Sun King

Album: Sonic Temple (1989)
Charted: 39
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ian Astbury, frontman/lyricist of The Cult, said regarding this song: "The title was inspired by Louis XIV. I mean they were a pretty decadent lot, used to crap on the floor in Versailles, I think. He'd get a little man to clean it up. The song's just basically a very masculine statement. Very much a he dog song. As I am a man."
  • Louis XIV was known as the Sun King (le Roi-Soleil), a nickname which originated from when the 15-year-old Louis wore the "sun" costume as he danced in the 13 hour "Ballet de la nuit." at court. After that performance he decided to choose the Sun as his symbol. He believed himself to be an absolute ruler and he thought his role in France was like the sun's role giving life to all things, regulating everything as it rose and set.
  • The Beatles also recorded a song called "Sun King." Though John Lennon claims he dreamed the title, he may have been reading a book with that name by Nancy Mitford about Louis XIV.

Comments: 1

  • Juan from El Paso, TxPowerful song. Billy Duffy at his best.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?