Dragon Attack by Queen

Album: The Game (1980)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Most of the track evolved from a jam session the band had at the studio while they were bladdered. That's how the basic loop of bass and drums came out. Brian May then added lyrics and melody, the latter being surprisingly similar to "We Will Rock You" (compare "Buddy you're a boy make a big noise playing in the street" with "Take me to the room where the red's all red take me").

It came as quite the musical surprise in the running order on the album - both that the rock-orientated May wrote it (as opposed to the more funk/disco leaning Deacon and Mercury) and after the very traditionally Queen "Play The Game." However, it does work on easing the listener in to "Another One Bites The Dust". >>
Suggestion credit:
Sebas - Tokyo, Japan
"Dragon Attack" is one of several songs on The Game which best demonstrates Queen's experimentation with more minimal recording techniques during this period. They had a new producer, Mack, and were working in high-tech studios in Munich, away from their regular producer Roy Thomas Barker (with whom they had developed their hugely complex sound) for the first time.

Brian May spoke about this new approach: "Yeah, that was when we started trying to get outside what was normal for us. We turned our whole studio technique around in a sense, because Mack had come from a different background from us. We thought there was only one way of doing things, like doing a backing tracks: We would just do it until we got it right. If there were some bits where it speeded up or slowed down, then we would do it again until it was right. We had done some of our old backing tracks so many times, they were too stiff. Mack's first contribution was to say, 'Well you don't have to do that. I can drop the whole thing in. If it breaks down after half a minute, then we can edit in and carry on if you just play along with the tempo.' We laughed and said 'Don't be silly. You can't do that.' But in fact, you can. What you gain is the freshness, because often a lot of the backing tracks is first time though. It really helped a lot. There was less guitar on that album, but that's really not going to be the same forever; that was just an experiment."

Comments: 13

Nick from Utica, NyPossibly my favorite Queen song. Yes, there are many "big" Queen songs, but this is some of the harder rock that they did from time to time. Like Stone Cold Crazy, and Ogre Battle, No More of That Jazz, I'm In Love With My Car, Sheer Heart Attack, Great King Rat, Tie Your Mother Down, Dead on Time, Princes of the Universe, I Want It All.
Mike from UkReportedly this was John Deacon’s favourite Queen song. The live version included on ‘Queen At The Bowl’ saw Brian May snap a string on his guitar leaving John to fill in with a bass solo. Excellent track a real crowd hit!
Bri from EarthInspired by their time in Munich. That’s why “Mack”, producer at Musicland Studios, is mentioned and “the room where the beats all round” along with the line “take me back to The Shack” is referencing a cool club all members and crew frequented in Munich called the Sugar Shack. Ratty (Peter Hince), head of crew, writes about it in his book and notes that they liked the club because it had a very “up” atmosphere and they weren’t hounded/pointed at like a novelty.
Don from Sevierville, TnI think the part where Mercury sings "She don't take no prisoners" resembles the Billy Squier song "The Stroke", where Squier sings "Don't you take no chances."
Matt from Victori, TxThe drum solo rocks, then the bass solo rocks, then the guitar solo ROCKS! I love when he scratches with his pick right after the first bend.
John from Cincinnati, OhI agree with you Amy of Dallas. This album came out towards the end of the "disco" era and it just rocked. I am so glad Queen stuck to their roots during that dreadful time!
Jfv from Philadelphia, PaThe line "gonna use my stack, it's gotta be Mack" is a reference to the album's producer, Reinhold Mack. The song features multiple solos featuring John Deacon (bass), Roger Taylor (drums)and Brian May(guitar). (4/21/08)
B-man from Detroit, MiAnother great song that doesn't get enough air play. This was Queen at their rawest and best.
Joe from , MoI was so surprised when they played this live in Chicago at the 2006 concert. It was amazing to hear the guitar solo and the drum beat live. Danny did a good job on bass too! It was the highlight for me!
Jonathon from Clermont, FlIt's a very groovy piece, definitely. Yeah...
Rosa from Reading, Englandi love the drum solo in this its superb. one of my favourites.
Bryan from Melbourne, Fl*Hums bass riff*
Amy from Dallas, TxI love the beat to this song, also the album is good too. (even though most people dont agree with me, just my opinion)

see more comments

More Songfacts:

One DanceDrake

Drake's "One Dance" was the first ever song to rack up one billion streams on Spotify.

Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners

Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come on Eileen" is based on a real girl called Eileen that the band's Kevin Rowland had a relationship with in his early teenage years.

Shine On You Crazy DiamondPink Floyd

Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is about their founding member Syd Barrett, who became an acid casualty. Notice the S-Y-D in the title.

Zoot Suit RiotCherry Poppin' Daddies

"Zoot Suit Riot" isn't just a Cherry Poppin' Daddies song - the Zoot Suit Riots were real riots in Los Angeles that took place in 1943 and inspired the song's lyrics.