10 Best Songs With The Word 'King' In The Title

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Whether symbolizing power, loss, heartbreak, or even rebellion, the concept of “King” has been woven into songs that transcend genres and decades. This list highlights ten unforgettable tracks where “King” takes center stage.

Deep Purple kicks things off with “Speed King,” an electrifying track that showcases their unmatched ability to blend hard rock and virtuoso musicianship. Sade brings sophistication and soul to the list with “Your Love Is King,” a timeless ballad that underscores her smooth, jazzy vocal style. Queen delivers the raucous “Great King Rat,” a glimpse into the theatrical brilliance that would define their career. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers add a reflective touch with “It’s Good to Be King,” a track that balances whimsy with melancholia. Steely Dan’s “Kings” offers a characteristically enigmatic narrative backed by impeccable musicianship, while Rush’s “A Farewell to Kings” exemplifies their penchant for merging intricate storytelling with musical brilliance.

Elton John adds drama and elegance with “The King Must Die,” a powerful early track that showcases his unparalleled talent as a balladeer. Aerosmith’s “Kings and Queens” combines hard rock with haunting medieval imagery, crafting one of their most evocative songs. The Police’s “King of Pain” delivers a raw emotional punch, proving their mastery of blending pop sensibilities with introspection. Finally, King Crimson’s “The Court of the Crimson King” closes the list with an epic, otherworldly masterpiece that solidified their legacy as pioneers of progressive rock.

These ten songs demonstrate the multifaceted ways rock and roll artists have harnessed the power of “King,” crafting timeless music that continues to resonate across generations.

# 10 – “Speed King” – Deep Purple

Released as the opening track on Deep Purple in Rock in 1970, “Speed King” captures the unrelenting energy of Deep Purple’s hard rock sound. Written by all five members of the Mark II lineup—Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice—the song was recorded at IBC Studios in London and produced by the band. Known for its blistering guitar riffs and Gillan’s powerful vocals, “Speed King” is a bold statement of the band’s newfound heaviness, departing from their earlier psychedelic leanings. While it wasn’t released as a single, the track has become a cornerstone of Deep Purple’s catalog, showcasing their groundbreaking contribution to heavy metal.

# 9 – “Your Love Is King” – Sade

A highlight of Sade’s 1984 debut album, Diamond Life, “Your Love Is King” blends smooth jazz and soul with stunning elegance. Written by Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, the song was recorded at The Power Plant Studios in London and produced by Robin Millar. Sade’s sultry vocal performance glides effortlessly over the lush instrumentation, which features Matthewman on saxophone and a crisp rhythm section. The song reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and became Sade’s first hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Your Love Is King” remains a signature track in Sade’s discography, radiating timeless sophistication.

Read More: Top 10 Sade Songs

# 8 – “Great King Rat” – Queen

“Great King Rat,” from Queen’s self-titled debut album released in 1973, showcases the band’s dynamic early sound. Written by Freddie Mercury and recorded at Trident Studios in London, the track was produced by Roy Thomas Baker alongside the band. Mercury’s flamboyant storytelling pairs with Brian May’s intricate guitar work and Roger Taylor’s thundering drums to create a layered, theatrical rock experience. Though not released as a single, the song has become a cult favorite among fans, offering a glimpse of the band’s future mastery of epic narratives and genre-defying musicianship.

# 7 – “It’s Good To Be King” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty’s “It’s Good to Be King,” from the 1994 album Wildflowers, is a contemplative track that merges wistful lyrics with lush instrumentation. Produced by Rick Rubin and recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, the song features Petty’s signature drawl alongside contributions from Mike Campbell on guitar and Benmont Tench on piano. The track didn’t chart as a single but has earned lasting admiration for its introspective tone and orchestral arrangement.

# 6 – “Kings” – Steely Dan

“Kings,” from Steely Dan’s 1972 debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill, is a subtle exploration of historical and personal themes, wrapped in the band’s distinctive blend of jazz, rock, and pop. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the track features Fagen’s signature smooth vocals and intricate piano work, while Jeff Baxter’s guitar licks and Jim Hodder’s drumming add to its textured sound. Produced by Gary Katz, the song was recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles. While it wasn’t released as a single, “Kings” underscores the band’s penchant for cryptic lyrics and sophisticated arrangements, setting the stage for their legendary career.

# 5 – “A Farewell to Kings” – Rush

A Farewell to Kings Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Edition by Rush (1997) Audio CD

Serving as the title track of Rush’s 1977 album A Farewell to Kings, this song is a cornerstone of the band’s progressive rock legacy. Written by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, the track was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, with production by Terry Brown. “A Farewell to Kings” opens with a pastoral acoustic section before transitioning into a dynamic blend of complex guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and Peart’s poetic lyrics, which critique leadership and societal collapse. While not released as a single, the track’s intricate musicianship and thematic depth make it a fan favorite and a testament to Rush’s artistic vision.

# 4 – “The King Must Die” – Elton John

Closing Elton John’s 1970 self-titled album, “The King Must Die” is a dramatic, piano-driven ballad that highlights Bernie Taupin’s allegorical lyricism. Recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Gus Dudgeon, the track features John’s emotive piano and vocals, supported by Caleb Quaye on guitar, Paul Buckmaster’s orchestral arrangements, and a rhythm section that includes Nigel Olsson on drums. The song’s regal tone and evocative narrative have earned it acclaim as an early showcase of John and Taupin’s ability to craft timeless, story-driven compositions. Though it wasn’t a single, “The King Must Die” remains a compelling deep cut from John’s early catalog.

# 3 – “Kings and Queens” – Aerosmith

“Kings and Queens,” from Aerosmith’s 1977 album Draw the Line, showcases the band’s ability to blend hard rock with evocative storytelling. Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Brad Whitford, the song was recorded at The Cenacle in Armonk, New York, and Record Plant Studios in New York City, with production by Jack Douglas. Featuring dramatic instrumentation and Tyler’s haunting vocals, the track explores themes of medieval conflict and societal decay. Released as a single in 1978, it peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a fan favorite and a standout from Aerosmith’s 1970s repertoire.

# 2 – “King of Pain” – The Police

“King of Pain,” from The Police’s 1983 album Synchronicity, is a poignant reflection on heartbreak and existential despair. Written by Sting and recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat, the track features a melancholic melody supported by Andy Summers’ layered guitar textures and Stewart Copeland’s intricate drumming. Produced by Hugh Padgham and the band, the song became a hit single, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Sting’s vivid lyrics and emotional delivery make “King of Pain” one of the band’s most enduring and introspective tracks, embodying the blend of complexity and accessibility that defined The Police’s success.

Read More: The Police Albums Ranked

# 1 – “The Court of the Crimson King” – King Crimson

In The Court Of The Crimson King (Remixed By Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp) (Ltd 200gm Vinyl)

“The Court of the Crimson King,” the centerpiece of King Crimson’s 1969 debut album In the Court of the Crimson King, is a progressive rock masterpiece. Written by Ian McDonald and Peter Sinfield, the song was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London and produced by the band alongside Tony Clarke. Featuring Greg Lake’s powerful vocals, Robert Fripp’s dynamic guitar work, and McDonald’s lush Mellotron arrangements, the track is an epic exploration of fantasy and surrealism. It reached number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a seminal work in the progressive rock genre, influencing countless bands and establishing King Crimson as pioneers of the art rock movement.