Song Name: Show Must Go On
Band: Queen
Album: Innuendo
Release Date: 14 October, 1991
Written: Brian May
Background
Queen has always been a favourite band of mine. I always felt as if they were underrated. From all the big bands fro the 70's, Queen is rarely considered as a favourite in most books. People rarely put them in the same category as Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin.
They got a resurgence in the 1990's with Wayne's World when one of their songs, Bohemian Rhapsody made it to number 1 for the second time. In general, people remember Queen for 2 songs, We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions. Who has not been at a football, Hockey or any team sport and these songs start playing.
I could have picked any number or memorable songs but for my 5th pick, I chose Show Must Go On from their Innuendo album. This was a song written mostly by Brian May. It was written for Freddie Mercury who was fighting AIDS at the time. A very small number of people knew about his condition at the time. This song was the last track on the album. This was so as Queen did not know if Freddie Mercury would be able to have another album. This was to be the last song before he passes away and it is the My Way of Queen.
The song is basically saying to live life to the fullest and that once it is done, the Show Must Go On. The people around you should carry on regardless of what happens.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] Empty spaces - what are we living for? Abandoned places - I guess we know the score, on and on Does anybody know what we are looking for? Another hero - another mindless crime Behind the curtain, in the pantomime Hold the line Does anybody want to take it anymore? [Chorus] The Show must go on The Show must go on Inside my heart is breaking My make-up may be flaking But my smile, still, stays on [Verse 2] Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance Another heartache - another failed romance, on and on Does anybody know what we are living for? I guess I'm learning I must be warmer now I'll soon be turning, round the corner now Outside the dawn is breaking But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free!
Bottomline
Although this song seems to be sombre on the surface, I find this song positive in many ways. Basically this is the song of someone who is weakening but let's life carry out. Once one passes away, life continues and you must enjoy life as much as you can and not think of how the person has left us. This is a song that you learn through someone else's experience, just like a friend giving advice.
This song has become more and more relevant with the years that pass by. I listened to this song a lot when my father passed away and it has always stuck with me ever since. I never really listened to this song until long after its release. Some songs just have a way of coming and get you at the right moment. At least for me anyways.
Show Must Go On - Queen
Do you like this song. Let me know below.
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