Tie Your Mother Down

Brian May, Queen

About Tie Your Mother Down

"Tie Your Mother Down" is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by lead guitarist Brian May. It is the opening track and the second single from their 1976 album A Day at the Races. On its original release as a single in 1977 the song peaked at 31 in the UK Singles Chart. More than 20 years later, it was released as a double a-side to "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)" where it reached 13 in UK Singles Chart. On the album the song is preceded by a one-minute instrumental intro featuring a Shepard tone melody, which is reprised in the ending of "Teo Torriatte": this was intended to create a "circle" within the album, typical, for example, of Pink Floyd's albums. After its release in 1976, it was played by Queen on every subsequent tour. At the 1992 The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, the song was co-performed by Queen and guests Joe Elliott and Slash. On several occasions in recent years, Brian May and Roger Taylor have played the song live with the Foo Fighters, including performances at Queen's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2001, and the VH1 Rock Honors in 2006. 


Year:
1984
545 
#4

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Ooh, ooh yeah, ooooh yeah
Get your party gown
Get your pigtail down
Get your heart beatin' baby
Got my timin' right
Got my act all tight
It's gotta be tonight my little
School babe

Your Mamma says you don't
Your Daddy says you won't
And I'm boilin' up inside
Ain't no way I'm gonna lose out this time - oh no

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Lock your daddy out of doors
I don't need him nosin' around
Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Give me all your love tonight

You're such a dirty louse
Go get outta my house
That's all I ever get from your
Family ties, in fact I don't think I ever heard
A single little civil word from those guys
But you know I don't give a light
I'm gonna make out all right
I've got a sweetheart hand
To put a stop to all that
Snipin' an' grousin' goin' on all night

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Take your little brother swimmin'
With a brick (that's all right)
Tie your mother down - yeah yeah
Tie your mother down
Or you ain't no friend of mine - ooh no friend of mine -
No no, ow, yeah, bad guy

Ooh, your Mammy and your Daddy gonna
Plague me till I die
They can't understand it, I'm just a
Peace lovin' guy

Ooh, tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Get that big big big big big big daddy out of doors
Tie your mother down - yeah
Tie your mother down
Give me all your love tonight
All your love tonight

Give me every inch of your love - ooh
All your love tonight
Yeah, gotta get my timin' right hey
Ooh, all your love
Tie your mother down

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Brian May

Brian Harold May, CBE (born 19 July 1947) is an English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer of the rock band Queen. As a guitarist he uses his home-built guitar, "Red Special", and has composed hits such as "Tie Your Mother Down", "I Want It All", "We Will Rock You", "Fat Bottomed Girls" and "Who Wants to Live Forever". more »

3 fans

Written by: Brian May

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Songwriter
"Tie Your Mother Down" was written by Brian May, the lead guitarist of the band Queen.
Track History
The song was first recorded and released on Queen's 1976 album, "A Day at the Races".
Lyrics Origin
The idea for the lyrics reportedly came to May while he was studying for his Doctorate in Astrophysics in Tenerife. He claims it was simply a joke and a way to let off steam.
Debut Performance
The band first performed "Tie Your Mother Down" live in Detroit, U.S, in November 1977.
Noteworthy Performances
The song was performed at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992. It was the opening song performed by Queen + Joe Elliott and Slash.
Guest Artists
The studio version of the song features Brian May on vocals for lead verses - a rarity for Queen songs as most of their hits are famously sung by lead vocalist Freddie Mercury.
Cover Versions
Over the years, this song has been covered by several artists and bands, including Lemmy of Motörhead and Twisted Sister.
Song Theme
The literal interpretation of "Tie Your Mother Down" lyrics is about a man who wants to get intimate with a girl but her mother is getting in the way. The phrase is symbolic for eliminating any obstacles to achieve a goal.
Music Video
Queen's official music video for "Tie Your Mother Down" was directed by Bruce Gowers. The video is famous for showcasing Freddie Mercury’s iconic moves with his microphone stand.
Song Popularity
Despite its controversial lyrics, the song has remained a fan favorite and is regularly included in the band's live performances.
Chart Performance
“Tie Your Mother Down” reached number 31 in the UK Singles Chart and 49 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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