“I’m Going Slightly Mad” is a darkly humorous and theatrical song by the British rock band Queen, released in March 1991 with “The Hitman” on the B-side as the second single from their fourteenth studio album, Innuendo. Written by Freddie Mercury, but credited to Queen, with uncredited lyrical contributions by Peter Straker, the track is a quirky exploration of madness, delivered with wit, charm, and a touch of melancholy. It showcases Queen’s ability to mix humor with poignant undertones, particularly during a difficult time in Mercury’s life.
The lyrics describe the narrator’s descent into madness in a playful and exaggerated way. The song’s absurd imagery and clever wordplay convey both whimsy and vulnerability, hinting at deeper emotional layers beneath the comedic surface.
Musically, the song is rooted in art rock, with a cabaret-style arrangement that features a hypnotic keyboard riff, a subtle bassline, and Brian May’s restrained yet atmospheric guitar work. Mercury’s vocal delivery is rich and expressive, blending playful inflection with a hint of melancholy. The production is polished, with a slightly eerie, off-kilter quality that enhances the song’s theme.
The music video, directed by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher, is one of Queen’s most visually distinctive. It features the band dressed in surreal, monochromatic costumes, with exaggerated props and makeup, including guitarist Brian May dressed as a penguin. Freddie Mercury appears in a black suit and white gloves, wearing a long, curled wig, exuding a playful and theatrical energy. The video’s surreal aesthetic aligns perfectly with the song’s theme, showcasing Mercury’s charisma and the band’s creativity.
“I’m Going Slightly Mad” was a moderate commercial success, charting in the top 30 in the UK and several European countries. While it did not achieve the massive chart success of some of Queen’s earlier hits, it was widely appreciated for its originality and Mercury’s compelling performance.