Kill The King

Album: Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978)
Charted: 41
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Despite the violent imagery in this maniacally fast rock song, lead singer Ronnie James Dio claimed it is about a chess game. The song's title refers to the goal of the game, which is to checkmate the king.

    Here are some of the lyrics that support this interpretation:

    "Danger, danger the queen's about to kill"
    "I'm no pawn, so be gone, speed on and on"
    "Oh no, move me out of harm" >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Charlie - Rome, Italy
  • This originally was Rainbow's debut in the UK singles chart, peaking at #44. After the commercial success of "Since You've Been Gone," "All Night Long" and "I Surrender," "Kill the King" was re-released in 1981 this time climbing to #41.
  • Ritchie Blackmore was inspired to take up the Strat after seeing Jimi Hendrix in concert and he bought a second-hand Fender with a warped neck from Eric Clapton's guitar tech of the time.
  • Drummer Cozy Powell got a songwriting credit on this track along with the band's primary writers, Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.