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Knights of Cydonia
Muse
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- Album
- Black Holes and Revelations
- Released
- 2006
- Genres
- alternative rock, rock
- Length
- 6:06
- Tempo
- 137 BPM
- Label
- Warner Records
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About this song
Knights of Cydonia is the final track on the non-Japanese pressings of Black Holes and Revelations. Bassist Chris Wolstenholme once described it as "40 years of rock history in six minutes." Since 2008, live performances have opened with Ennio Morricone's "Man With a Harmonica", with Wolstenholme playing a harmonica piece, and the song was included in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
What it's about
The song blends the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelations with Mars, and is inspired by corrupt political leaders. Matthew Bellamy has said it is not about one specific leader but about all leaders, especially those who treat themselves like gods because of their power.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 2 other songs, like “Sad Party by Kids & Explosion”.
- Covered 2 times, including “Knights of Cydonia by Vitamin String Quartet”.
- Written by Matt Bellamy.
- Produced by Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard, Chris Wolstenholme and Rich Costey.
- Recorded at August – December 2005.