Before Queen, Taylor founded Smile with Brian May. Smile released one album in Japan which is now available throughout the world as Ghost of a Smile. Smile wrote a few of the songs which would later appear on Queen's self-titled debut album, and one - Doin' Alright was featured on the Smile album.
Taylor also fronted another band, The Cross from 1987 to 1991. The first album, Shove it (1988) was a solo album by Taylor in all but name - he wrote all the songs and played most of the instruments himself. This was an experiment that didn't really work for Taylor and in the other two albums by The Cross he allowed the other members of the band to contribute more, resulting in more traditionally styled rock albums.
Out of the four original members of Queen Taylor and guitarist Brian May continued to play as Queen + Paul Rodgers between 2004 and 2008. Of the other original members singer Freddie Mercury tragically died in 1991 and bassist John Deacon retired from music business in the mid-1990's.
In 2009, after the partnership between him, Brian and Paul ended, Roger worked on some new solo material from which his single The Unblinking Eye (Everything is Broken) was digitally released at 23th November at Queenonline.com. At the moment it is unclear how the future of Queen will look like, though Roger has announced that he will do a short tour in the spring of 2010.
Old Men
Roger Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They gotta lotta old men shooting young men there
Iran or Russia or the USA
Old men lay down
Lay down old man you've had your fun
Lay down old man your time is run
Lay down your arms let in the light
Old man lay down
Old men with old clothes
Old men with minds closed
Old men with bad teeth
They own you they own me
Take a trip to China if you dare
They gotta lotta old men shooting young men there
Old men with bad teeth
They own you they own me
Old men in big cars
Old men with missiles
Old men on TV
They own newspapers and they own me
Have you seen a politician with a mile wide smile
Who didn't love himself more than a mother loves her child
Old men on TV
They own newspapers and they own me
Take a trip to China if you dare
Look at Iran - Jesus
Look at Russia - they're getting better
Or the USA - maybe they're getting better
The Lebanon and the Vatican and Panama, most of South America
Old men on TV
They own you they own me
Old men lay down your arms let in the light
Lay down your arms let in the light
Old men lay down
Take a hike - get out of here - get on your bike
You had your time your time is run
The lyrics of Roger Taylor's song "Old Men" are a strong criticism of the state of the society and government, dealing with the notion that those in power are no longer fit to lead or contribute to society. The lyrics start with a call to take a trip to China or Iran, Russia or the USA, all countries where there are old men still in power and fighting wars, despite the suffering they cause. The basic theme is that these old men need to give up power and prevent further damage to society.
The second verse highlights the fact that old men are still in control of everything, from politics to the media. The emphasis is on their closed minds and bad teeth, which represent their inability to progress and adapt to a changing society. The critical message is that they own everyone, including you and me, and control everything, from our lives to the media and government.
The chorus repeats the idea of the old men lying down and letting in the light. This is the only way that society can be redeemed and modernized. The tone of the song is defiant and insistent, and it urges the listener to take action.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a trip to China if you dare
If you're brave enough, you should visit China.
They gotta lotta old men shooting young men there
There are many elderly men in China who shoot and kill young men.
Iran or Russia or the USA
Countries like Iran, Russia, and the USA have the same problem.
Old men lay down
Old men, it's time for you to retire.
Lay down old man you've had your fun
You've had your time in power and you've enjoyed it.
Lay down old man your time is run
It's time for you to step down from your position of power.
Lay down your arms let in the light
Stop fighting and let peace prevail.
Old men with old clothes
Elderly men who wear outdated clothing.
Old men with minds closed
Elderly men who are stubborn and unwilling to accept new ideas.
Old men with bad teeth
Elderly men who have poor hygiene or health.
They own you they own me
These old men have power and control over everyone.
Old men in big cars
Elderly men who drive luxury vehicles.
Old men with missiles
Elderly men who possess weapons of mass destruction.
Old men on TV
Elderly men who are frequently seen on television.
They own newspapers and they own me
These old men control the media.
Have you seen a politician with a mile wide smile
Have you ever seen a politician who is overly and insincerely happy?
Who didn't love himself more than a mother loves her child
Politicians care more about themselves than others.
Look at Iran - Jesus
Iran is also experiencing this problem, a fact which is surprising and concerning.
Look at Russia - they're getting better
Russia's situation is improving compared to these other countries.
Or the USA - maybe they're getting better
The USA could also be making progress.
The Lebanon and the Vatican and Panama, most of South America
These countries are also struggling with similar issues.
Old men lay down your arms let in the light
Stop fighting and embrace peace.
Take a hike - get out of here - get on your bike
Leave your position of power and move on with your life.
You had your time your time is run
Your time is up and it's time to retire.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Owen Cary
It's so weird because when he sings, he sings so loud and passionate. But when he speaks, he does it so softly.
Macaroni
when he talks he sounds like winnie pooh sdkhfgydf
Billy And His Random Assorted Content
Roger Isn't The Only One, You Should See Joey Tempest.
Michael Asquith
@Mini Cooper Trooper, sorry, for the delay, in my reply. Yes, the Queen guys were quiet, in some situations, but they were awesome, on stage. They are legendary. Even though, Freddie, and John are not in Queen, anymore.
lydia mercury
A kittens face with a tigers voice.
Ive never known a rock and roll drummer to be so babie and angelic
Mini Cooper Trooper
@Michael Asquith So all queen members were quiet?
god jihyo
He’s prettier than most girls I’ve met
MrPog LOL
Aaayyyooo!!!
Rudolph de Rainbow
As a girl I agree. Tbh he's even prettier than when he's in drag
imiss toronto
did you see him in the video "I wanna break free"? He was in drag and was he gorgeous. He looked like Baby Spice.