Sheer Heart Attack is a song by Queen. It was written by Roger Taylor for the band's 1977 album News of the World. It was also released as a single with It's Late (as well as Spread Your Wings) on the A-side.
History[]
Composition[]
Taylor wrote Sheer Heart Attack about a 17-year-old girl who can bring on cardiac arrest in many men. The opening line, "Well you're just 17," is similar to the Beatles hit "I Saw Her Standing There," which opens, "Well she was just 17."
With a snarling vocal and frantic tempo, this song is a tribute of sorts to punk rock, which was having its day in 1977. The Sex Pistols were recording their first album next door to Queen when they recorded this song.
Trivia[]
- The song's name is taken from the band's 1974 album of the same name.