the track blends cosmic aspirations ("fly the moon and reach for the stars") with grounded devotion ("I'm here for your love"), making it both a battle cry for the film's sword-wielding warriors and a universal call to seize one's destiny. A staple of Queen's live performances during the Magic Tour, its raw energy and regal imagery cement it as one of their most iconic cinematic anthems.
Princes of the Universe - Queen Lyrics Analysis
# Lyric line Interpretation & Notes
Intro/Chorus — Destined royalty 0:00–0:30
1 Here we are, born to be kings Establishes the immortals as destined rulers, tying to Highlander 's epic scope.
2 We're the princes of the universe Declares their supreme status, above mortal constraints.
3 Here we belong, fighting to survive Emphasizes their purpose in a brutal, survival-driven world.
4 In a world with the darkest powers Acknowledges the dangerous, shadowy forces they face.
5 Heh Vocal flourish adding swagger and defiance.
6 And here we are, we're the princes of the universe Repeats the claim of dominance, reinforcing their stature.
7 Here we belong, fighting for survival Reiterates their struggle for existence in a hostile world.
8 We've come to be the rulers of you all Proclaims their destiny to dominate, echoing Highlander 's Prize.
Verse 1 — Immortal supremacy 0:30–1:00
9 I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings, yeah, yeah Declares immortality and noble lineage, tying to Connor MacLeod's heritage.
10 I have no rival, no man can be my equal Boasts unmatched power, reflecting the immortal's confidence.
11 Take me to the future of you all Envisions leading humanity into a new era under their rule.
Chorus — Royal destiny 1:00–1:30
12 Born to be kings, princes of the universe Reaffirms their destined sovereignty.
13 Fighting and free Highlights their warrior spirit and unrestrained nature.
14 Got your world in my hand Claims control over the mortal world.
15 I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand Balances power with devotion, possibly referencing Connor's love for Brenda.
16 We were born to be princes of the universe Repeats the anthem of their supreme destiny.
Verse 2 — Defying doubters 1:30–2:00
17 No man could understand Suggests mortals cannot comprehend the immortal's power.
18 My power is in my own hand Emphasizes self-reliant strength and autonomy.
19 Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, people talk about you Acknowledges gossip or doubt about their relevance.
20 People say you've had your day Reflects skeptics claiming their time has passed.
21 I'm a man that will go far Defiantly asserts ambition and future success.
22 Fly the moon and reach for the stars Uses cosmic imagery to convey limitless aspirations.
23 With my sword and head held high Evokes Highlander 's warrior imagery, symbolizing pride and readiness.
24 Got to pass the test first time, yeah Stresses the need to succeed in the immortal battles decisively.
25 I know that people talk about me, I hear it every day Repeats awareness of criticism, showing resilience.
26 But I can prove them wrong 'cause I'm right first time Confidently vows to defy naysayers with success.
Bridge — Triumphant energy 2:00–2:30
27 Yeah, yeah Vocal ad-libs amplify the defiant tone.
28 Alright, let's go, let's go, ha ha Energizes the song with a call to action, exuding confidence.
29 Yeah, watch this man fly, wooh Boasts of soaring to greatness, defying limits.
30 Bring on the girls, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon Playful call for celebration, adding swagger to the immortal's triumph.
Outro — Final anthem 2:30–3:37
31 Here we are (here we are) Reasserts presence and purpose.
32 Born to be kings, we're the princes of the universe Reprises the core declaration of royal destiny.
33 Here we belong Affirms their rightful place in the world.
34 Born to be kings, princes of the universe Repeats for climactic emphasis.
35 Fighting and free, got your world in my hand Reaffirms their warrior spirit and control.
36 I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand Balances power with devotion, grounding the anthem in love.
37 We were born to be princes of the universe (universe, universe, universe) Closes with a soaring, triumphant declaration, echoing into eternity.

Reading guide: A soaring rock anthem from Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic , Princes of the Universe is Freddie Mercury's bold celebration of immortality and destiny, crafted for the Highlander soundtrack. With searing guitars and Mercury's commanding vocals, it captures Connor MacLeod's journey as an immortal warrior, exploring themes of destiny vs. struggle , power vs. love , and defiance vs. doubt. Its triumphant energy and regal imagery make it a timeless ode to rising above adversity and claiming one's place as a ruler of the universe.

Princes of the Universe — Tech Specs

Album A Kind of Magic (1986)
Released Single: 12 March 1986 (US, Japan, Australia)
Recorded 1985–1986, Musicland Studios (Munich)
Genre Hard rock / Heavy metal
Length 3:33
Producer(s) Queen & David Richards
Composer Freddie Mercury (credited to Queen)
Band Line-up Freddie Mercury – lead & backing vocals
Brian May – guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar
Technical Personnel David Richards – co-producer, engineer
Reinhold Mack – additional production support
Notable Features Written as the main theme for the film Highlander (1986).
Powerful hard rock track with aggressive vocals from Mercury and heavy guitar riffs from May.
Lyrics reflect immortality, power, and the central premise of the film (“There can be only one”).
Music video directed by Russell Mulcahy, filmed at Earl’s Court, features swordfight sequences with actor Christopher Lambert.
Later used as the **theme song for the Highlander TV series** (1992–1998).

One Vision

A Kind of Magic

One Year of Love

Pain Is So Close to Pleasure

Friends Will Be Friends

Who Wants to Live Forever

Gimme the Prize (Kurgan’s Theme)

Don’t Lose Your Head

Princes of the Universe