Shakespears Sister’s “All The Queen’s Horses” Lyrics Meaning
Sophia Dalton by Jessica Shelton· Published · Updated
The title of this track (All The Queen’s Horses) was actually derived from the popular nursery rhyme “Humpty Dumpty”. That particular piece is based on a character who has fallen apart in such a way that “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” were unable ‘put him back together’. But instead, in this song, Shakespears Sister uses “the Queen” to symbolize the authority which cannot ‘put back together’ the relationship referenced in the song.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();It has been theorized that this track is actually based on the beef, which lasted almost three decades, that existed between the members of Shakespears Sister, Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit. And some parts of the song can be deciphered as such. However, for the most part it reads as if it is referencing a romance, one in which the male (who is referred to as “the king”) made all sorts of promises, did not fulfill them and ultimately left the singer “all alone”. On top of that he is portrayed as an exploitative lover who ‘took her innocence, money and pride’. And of course this pains her deeply. So now she has reached the point where ‘all the queen’s horses, all the queen’s men cannot put this relationship back together again.’
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();By alluding to the fact that all of the queen’s resources cannot solve this problem, that is her roundabout way of saying that her feelings for this individual have reached a point where she will never entertain the idea of reestablishing the relationship.
Facts about “All The Queens’ Horses”
- The music video features a cameo by drag performer Morgan McMichaels.
- Siobhan Fahey has stated that the music video ‘made her cry the first three times she watched it’.
- This track is one of two new songs to be featured on Shakespears Sister’s compilation album, Singles Party and as such marks the first new music the duo has put together in 26 years.
- “All the Queens Horses” was released as a digital download by London Records on 15 May 2019.
Who wrote “All The Queen’s Horses”?
The song was written by Shakespears Sister themselves, and the production credit goes to Nick Launey.
