About the song
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is one of the most iconic songs in the history of rock music, renowned for its innovative structure and rich musical composition. Released on October 31, 1975, as a single from the album “A Night at the Opera,” the song was written by Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is unique in its format, blending rock, opera, and ballad elements into a single track without a chorus. The song opens with an a cappella introduction, followed by a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock section, and concludes with a reflective coda. This seamless fusion of diverse musical styles was groundbreaking at the time and showcased Queen’s versatility and creativity.
Freddie Mercury’s lyrical content is equally eclectic, drawing on a range of emotions and narratives. The song’s enigmatic lyrics have sparked numerous interpretations, though Mercury himself remained tight-lipped about their specific meaning. The combination of Mercury’s powerful vocals, Brian May’s distinctive guitar riffs, John Deacon’s melodic bass lines, and Roger Taylor’s dynamic drumming creates a compelling auditory experience.
Upon its release, “Bohemian Rhapsody” topped the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks, a record at the time, and it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success was bolstered by the pioneering promotional video, which many consider one of the first true music videos, setting a precedent for the visual presentation of songs.
The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1991 following Freddie Mercury’s death and again in 1992 due to its inclusion in the film “Wayne’s World.” It re-entered the charts, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the only song to achieve such high chart positions in three different decades.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” has received numerous accolades over the years. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, and it continues to be celebrated in various “greatest songs of all time” lists. The track’s influence extends beyond music, leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture and inspiring countless artists.
The legacy of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was further cemented with the 2018 release of the biographical film of the same name, which tells the story of Freddie Mercury and Queen. The movie’s success introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, ensuring its place in the annals of music history.
In conclusion, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is not just a song but a monumental piece of musical artistry. Its complex structure, compelling lyrics, and the sheer talent of the band members have earned it a timeless status. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a new listener, the song’s magic is undeniable, making it a masterpiece that transcends time and genre.
Video
Lyrics
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I’m easy come, easy go, little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me
Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he’s dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooh, didn’t mean to make you cry
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters
Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine, body’s aching all the time
Goodbye, everybody, I’ve got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, ooh (any way the wind blows)
I don’t wanna die
I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all
I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?
Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me
(Galileo) Galileo, (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro, magnifico
But I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me
He’s just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
No, we will not let you go (let him go)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
We will not let you go (let him go)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
We will not let you go (let me go)
Will not let you go (let me go)
Never, never, never, never let me go
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Oh, mamma mia, mamma mia
Mamma mia, let me go
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me
So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?
So you think you can love me and leave me to die?
Oh, baby, can’t do this to me, baby
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here
Ooh
Ooh, yeah, ooh, yeah
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me