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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

 Home
 Q
 Queen
 Bohemian Rhapsody Lyrics

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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

 Home
 Q
 Queen
 Bohemian Rhapsody Lyrics

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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

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Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
Produced by Queen & Roy Thomas Baker

Album A Night at the Opera

[Intro]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Verse 2]
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 (Anyway the wind blows)
I don't wanna die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

[Verse 3]
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?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let him go!) Bismillah! We will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Will not let you go
(Let me go) Ah
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!

[Verse 4]
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!

[Outro]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows

Thom Yorke Recalls His Mixed Feelings About Radiohead’s Early Success

What Do The Lyrics To Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Mean?

In Search Of: Here’s Why People Are Looking Up Dominic Fike, Lil Nas X, & Shordie Shordie

Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
It took Queen frontman Freddie Mercury seven years to write this 1975 prog-pop masterpiece.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the
first single released from Queen’s fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an
international success, reaching #1 in five countries and peaking at #9 in the United States.
Seventeen years after its initial release,…

read more »

 Where does "Bohemian" come from and what does it mean?

A “bohemian” is an unconventional artistic free spirit who lacks anything tying them
down. It can also refer to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now part of Czechia. It became
associated with that sort of lifestyle because the French thought that was where travelling
Romani communities came from.

 2 contributors

 Was he gay?

“Objection, your Honor: context!” Re-phrase:

In late 1975, when Bo Rap’s thunderbolts and lightning cast Queen as rock-gods, was Mercury
struck as very, very openly gay?

To “be gay”, or “not to be gay”, in mid-1970’s England, was that a question of psychiatric, legal,
and/or religious ramifications? Mamma mia; “Spare him his life from” such monstrosities", eh?

Bo-Rap is a thrill ride shape-shifter, from tragic tear-jerk-trigger-pulling proportions to the

comedically scary mock-opera trial parts. It took “Wayne’s World” to push on the gas of the
thrill ride back up the U.S. charts to not-quite-#1. Before the snooty over-analysis to follow, let’s
get one thing straight: this song has plenty of Bohemian comedy, so line up your opera
spectacles (is “opera” gay?). And let’s not forget the B-side: Roger’s “I’m in Love With My
Car”. Was he, then, motorosexual? Metrosexual? It’s all dripping in the metaphorical. Words,
words, words, must be carefully chosen: ask Oscar Wilde or anyone accused of being heretical
by the Papacy (scarier than reigning Queens, like certain … nevermind).

Was Galileo imprisoned for his heliocentrism? Galileo Galilei was a Sheer Heretic, no? And if
Dr. Brian May played the role of the 17th Century Astronomer, then who is Figaro, and were
THEY straight? Was the earth flat? “Objection, your Honor!”

Sustained; irreverent. Scaramouche, re-direct the “gay connotations” rotation annotation to the
20th to 21st century. Proceed:

Many folks interpret Bo Rap’s lyrics as Mercury’s metaphoric struggle with his sexuality; Brian
May and Roger Taylor have hinted at the viability of this “rap” regarding Freddie’s Bohemia.
Mercury let these lyrics “be” open to interpretation. The song was a seedling as “The Cowboy
Song”. That theme bit the dust ahead of time, but apparently left a smoking gun, anyway the
wind blew pipes into Queen’s three singing members in mock-opera splendor, the antithesis of a
“mute” court. Or was it an operatic jury from Hell passing judgment on the “love” that dare not
speak its name?

Freddie did say the song was about “relationships”; everyone can relate to that, regardless of
“sexual preferences”.

Sheila Whiteley co-authored a 2006 “book” of 19 essays about sexuality in popular music,
“Queering the Popular Pitch” (Eds. Sheila Whiteley and Jennifer Rycenga, published by
Routledge). Whiteley’s essay “Popular Music and the Dynamics of Desire” on page 252
provides an informative summary, albeit with a lyrical stretch,

The heightened sense of urgency seems to resonate with Mercury’s inner turmoil, leaving the
security of Mary Austin (who …remained
a close friend throughout his life) coming to terms with gay life (“Easy come, easy go”), and
living with a man (“So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye”). Mary was, however,
more perceptive than the song implies. At the time, Freddie had asked her if she thought he was
bisexual. Her reply—“I don’t think you’re bisexual. I think you’re gay” provides an insight into
their relationship and her continuing support.

When Queen’s gravitational pull grounded their megastardom around the globe, Freddie was not
openly gay, i.e., he was not “out-of-the-closet” in a public way. An openly gay rock star,
especially in the United States, would have been the kiss-of-death if the fate of New York City’s
glam-rock overtly gay artist Jobriath gives any clue.

Mary Austin was Freddie’s dearest friend and family-member, by default and design. His death
is literally a testament to this. The Vintage News notes:

Freddie Mercury’s will dictated that Mary was left with the better part of his wealth, more than
$10 million, as well as his large mansion. His mother reportedly approved his decision, stating
that Mary was like a family to her.

Queen’s monetary health (especially Freddie’s) began with the success of Bo-Rap and their
fourth album, “A Night at the Opera”. Such artistic and commercial acclaim made all of Queen’s
men quite merry and GAY, and not merely because of the ensuing fame and pay, nor from relief
at having severed the strings from their prior managers' greed, who allegedly swindled the band,
so badly it spawned Mercury’s wrath on “A Night at the Opera”’s opening track, “Death on Two
Legs (Dedicated to…)”.

So was Freddie Mercury “gay”? Or was he “bi-sexual”? Is “Bohemian Rhapsody” his obvious
“coming out” song? Did his “personal inclinations” have a creative impact on Queen’s music and
performances for better or for worse? “Objection your honor!” Sustained. Queen still rules;
Freddie sang his heart out for his fans, as much as he physically could, until the day he died. In
the age of Freddie A.D., the records have been set straight: Queen’s crown as the people’s band
is legendary, transcending race, creed, identity, and the crazy little thing dubbed as a
“rhapsody”? Labels. EMI (and Elektra?) didn’t approve of its release. But that’s a different story,
and Freddie’s sexual “label” was a private, family matter to him, released or hidden in a
metaphorical artistic sense?

 2 contributors

 How was the making of this track?

 1 contributor

 Translations:

 Portuguese Translation
 Spanish Translation

 2 contributors

 Is "Bohemian Rhapsody" about a murder and an execution?

The most sensible literal reading of the song is that the narrator confesses to a murder, is put on
trial, and either escapes or gets executed. Figurative readings—like interpretations that it is an
allegory for Freddie’s struggles with his sexuality—are also possible, but harder to support.

 2 contributors

 Do you believe the characters like Galileo for instance were about Brian May

There is nothing connecting any of the characters in the song to Freddie’s bandmates. Indeed, he
started writing the song before he met them. Some argue that “Mamma” is Mary Austin,
Freddie’s long-term partner. A year after the release of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie
confessed to her that he was bisexual and their relationship ended.

 2 contributors

 Is the whole band dead?

No, as of 2018, there are three surviving original members.

 2 contributors

 How did they make the music video?

According to officialcharts.com:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is responsible for the modern music video. The video for the track was
recorded on November 10, 1975. It took just four hours to film and another five to edit, at a total
cost of £4,500. It was aired on Top Of The Pops for the first time on November 20 of that year.
When other artists and record labels saw how effective a promotional video could be, they all
climbed on the bandwagon—the music industry has never been the same since!

As for the visual effects, the Music Video Wikia page for “Bohemian Rhapsody” describes them
as such:

The video opens with a shot of the four band members in near darkness as they sing the a
cappella part. The lights fade up, and the shots cross-fade into close-ups of Freddie. All of the
special effects were achieved during the recording. The effect of the face zooming away was
accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a visual glare,
analogous to audio feedback. The honeycomb effect was achieved by using a shaped lens.

 1 contributor

 Are the band members still active?

Lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991. Following this, bassist John Deacon left the
industry. As of 2018, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor still tour together as
Queen.

 3 contributors

 Is this song the most popular song Queen has ever made?

Yes

 2 contributors

Ask us a question about this song

Written By Freddie Mercury
Label EMI Group Limited & Elektra Records
Bass John Deacon
Recording Engineer Mike Stone & Gary Lyons
Gong Roger Taylor
Timpani Roger Taylor
Equipment Supervisor John Harris
Background Vocals Roger Taylor, Brian May & Freddie Mercury
Drums Roger Taylor
Electric Guitar Brian May
Piano Freddie Mercury
Lead Vocals Freddie Mercury
Recorded At August–September 1975 Various studios
Release Date October 31, 1975
Sampled In
Open Your Eyes by Pusha T
Ms. Jenkins by Ca$his
Momma by Remo (Bronx) (Ft. Booba)
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked Wily Waitress) by The Cross
Bohemian Gravity by Tim Blais
Real Life Part 1 & 2 by O.C.
Novocaine Rhapsody by Dean Gray
DK Rapsody by Sockpuppetkingdom
Interpolated By
Fool in Love by Rihanna
Bethlehemian Rhapsody by ApologetiX
Fossi Figo by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Gianni Morandi)
Mother by Pop Will Eat Itself
Il rock and roll by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Enrico Mentana)
Nintendohemian Rhapsody by brentalfloss (Ft. Pat the NES Punk)
Bomba intelligente by Elio e le Storie Tese (Ft. Francesco Di Giacomo)
Brohemian Rhapsody by blink-182
Treasure by Dream Mclean (Ft. Dame (UK) & Matt Wills)
Unforgettable by Cheb Amin
Mamma by Maut
Bohemian Rhapsody (Parody) by Nigahiga (Ft. Derrick Dereleek, Sean Fujiyoshi & Will Shahan)
Zero Wing Rhapsody by Andrew Kepple (Ft. Darryn Woods, Jeff Clark & Stephen Townshend)
Cover By
The Big Medley by Dream Theater
Bohemian Rhapsody by Never Shout Never
Bohemian Polka by "Weird Al" Yankovic
Bohemian Rhapsody by Emilie Autumn
Bohemian Rhapsody (O.G. Mix) by Puscifer
Bohemian Rhapsody by Guns N’ Roses
Bohemian Rhapsody by Grey DeLisle
Bohemian Rhapsody by Hayseed Dixie
Rap Soda y Bohemia by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Flaming Lips
Bohemian Rhapsody by Constantine Maroulis
Bohemian Rhapsody by P!nk
Bohemian Rhapsody by G4
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Ten Tenors
Bohemian Rhapsody by Russell Watson
Bohemian Rhapsody by Glee Cast (Ft. Jonathan Groff)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Montserrat Caballé
Bohemian Rhapsody by Krusader
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bohemian rhapsody
Bohemian rhapsody by Rhythms Del Mundo
Bohemian rhapsody by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by William Shatner (Ft. John Wetton)
Bohemian rhapsody by London Symphony Orchestra
Bohemian Rhapsody by Richard Cheese
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets (Ft. Queen)
Bohemian rapsody by Vocal six
Bohemian Rhapsody - String Quartet Tribute to Queen by Vitamin String Quartet
Bohemian Rhapsody by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody by Alex Goot (Ft. Kurt Hugo Schneider, Madilyn Bailey, Sam Tsui &
Tyler Ward)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pentatonix
DZIEŃ KOBIET- SPECIAL VIDEO by Przeme12 (Ft. Freddie Mercury)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Protomen
Bohemian Rhapsody by Bad News
Bohemian Rhapsody by Pato Fu
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Forest Rangers (Ft. Billy Valentine, Franky Perez & The White
Buffalo)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Daniel Platzman
Evolution of Music by Pentatonix
Bohemian Rhapsody by Elaine Paige
Bohemian Rhapsody (2011 Remaster) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody by LEE HI x BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Bohemian Rhapsody by Braids
Bohemian Rhapsody Performed in 42 Styles by Ten Second Songs (Ft. E-Rock)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Road Trip
Bohemian Rhapsody - Acoustic by John Adams (Folk)
Bohemian Rhapsody by Maybebop
Rap Soda y Bohemia (Desde El Palacio De Los Deportes) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by Peter Hollens (Ft. Steve Terreberry)
Rap, Soda y Bohemia (En Vivo Desde Rusia - 2010) by Molotov
Bohemian Rhapsody by California Guitar Trio
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by California Guitar Trio (Ft. Montreal Guitar Trio)
Remixed By
Bohemian Rhapsody (SONOIO Rework) by Puscifer
Google Translate Sings: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen by MALINDA
Bohemian Rhapsody by Lil Meerkat (Ft. Lil Bodypillow & Lil Taco)
Bohemian Rhapsody by The Dropouts (From Goldbergs) (Ft. Big Tasty)
Performed Live As
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live 1982) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in 1986) by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live) by Panic! at the Disco
Bohemian Rhapsody (Live in Budapest) by Queen

A Night at the Opera Queen

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
3. I’m in Love with My Car
4. You’re My Best Friend
5. ’39
6. Sweet Lady
7. Seaside Rendezvous
8. The Prophet’s Song
9. Love of My Life
10. Good Company
11. Bohemian Rhapsody
12. God Save the Queen

 Home
 Q
 Queen
 Bohemian Rhapsody Lyrics

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