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.
The Key
Roger Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There once was an emperor of Brazil
There was maybe a Loch ness monster
There once was a buffalo bill
Now you can search the whole wide planet
Scratching in the mud and worms
But an honest politician
Is just a contradiction in terms
And if I had the keys to the kingdom
I'd hand them straight to you
In another time another place
Another life another waste
Sometimes the last thing you wanna know is the truth
With your bishops priests and mullahs
And all the mumbo jumbo clans
When you're not accepting women
How can you love your fellow man?
Well you can search the whole wide planet
Down to viruses and germs
A 'sensible' religion
Is just a contradiction in terms
And if I had the keys to the kingdom
I'd hand them straight to you
In another time another place
Another life another waste
Another love another lie
Another small way to die
Sometimes the last thing you wanna know is the truth
The lyrics to Roger Taylor's song "Key" are a commentary on the state of society and politics. The opening lines describe historical figures such as the King of Paris, Emperor of Brazil, and Buffalo Bill, reminding us that even powerful and iconic individuals can be forgotten over time. The mention of the Loch Ness monster emphasizes the mystery and unknown in the world.
The verse then takes a critical look at politics and the lack of transparency and integrity. Taylor sings, "But an honest politician/Is just a contradiction in terms," highlighting the difficulty in finding trustworthy leaders. He then goes on to express a desire to give the "keys to the kingdom" to someone else, suggesting that power and control can be burdensome and difficult to manage.
The second verse delves into the topic of religion and the hypocrisy often found within. Taylor questions how religions that do not accept women can preach love for all mankind. He sings, "A 'sensible' religion/Is just a contradiction in terms," implying that the rigid rules and beliefs of some faiths may not align with common sense or kindness.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of giving away the keys to someone else, and there is a sense of resignation towards the end of the song with the line, "Sometimes the last thing you wanna know is the truth." It is a pessimistic view of the world, where powerful institutions and individuals may not always have the best intentions.
Line by Line Meaning
There once was a king of Paris
In the past, there was a ruler who governed Paris.
There once was an emperor of Brazil
In the past, there was a leader who controlled Brazil.
There was maybe a Loch ness monster
Perhaps there existed a creature in Loch Ness called the monster.
There once was a buffalo bill
Previously, there was a person named Buffalo Bill.
Now you can search the whole wide planet
Currently, one can explore the entire world.
Scratching in the mud and worms
Digging deep in the soil and examining the critters that live there.
But an honest politician
A politician who is truthful and trustworthy.
Is just a contradiction in terms
However, the concept of an honest politician goes against what is typical of politicians.
And if I had the keys to the kingdom
If the artist had control over a nation or a group of people.
I'd hand them straight to you
They would give that power to another person instead of using it for themselves.
In another time another place
During a different period or location.
Another life another waste
An alternate existence that is also unproductive or futile.
Sometimes the last thing you wanna know is the truth
At times, one does not want to hear the actual facts of a situation.
With your bishops priests and mullahs
Referring to religious leaders such as bishops, priests, and mullahs.
And all the mumbo jumbo clans
Mocking those who follows religion as if it's simply mystical language or ritual.
When you're not accepting women
If you do not allow women to be a part of your religion or organization.
How can you love your fellow man?
It's impossible to claim you love other humans while discriminating against half of the population.
A 'sensible' religion
A religion that is logical and reasonable.
Is just a contradiction in terms
However, the idea of a sensible religion opposes most religious beliefs that incorporate faith or divine intervention.
Another love another lie
Another romantic relationship that is based on deceit.
Another small way to die
A minor but still significant way to feel disappointment and failure.
Sometimes the last thing you wanna know is the truth
At times, one does not want to hear the actual facts of a situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fearlessnames
"A sensible religion is just a contradiction in terms" This is my favorite lyric of his. It's the truth! I'm not religious at all, so I love hearing things like this. Go Roger!
ERNESTO SALAS
Agree...
Tyler Crockett
Another great song. Roger has never shied away from speaking his mind. I admire him for that.
Amanda Ribeiro
Não sabia que ele cantava tão bem assim. Amei <3 inclusive a menção ao Brasil.
Dillon
Também!!!
Ivania Carranza
I love this voice 😍❤
Marva L Stith
These just to songs are heart touching - profound. Roger Taylor you are a messenger with the sweetest voice; breaking my heart.
Antonio Battilo
This is one of my favourite albums. Thank you Roger! You are my hero!
Richard McCombie
Roger, your solo work, your voice...have given me so much enjoyment. Thank you.
Dillon
Really loved that he mentioned Brazil, first time that I hear it from their songs (Queen members).