The Hitman

Album: Innuendo (1991)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Freddie Mercury wrote this song, where he takes on the persona of a nefarious hitman. It could be a metaphor, but it sounds like this guy really likes killing people:

    Gun in my pocket
    Don't get me wrong


    Mercury was responsible for some of the heaviest tracks by the band, like "Ogre Battle," "Stone Cold Crazy" and this one.
  • When Mercury wrote this, it was not as heavy. It was originally written in keyboards, then Brian May transferred it to guitar, changed the key, and added some new parts (he even did a demo with him singing those). Bassist John Deacon reconstructed the track and that's what finally came out. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sebas - Tokyo, Japan, for above 2

Comments: 5

  • Mamakidd from UsaFreddie wrote hits. He was the hit man.
  • AnonymousI've read that the "hitman" in this song is the HIV that was ravaging Freddie's body at the time. Listen to the lyrics from this perspective and they take on a whole new meaning.
  • Lori from Greenville, ScI like in the song where he says "I'm been to hitman school"..love Freddie's yeah's at the end.
  • Jonathon from Clermont, FlI like the main riff in the song, and Freddy's interjections.
  • Amy from Dallas, Tx'I'm the hitman I'm your prize', Yes you are Freddie =)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Shawn Mullins

Shawn MullinsSongwriter Interviews

"Lullaby" singer Shawn Mullins on "Beautiful Wreck," beating the Devil, and his writing credit on the Zac Brown Band song "Toes."

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.