What is the meaning behind “Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango? Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me”? Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
- by imrk
- March 25, 2023
A “Scaramouche” is a deceitful clown character from the Italian commedia dell'arte. The character usually wears an all black outfit and can be portrayed as either clever or a buffoon. Scaramouche is also portrayed as a coward, thus he is frightened of thunderbolts and lighting. The “fandango” is a couple’s dance that starts slowly and increases tempo. It originated in Spain, probably in the 18th century. Mercury is likely referring to “hemp fandango”: a delightfully ghastly English slang term for being hung that derives from the thrashing of a hanged man’s legs.