Bohemian Rhapsody – by Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is an iconic rock opera masterpiece by the legendary British band Queen, released in 1975. The song, written by lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, defies conventional music norms with its operatic segments, hard rock elements, and poignant lyrics.

Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946, was the charismatic frontman of Queen. Known for his incredible vocal range and flamboyant stage presence, Mercury was a true musical visionary. “Bohemian Rhapsody” showcases his songwriting prowess, blending introspective lyrics with theatrical flair.

The lyrics of “Bohemian Rhapsody” are enigmatic and open to interpretation. The song begins with a melancholic confession of murder (“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality”). It transitions into a powerful operatic section, followed by a hard rock segment that builds to a dramatic climax. Themes of existential questioning, guilt, and defiance resonate throughout the song, creating a timeless appeal.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” was a commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Queen’s signature songs. Its innovative structure and Mercury’s emotive delivery continue to captivate listeners across generations. The song’s impact on popular culture is profound, from its use in films and commercials to its enduring popularity at live concerts.

Here are the full lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen:

[Verse 1]
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 2]
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 3]
Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine, body’s aching all the time
Goodbye, everybody, I’ve got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, ooh (Any way the wind blows)
I don’t wanna die
I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 4]
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
(Never, never, never, never let me go) Ah
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
(Oh, mamma mia, mamma mia) Mama mia, let me go
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me!

[Verse 5]
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]
(Ooh)

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 6]
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Any way the wind blows