I ain’t gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)Įight years later, Freddie sang a very different track about a very similar theme.
I’m okay, I’m alright (he’s alright, he’s alright) I just keep losing my beat (just keep losing and losing) If the following lyrics are indeed a reference to Freddie’s sexuality, it remains rather subtle: Considering the taboo around the topic at the time, I can only imagine how burdensome that must have been for him*. Homosexuality wasn’t legalised in the UK until 1967 and at the time of this song, Freddie hadn’t openly come out as being bisexual yet. I have spent all my years in believing you In Somebody To Love, Queen (or perhaps just Freddie Mercury, who wrote this song) go looking for love and find it to be anything but easy.
Somebody To Love – Queen ( Day at the Races, 1976) This song is just as fitting today by carrying a universal theme that is relevant in every era!ģ. Reading the news today, it seems that our society is just as disquieted and under pressure as it was thirty years ago. These are the days it never rains but it pours It wasn’t your daily, run of the mill pressure: It’s the terror of knowing what the world is about The economic recession of the early 80’s, the cold war, and the unemployment epidemic didn’t seem to promise much of a future -at least for young people- resulting in an inescapable feeling of pressure throughout society. Under pressure that burns a building down In 1981, the members of Queen, together with David Bowie, penned Under Pressure in just ONE evening! The song describes 1981’s modern society in a critical light, with particular emphasis on the stress that seemed to come as a package deal in this time period. Under Pressure- Queen & David Bowie (Greatest Hits, 1981) Whatever the case, it’s definitely crazy!Ĥ. This thing called love, I must get round to itĬold feet or not, it’s only natural to want to make a good impression! Or perhaps you’d rather make a run for it…? This thing called love, I just can’t handle it It is essentially a Rockabilly tune: an uncomplicated song about the emotional rollercoaster that love can sometimes be: In 1979, Queen released an homage to Elvis with their single Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen (The Game, 1980)
Queen are as renowned for their musical versatility, multi-layered arrangements and harmonies, as they are for delivering epic performances, but did you know that their lyrics are also very meaningful? 5.