Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen ( Bohemian Rhapsody, 1975)īohemian Rhapsody has been regarded as one of the most iconic songs ever written since it was penned. This global hit almost certainly had an impact! ?ġ.
Gay discrimination is (sadly) still happening, but at least in The Netherlands, it is nowhere near as big of a taboo as it was in 1986. I can’t get used to living without, living without With the (undoubtedly) massive struggle that must have come with this, it’s easy for me to understand why these lyrics spoke to so many members of the gay community.
In 1986 there was still a distinct lack of understanding for homosexuality people were pressured to stay closeted. If that’s the case, then the following passage suddenly takes on another meaning: The fact that the band members appeared in drag in the video could be interpreted as coming out.
God knows, God knows I want to break free You are so self-satisfied I don’t need you For many it goes beyond just breaking out of a bad relationship or a rut. It’s just somebody who has a very tough life and he just wants to break free from whatever problems he’s got.”Įven so, the meaning is often interpreted differently. “It has got nothing to do with the gay people at all. In an interview, Freddie spoke about its meaning: Funnily enough, the song wasn’t written at all with the intention of making a statement! John Deacon (who is heterosexual) wrote the lyrics. Its parodic character did not translate well in the United States and was even interpreted as promoting transvestism! It’s hard to imagine these days, but back then it was reason enough for MTV to ban the song from their channel.Īs groundbreaking as the video was, the lyrics also broke boundaries and were of great meaning to the gay community. This clip was a parody of the British soap Coronation Street, but not everyone understood (or valued) the reference. In it, the four band members are dressed in drag, after which we see Freddie Mercury escape from the daily grind of the housewife existence. One of the reasons for this was the music video. When I Want To Break Free was released, it was the talk of the town. I Want To Break Free – Queen (The Works, 1984) 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.