Ogre Battle
Queen · The Crown Jewels [1998]
Fa fa fa fa faa
Now once upon a time - an old man told me a fable
When the piper is gone - and the soup is cold on your table
And if the black crow flies to find a new destination
That is the sign
Come tonight
Come to the ogre sight
Come to the ogre-battle-fight
He gives a great big cry and he can swallow up the ocean
With a mighty tongue he catches flies - the palm of a hand incredible size
One great big eye - has a focus in your direction
Now the battle is on
Yeah yeah yeah
Come tonight
Come to the ogre sight
Come to the ogre-battle-fight
Fa fa fa fa faa
Hoooa
The ogre-men are still inside
The two-way mirror mountain
You gotta keep down right out of sight
You can't see in, but they can see out
"Ooh keep a look out"
The ogre-men are coming out
From the two-way mirror mountain
They're running up behind and they're coming all about
Can't go east 'cos you gotta go south
Aaargh
Aaaaaaaarghh
Ogre-men are going home
The great big fight is over
Bugle blow, let trumpet cry
Ogre battle lives for ever more - oh oh oh
You can come along
You can come along
Come to ogre battle
Fa fa fa fa faa
Ogre Battle
Ogre Battle stands as a distinctive song in Queen's expansive catalogue, appearing on the 1998 compilation The Crown Jewels. This track showcases the band's willingness to experiment with theatrical rock arrangements that diverge from their standard pop-rock formula. The song features the group's signature multi-layered harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, capturing the dramatic flair often associated with their live performances. While not one of their most ubiquitous singles, it reflects the creative energy present during the era when the band was refining their sound for a new generation of listeners. The recording highlights the collaborative songwriting process that defined their discography, blending heavy guitar riffs with intricate vocal interplay. As part of a collection celebrating their legacy, Ogre Battle offers fans a glimpse into the band's broader musical exploration beyond their greatest hits.