For My Sunday Song #302, we are talking about the song “Kings And Queens” from the bands 1977 album ‘Draw the Line’. The song was released on February 21, 1978 and it only made it to #70 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by most of the band including Steven Tyler, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford. It was not written with Joe Perry and one of the rare times that was the case, but drugs will do that. However, producer Jack Douglas managed to get a writing credit as well as he did a lot on this album as someone had to keep pushing the band forward.

Lyrically it seems more like a Zeppelin or even early Genesis as they delve in to sorcery knights and swords and stuff. It has this whole Medieval Knights of the Round Table vibe. It is also a rather violent look at the time and does not paint a glamorous picture. Tyler has stated that it is about all those that died during the period of the Holy Wars. With that being said, there is no rosy picture to paint. It should be dark and eerie and they captured that feel nicely both lyrically and sonically.

Side 2 of the album kicks off with one of the band’s best song called “Kings and Queens”. The song feels epic, grand and far beyond anything else they have ever done. The bass is extremely heavy, it has a mandolin by Jack Douglas, a banjo by Paul Prestopino, Tyler on piano and the rest of the band all in a world of their own making. Tyler gives what might be one of his greatest vocal performances as this song hits the mark on every aspect. It is so out of left field, yet so magical. Pure perfection!

Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. I think it should’ve gone higher than #70 on the Billboard Charts, but thats just me. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful and Happy Sunday.

“Kings And Queens”

Long ago in days I’m told
Were ruled by Lords of greed
Maidens fared with gold
They dared to bare their wombs that bleed

Kings and queens and guillotines
Taking lives denied
Starch and parchment laid the laws
When bishops took the ride
Only to deceive

Oh I know I lived this life afore
Somehow know now truths I must be sure
Tossin turnin’ nightmares burnin’ dreams of swords in hand
Sailin’ ships the Viking spits the blood of father’s land
Only to deceive

Living times of knights and mares
Raising swords for maidens fair
Sneer at death fear only loss of pride

Living other centuries
Deja vu or what you please
Follows true to all who do or die

Screams of no reply they died
Screams of no reply and died
Lordy lordy and then then they died
Lordy no then they died

Live and do or die
Long ago were days I told…Lord they died
Kings and queens and guillotines…
Live and no reply they died
Long ago were days I told…
Kings and queens and guillotines…

Written by Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Jack Douglas