The track is built around a jangly guitar riff and is amongst the first in the Queen catalogue to focus predominantly on the drums and bass, as opposed to the lead guitars. Lyrically, the song can be interpreted as an expression of scorn directed at punk rock fans which at the time had lambasted Queen
* Musicians:
Roger Taylor - lead and backing vocals, drums, rhythm guitar, bass guitar
Brian May - guitars
Fight From the Inside
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey you boy, think that you know what you're doing
You think you're gonna set things to rights
You're just another picture on a teenage wall
You're just another sucker ready for a fall
You gotta fight from the inside
Fight from the inside
You can't win with your hands tied
Fight from the inside
Ooh, ooh, aah
Fight from the inside
Right down the line
Hey you boy, hey you
Hey you boy, think that you know what you're doing
You think that out in the streets is all true
You're just another, money-spinner tool
You're just another, fool
You gotta fight from the inside
Attack from the rear
Fight from the inside
You can't win with your hands tied
Fight from the inside
Ooh, ooh, aah
Fight from the inside
Right down the line
Right down the line
Right down the line
The lyrics of Queen's song Fight From The Inside are about rebellion and fighting against oppression. The opening verses are directed towards a naive young man who thinks he can make a difference by simply putting up posters on his wall or participating in protests. He is described as a "sucker ready for a fall" who needs to understand that real change comes from action, not just words.
The chorus advises the young man to "fight from the inside" and "attack from the rear," suggesting that he needs to work behind the scenes and use his intellect to enact change. He is warned that he "can't win with [his] hands tied," and needs to take a different, unconventional approach to his activism.
The song is a call to action for young people who want to make a difference in the world, but might not know where to start. Queen's lyrics suggest that true change comes from a willingness to think outside the box and take bold action, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey you boy, hey you
Addressing someone who thinks they know what they're doing.
Hey you boy, think that you know what you're doing
Challenging someone's confidence in their actions.
You think you're gonna set things to rights
Conveying the sense of naive idealism.
You're just another picture on a teenage wall
Comparing someone's insignificance to a poster on a wall.
You're just another sucker ready for a fall
Implying someone is foolish and easily taken advantage of.
You gotta fight from the inside
Encouraging the individual to assert themselves.
Attack from the rear
Suggesting a strategic approach to the situation.
You can't win with your hands tied
Highlighting the importance of taking action.
Ooh, ooh, aah
Non-verbal expressions of excitement or enthusiasm.
Right down the line
Implying commitment to a course of action.
You think that out in the streets is all true
Drawing attention to the idea that reality is often more complex than perceived.
You're just another, money-spinner tool
Subtly criticizing capitalism and those who profit from it.
You're just another, fool
Questioning the intelligence or motivations of the individual.
Right down the line
Repeating the need for commitment to action.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER MEDDOWS TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind