A thunderous, villainous anthem from Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic, "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)" is Brian May's ferocious ode to the Kurgan, the savage antagonist of the Highlander film. With its grinding guitar riffs, pulsating drums, and Freddie Mercury's snarling vocals, the song embodies the barbaric arrogance of an immortal warrior hell-bent on claiming the ultimate Prize—sole immortality. Written specifically for the Highlander soundtrack, it weaves in direct references to the film's mythology, including the iconic "There can be only one" and a nod to Neil Young's "It's better to burn out than to fade away," famously quoted by the Kurgan (Clancy Brown). The lyrics, dripping with menace, paint the Kurgan as a self-proclaimed "God of kingdom come," crushing kings and princes in his relentless quest for power. A standout in Queen's catalog for its raw aggression, the track captures the brutal essence of a character who revels in destruction, making it a perfect sonic companion to the film's epic battles and a testament to Queen's ability to channel cinematic intensity into unforgettable rock.
A Kind Of MAgic -
Gimme the Prize (Kurgan’s Theme)
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Lyric line
Interpretation & Notes
Intro — Violent imagery 0:00–0:20
1
Garage and water
Sets a gritty, urban scene, possibly alluding to a chaotic or violent setting.
2
From the sprinklers
Adds atmospheric detail, evoking a sense of aftermath or cleansing.
3
It also left a man's decapitated body
References the brutal violence of Highlander
, tying to the Kurgan's savagery.
4
Lying on the floor
Emphasizes the lifeless aftermath of the Kurgan's actions.
5
Next to his own severed head
Vividly depicts the Kurgan's signature method of killing in Highlander.
6
A head which at this time has no name
Highlights anonymity of victims, underscoring the Kurgan's indiscriminate cruelty.
7
"I know his name..."
Spoken by the Kurgan, asserting his dominance and knowledge over his victims.
Verse 1 — Kurgan's dominance 0:20–0:50
8
Here I am, I'm the master of your destiny
The Kurgan declares his control over life and death.
9
I am the one, the only one, I am the God of kingdom come
Proclaims godlike supremacy, tying to Highlander
's "there can be only one."
10
Gimme the prize, just gimme the prize
Demands the ultimate reward, the immortality of the Prize in Highlander.
Verse 2 — Power and destruction 0:50–1:20
11
Give me your kings, let me squeeze them in my hands
Boasts of crushing powerful figures with ease.
12
Your puny princes
Mocks lesser leaders as insignificant.
13
Your so-called leaders of your land
Derides earthly authority, asserting his dominance.
14
I'll eat them whole before I'm done
Uses predatory imagery to convey total destruction.
15
The battle's fought and the game is won
Declares victory in the immortal contest, confident in triumph.
16
I am the one, the only one
Reiterates his singular, unmatched power.
17
I am the God of kingdom come
Reaffirms godlike authority over the future.
18
Gimme the prize
Repeats the demand for the ultimate reward.
19
Just gimme the prize
Intensifies the demand with urgency.
Bridge — Defiant climax 1:20–1:50
20
"Now you die!"
The Kurgan's brutal proclamation of his victim's fate.
21
"I have something to say!"
A victim's desperate plea, likely MacLeod's defiance.
22
"It's better to burn out
Quotes Neil Young's iconic line, favoring a blazing end over fading.
23
Than to fade away!"
Completes the quote, emphasizing defiance in the face of death.
24
"There can be only one!"
Echoes Highlander
's core mantra, the fight for sole immortality.
Verse 3 — Unstoppable authority 1:50–2:20
25
Move over, I said move over
Commands submission, asserting dominance.
26
Hey, hey, hey, clear the way
Demands others step aside, reinforcing his supremacy.
27
There's no escape from my authority
Declares inescapable power over all.
28
Didn't I tell you?
Taunts with a reminder of his foretold dominance.
29
I am the one, the only one, I am the God of kingdom come
Repeats his godlike claim, tying to the apocalyptic future.
30
Gimme the prize, just gimme the prize
Final demand for the Prize, unrelenting in his quest.
Outro — Final assertion 2:20–3:00
31
I am the one, the only one
Reaffirms his singular dominance.
32
I am the God of kingdom come
Final claim to godlike power.
33
Gimme the prize
Last plea for the ultimate reward.
34
There can be only one
Closes with Highlander
's iconic phrase, emphasizing the sole survivor.
Reading guide: A menacing anthem of power and destruction, Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme) from Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic channels the ruthless bravado of the Kurgan, the villain from Highlander. Written by Brian May, the song captures themes of dominance vs. defiance , power vs. mortality , and victory vs. destruction , with its aggressive riffs and Freddie Mercury's fierce delivery. It embodies the Kurgan's quest for the Prize, blending cinematic intensity with Queen's theatrical flair.
Gimme the Prize (Kurgan’s Theme) — Tech Specs
Album
A Kind of Magic (1986)
Released
June 1986 (album track, not a single)
Recorded
1985–1986, Musicland Studios (Munich)
Genre
Heavy metal / Hard rock
Length
4:34
Producer(s)
Queen & Reinhold Mack
Composer
Brian May (credited to Queen)
Band Line-up
Freddie Mercury – lead & backing vocals (aggressive delivery)
Brian May – heavy guitars, solo, synth guitar
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion
John Deacon – bass guitar
Brian May – heavy guitars, solo, synth guitar
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion
John Deacon – bass guitar
Technical Personnel
Reinhold Mack – producer, engineer
David Richards – additional programming
David Richards – additional programming
Notable Features
Written specifically for the villain Kurgan in the film Highlander
(1986).
Features aggressive riffs, shouted vocals, and dark, violent lyrics — one of Queen’s heaviest tracks.
Includes spoken dialogue samples from actor Clancy Brown as Kurgan.
Brian May’s guitar dominates with metal-style riffing and intense soloing.
Rare example of Queen venturing deep into heavy metal territory.
Features aggressive riffs, shouted vocals, and dark, violent lyrics — one of Queen’s heaviest tracks.
Includes spoken dialogue samples from actor Clancy Brown as Kurgan.
Brian May’s guitar dominates with metal-style riffing and intense soloing.
Rare example of Queen venturing deep into heavy metal territory.