Flash Gordon Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Flash Gordon theme song, simply titled “Flash,” is one of the most distinctive and bombastic theme songs in cinematic history. Performed by the legendary rock band Queen and written by guitarist Brian May, it served as the high-octane opening for the 1980 film Flash Gordon. The track is famous for its driving bassline, heavy synth use, and the iconic “Aah-aah!” backing vocals that have since become a permanent fixture in pop culture.
While Flash Gordon originated as a 1930s comic strip and was adapted into several TV series and movie serials over the decades, the 1980 version transformed the character into a cult icon. Queen’s involvement was groundbreaking, as they were one of the first major rock bands to compose a full score for a motion picture. The song emphasizes Flash’s humanity, describing him as “just a man with a man’s courage,” which contrasts with the intergalactic, “miracle” status he achieves while fighting Ming the Merciless.
The theme was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. It is notable for incorporating dialogue snippets from the film directly into the single version, including Max von Sydow’s chilling lines as Ming. Whether through the campy charm of the 1980 film or the various animated and live-action TV series that followed, the Queen soundtrack remains the definitive sonic identity of the Flash Gordon name.