Tucked away as a hidden gem on Queen's 1991 swan-song album Innuendo, "The Hitman" bursts forth with the kind of raw, riff-driven energy that defined the band's later years—equal parts menace and mischief. Penned by bassist John Deacon, who often brought a sly, understated wit to Queen's catalog (think "Another One Bites the Dust"), this track transforms the shadowy archetype of a contract killer into a metaphor for the thrill of romantic obsession. With Freddie Mercury's snarling delivery, Brian May's razor-sharp guitar licks, and a pounding rhythm section, it paints a vivid picture of a love-struck "hitman" who's equal parts predator and lovesick fool, ready to "waste" anything (or anyone) standing in the way of his prize. Far from a somber farewell, "The Hitman" is Queen's playful nod to pulp fiction and rock 'n' roll bravado, capturing the band's unyielding spirit amid the encroaching shadows of Freddie's illness. It's a reminder that even in their final chapters, Queen could make danger sound downright irresistible.
Innuendo -
The Hitman
#
Lyric line
Interpretation & Notes
Intro — Energetic buildup 0:00–0:10
1
Here we go, yeah
Kicks off the song with high-energy enthusiasm, setting a rock 'n' roll tone.
2
Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah
Builds excitement with vocal ad-libs, drawing the listener in.
3
Hey, I'm the hitman
Introduces the central character: a tough, confident "hitman" persona.
4
Stand aside
Commands attention and dominance, establishing the hitman's authority.
5
I'm the hitman
Reinforces the persona with repetition for emphasis.
6
I want your life
Threatens with intensity, but hints at passionate desire rather than literal violence.
7
Ain't no escaping
Suggests inevitability, building tension in the narrative.
8
Don't run and hide
Warns against fleeing, heightening the dramatic pursuit.
9
There goes the neighbourhood
Implies disruption and chaos caused by the hitman's arrival.
10
(I'm gonna kill for your love) that's right
Reveals the twist: the "hit" is driven by obsessive love, blending danger with romance.
Verse 1 — The hitman's warning 0:10–0:40
11
Hitman
Reiterates the identity, maintaining the song's rhythmic pulse.
12
Now don't you cry
Mockingly consoles the target, showing a mix of menace and playfulness.
13
I'm just a hitman
Downplays the threat with casual self-description.
14
And you might get fried
Threatens with slang for destruction, adding gritty street vibe.
15
Gun in my pocket
References weaponry, evoking a classic hitman image.
16
Don't get me wrong
Assures it's not malice, but clarifies the romantic motivation.
17
I'll be your hitman
Offers services in a possessive, devoted manner.
18
I'm a fool for your love
Admits vulnerability, contrasting the tough exterior with emotional weakness.
19
I'm a head shredder
Boasts destructive capabilities, using rock slang for intensity.
20
That's better
Self-satisfied affirmation of his prowess.
21
Baby, baby, baby
Tenderly addresses the love interest, softening the tough persona.
22
I'm a hitman, hitman, hitman
Chants the refrain, building to a hypnotic, anthemic climax.
Bridge — Global chaos 0:40–1:10
23
Yeah, trouble in the East, troubled in the West
Expands the theme to worldwide turmoil, mirroring inner conflict.
24
Struggle with the beast (what a thief, what a pest)
Personifies inner demons or rivals as beasts, adding moral ambiguity.
25
Come back, mother
Cryptic plea, possibly nostalgic or calling for maternal comfort amid chaos.
26
Nuke that sucker
Escalates to nuclear imagery, symbolizing total destruction of obstacles.
27
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Vocal interjections maintain the song's raw energy.
28
Who knows what I'm talking about
Acknowledges the surreal, stream-of-consciousness lyrics with self-awareness.
29
Waste that, brother
Urges decisive action against threats, in a fraternal, band-like tone.
30
All right
Affirms readiness, transitioning back to the main theme.
31
Ooh
Expressive vocal fill, adding emotional flair.
32
That's the way to do it
Celebrates the hitman approach with approval.
Verse 2 — The hitman's pride 1:10–1:40
33
I'm the hitman
Reasserts identity, keeping the persona front and center.
34
I'm your prize
Positions himself as a desirable, trophy-like figure.
35
But this hitman can cut you down to size
Warns of his ability to humble or defeat, blending allure with danger.
36
Love me, baby
Pleads for affection, revealing the romantic core.
37
Don't be so cool
Urges the love interest to show warmth, contrasting his own intensity.
38
Love me, love me, baby
Desperate repetition emphasizes longing for reciprocation.
39
I've been to the hitman school
Boasts professional training, adding humorous credibility to the persona.
40
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Continues the energetic vocal hooks.
Outro — Explosive climax 1:40–2:30
41
You're gonna make my day
Echoes action-movie thrill, promising excitement.
42
Gonna blow you away
Double entendre: impress or destroy, heightening the drama.
43
That's when the fun begins
Teases the start of the real action, building anticipation.
44
Are you ready for the sting?
Challenges the listener, like a bee's sting or a con artist's trick.
45
Gonna waste that thing (hitman)
Vows to eliminate obstacles, with the hitman tag reinforcing identity.
46
Hitman is king
Declares supremacy, crowning the persona as ultimate ruler.
47
Go, go
Urges forward momentum, like a race or chase.
48
Oh, hitman, hitman
Fades out with chanting, leaving a lasting, triumphant echo.
Reading guide: A high-octane rock romp through the wild world of obsessive love, The Hitman showcases Queen's playful side with its gangster metaphors and explosive energy. Penned by John Deacon, the track blends tough-guy bravado with romantic vulnerability, creating a fun, tongue-in-cheek narrative where the "hit" is all about winning a heart. Themes of danger vs. desire , chaos vs. control , and threat vs. tenderness pulse through the lyrics, delivered with Freddie Mercury's charismatic flair and the band's signature bombast.
The Hitman — Tech Specs
Album
Innuendo (1991)
Recorded
1989–1990, Metropolis Studios (London) & Mountain Studios (Montreux)
Genre
Heavy metal / Hard rock
Length
4:56
Producer(s)
Queen & David Richards
Composer
Initial idea: Freddie Mercury (lyrics + piano outline)
Arrangement: Brian May (guitar-driven rewrite)
Lyrics reworked: Roger Taylor
Official credit: Queen
Arrangement: Brian May (guitar-driven rewrite)
Lyrics reworked: Roger Taylor
Official credit: Queen
Band Line-up
Freddie Mercury – lead vocals
Brian May – guitars (dominant heavy riffs & solo)
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar
Brian May – guitars (dominant heavy riffs & solo)
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar
Technical Personnel
David Richards – co-producer, engineer, programming
Notable Features
One of Queen’s heaviest songs — riff-driven, aggressive, metal-like intensity.
Began as a Mercury composition but transformed by May into a guitar showcase.
Lyrics portray a violent, unstoppable “hitman” character — raw and theatrical.
A standout for fans of Queen’s heavier side.
Began as a Mercury composition but transformed by May into a guitar showcase.
Lyrics portray a violent, unstoppable “hitman” character — raw and theatrical.
A standout for fans of Queen’s heavier side.