Queen is technically a rock band. But I feel they are a genre themselves. Their music is so unique, their sound is never the same. Freddie Mercury-lead singer, Brian May-lead guitar, Roger Taylor-drums, and John Deacon-bass. I’d love to see you react to Somebody To Love live in Montreal!
Freddie Mercury's voice is unique. The first a capella part is just Freddie, harmonising with himself. Freddie wrote this masterpiece (Brian May wrote his own guitar solo of course). Freddie was a great musician, performer, singer. He is still so greatly missed...
No , The Guitar solo is also written by Freddie !!! Brian May said in an interview !! The Fact is This whole song from start to end everything is Freddie's idea, everything written by Freddie !!!
A few fun facts about Queen: * Guitarist Brian May has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and built his electric guitar (Red Special) when he was 17 (with his dad). * Bassist John Deacon has a degree in electronics. He designed and built the amp that Brian sometimes uses to create unique sounds on Red Special. John was also involved in the band’s financial management. * Drummer Roger Taylor has a degree in biology (pre-med). His vocal range is better than most lead singers of other groups. * Lead singer Freddie Mercury has a degree in graphic design. It goes without saying that his vocal range was amazing and he was the best front man of any band. * All four have written #1 hits, and all are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. BTW, Freddie didn't say his mother killed a man. He said, "Momma, just killed a man." (Note the comma. It indicated he was addressing his mother). People have been debating the meaning of the song ever since it came out, but it's safe to say it was a euphemism, and no one was actually killed. 😀
I have to laugh every time someone says they've never heard of this group before. You have. You just dont know it. Ever heard of We Will rock You? We Are the Champions? Another one bites the dust? :) As for this song, Freddie Mercury never told anyone what exactly it meant. He preferred people make up their own minds as songs can be personal to whoever is listening. The other band members probably knew. A lot of people feel it's his coming to grips with his own sexuality. In effect he was killing the man his family (mother) expected him to be and admitting his gay/bi personality.
Im 65&just discovered Queen after hearing DanVasc do this&then I started hearing other songs&realized Id loved various songs just never saw band album cover or pic before;that was in Oct. &Im hooked completely. I guarantee you are now hooked! They were awesome band but Freddie Mercury,lead singer&front man was a gift from God in voice,charisma,vivid imagination! Their other videos will blow you away as nearly all are over the top. This was 3 songs Freddie combined&is what set them off! Dont try to figure out meaning as itll give you brain freeze I think.&This is early Queen; the older they got the more work to meet challenge of variety of 4song writers mixing it up! One Freddie & he truly was the best but also only 1 true Queen,as never could replace Freddie❣️💔💖💯
Bohemian Rhapsody has so many views, like most of their songs because Queen is the absolute best band there is and. Freddie Mercury is one of a kind and the greatest frontman to ever walk on stage! You have to listen to some of their greatest hits, the rabbit hole is waiting for you! I've been loving Queen for about 45 years now and I have no plans to stop! Thanks for reacting to Queen! 👍
My Dad introduced me to Queen in 1990. I instantly fell in love with his voice 😍. I was devastated when he died of AIDS. He is the true definition of a artist. He was at his best performing live. No one could peacock the stage like Freddy!
Queen is a British rock band formed in 1970 consisting of: Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano John Deacon - Bass guitar Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals You are right. There was no Autotune in 1975 when Bohemian Rhapsody (BoRap) was recorded and released. All 4 members of Queen had amazing musical talent plus all 4 members composed music that became number 1 hits. Ever heard "Another One Bites the Dust", "We Will Rock You", or "We Are The Champions"? All written and recorded by Queen. Freddie Mercury composed Bohemian Rhapsody. He never explained the meaning behind it because Freddie preferred that the meaning be whatever the listener felt it was not what he (Freddie) was thinking when he wrote it. He did admit that it is actually 3 different songs that he had been working on for a while but could not seem to finish. So he mashed them all together, adding some transitions and bridges, and created Bohemian Rhapsody. Bohemian Rhapsody can be broken down into 6 separate parts: 1. Intro - (the video shows all 4 members of Queen singing acapella but in reality what you are heading is just Freddie, who laid down 5 separate tracks of himself singing and harmonizing with himself). 2; Ballad - "Mama, just killed a man..." had the working title of "Freddie's Cowboy Song". 3. Guitar Solo - this is the only part of BoRap not composed by Freddie. He knew he wanted a guitar solo in it and so he told Brian where he wanted it and Brian wrote something so amazingly perfect for the song. 4. Operatic section - Freddie was always fascinated by the thought of mixing genres of music. He loved the thought of mixing rock (which he loved) with Opera (which he also loved). 5. Hard Rock - because Freddie and the whole band loved to rock out 6. Outro - Closes the circle by returning to the ballad to close out the song A good friend of Freddie's, the lyrist Sir Tim Rice (who wrote the lyrics for "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Alladin", "The Lion King", "Evita", etc.) believed the ballad portion was Freddie's attempt to come out as gay/bisexual. (The man he killed was metaphorically the Freddie who pretended to be straight.) In 1975, even though it was during the "sexual revolution", coming out as non-heterosexual was very scary. Freddie never did actually admit he was gay but everyone knew it. (None of the other members of Queen were gay).
All talent......this song has 1 complete storyline (listen again to the words only)....it has 5 parts.....1 Acapello (introduction), 2 Ballad (confession), 3 Operatic (trial) [look up Bismilla], 4 Rock show (acceptance) and a Coda (closing).........there are masterpieces and then there's Bohemian Rhapsody
QUEEN was multi-genre's, & if I had to put a label on this song, I would say it falls in the Rock Opera category......enjoyed your reaction, & hope you continue down the QUEEN rabbit hole, it is huge, and incredible!!!
I think you can safely say this song is rock opera but Queen never adhered to any genre. When you first listen to a Queen song you never know what it is going to be but you know it is going to be good. Yes, that is pure Freddie Mercury on vocals. He also wrote this song which he turned into a rhapsody by sandwiching together three different songs that were on the same basic theme. Freddie was a one off with a 4 octave vocal range though in this song the highest notes are Roger who is the drummer. Nobody knows what this song was about because Freddie never said, he left it up to the listener to decide. Some of the lyrics are metaphor and not literal. If you listen closely, his mom didn't kill a man, he says he did when he says pulled MY trigger now he's dead. There are lots of theories about what the song means but nobody really knows. It is a song about transitions I think, becoming a different person, perhaps growing up, perhaps leaving his old life behind for music or some other change. I love this song and nearly everyone knows this song by heart. Just enjoy it and let it be whatever it feels like at the time. To me this song has three parts: the crime, the judgement and the outcome which is nothing really matters. I have been listening to this song since 1975 and I still hear different things in the lyrics and the music when I listen to it. This is a fantastic band with over 200 songs in their catalog. Every band member wrote at least three number 1 hits. Freddie Mercury was said to be the best singer of all time and also the best frontman of all time. Thank you for your reaction. It was everything I felt the first time I heard this song too but I was just itching to hear it again and again.
@@DJ-bj8ku Queen did vaudeville, jazz, disco, funk, ballads, folk, anthems and whatever they felt like. I would call them a rock BAND, I agree with you there but as far as their music is concerned, I think Queen was much more diversified than that. Seaside Rendezvous, Cool Cat, Good Company, 39 and You Take My Breath Away to name a few, really can't be considered as rock songs in my opinion. You are free to disagree, of course and I would certainly understand your point of view. Bo-Rap is rock opera in my opinion (and I have heard the members of the band refer to it that way) not unlike some of the songs done by The Who where rock was blended with a more classical types of music. The members of Queen were music composers and really took the freedom to write in any manner that appealed to them and each of them had different tastes in music.
@@sherryheim5504 Thanks for the thoughtful response. I grew up in the late ‘60s and of course through the ‘70s when there were super groups, like Zeppelin, the Stones, etc. Queen was never considered more than a very talented rock group. I think the Stones were more versatile. Of course perspectives change over time, but Queen was influenced primarily by Elvis (Crazy Little Thing Called Love), the Beatles and music from the ‘50s. While they had a unique sound, of course-I had several of their albums-I think the UA-cam era may be giving them an outsize stature simply because Freddy was charismatic and flamboyant and no one really rocks like them anymore.
No auto tune but also no ear pieces -- what you heard on stage is what you sang and played to...now no artist will go out there without that advantage. Gold stars for the early days.
Thanks for the great reaction! This genre is called "Queen" because it's a group that represents all the genres we know. This is exactly the phenomenon of Queen + their harmony. It was these four talented musicians who made music history. In Freddie's work, it is never possible to find clarity in words. All his fantasy world and thoughts are up to the listeners. He himself has said so in his interviews.
Queen is it's own genre. They sing it all!!! You have to react to more Queen. Their live performances are the best. No auto tune. This is pure Talent!!!
Thanks for the great reaction! Don't try to put the band into a box, they wrote the songs in cca. 15 different genres, they were the most diverse rock band. Freddie Mercury composed this masterpiece from 3 earlier written and unfinished songs. All those beautiful harmonies are the result of a very complicated 3 weeks recording in 6 different studios, only Freddie knew how it had to be sounded. In the first part Freddie is harmonizing with himself and the chorus section is based on the voice of 3 of them, because John the bass player couldn't sing well. Pls, check out Somebody To Love at Montreal 81.
This was the very first song considered rock opera. Queen is it’s own genre since all four members have written at least 3 number one hits. There songs all sound different. Freddie Mercury had the best voice ever. 4 octaves - incredible.
Absolutely huge talented band one of the best bands ever from 🇬🇧 Uk , all the members of Queen have written no1 hits, Queens greatest hits album is still the best selling album of all time in the Uk 🇬🇧 they have sold 300 million albums worldwide, They are known for there flamboyant live performances, the lead guitarist Brian May hand made his unique legendary electric guitar from a wooden fireplace, Queen have amazing songs like, We Will Rock You , also We Are The Champions ,they have many rock anthems , Live Aid concert in 1985 was a charity concert in aid for the famine in Africa,Live aid was twined with a concert in Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸 80,000 people at Live Aid , 90, thousand crowd in Philadelphia, 2billion people worldwide watched both concerts, all the best artists in the world attended these concerts, and Queen had a 20 minute slot for their performance and Queen performance absolutely stole the show from the world’s best, The lead singer Freddie Mercury was considered the best frontman of a band ever! So check out Live Aid 1985 at Wembley Stadium , Freddie had the crowd in the palm of his hand !
Queen is a deep, deep dive. Early stuff (like this) is amazing.. they’re genre-busting, you can’t pin them down! Freddie didn’t ever want to define his music, he wanted it to mean something different to whomever was listening to it!! But.. bc all four of these guys wrote music (all are in the songwriter hall of fame).. their music varies widely. You’ve heard much of it, even if you didn’t know who sung it!! Enjoy the journey - you can’t go wrong!
Freddie Mercury (lead singer) was working on writing 3 very different songs when he had the genius inspiration to combine them into this epic masterpiece. Nothing like it, before or since.
queen's music is....iconic. even if you never heard of them...its impossibe to never have heard their music. reacto these -Live aid (a 20 min concert they had) -we will rock you -we are the champions -under preasure -crazy little thing called love -who wants to live forever (from the movie Highlander) -princes of the universe (same) -Love of my life -another one bites the dust -somebody to love -I want to break free -dont stop me now
Really good reaction, I enjoyed it. And being surprised and confused is a perfect reaction. There are a number of different assumptions about the meaning in the lyrics from the literal to it being a metaphor for Freddie coming out. Whatever, it's a masterpiece. I was 15 when this was released and as lots of other people have said, it's a song that stays with you.
Technically it is rock. If you listen closely he is confessing to his mother that HE killed a man and has thrown his life away. He will be locked up or executed. Most believe the song is metaphorical. Some argue it was Freddie Mercury's coming out song. He would never say what it was about, leaving it up to the listeners. You are correct in that there is no auto tune or filters - it is pure Freddie Mercury. In fact, the opening section is Freddie doing 5 part harmony with himself. He had amazing vocals and is considered by many as the best rock male vocalist of all time. The Queen rabbit hole offers a wide variety of songs showcasing their amazing talent. Next, you should listen to "Somebody to Love" live in Montreal. Their talent is on full display
Yess.... Please react to "Somebody to love" but I would suggest react to the studio version first... then onto the live Montreal one for comparison to get the full effect of their amazing ability to change it but still keep the meaning of the song...by the way Freddie wrote this song too. Amazing vocalist and best Frontman ever...R.I.P. Thanks for your reaction.
This is truly the greatest masterpiece ever. !! And it’s our Freddie’s coming out song . The most beautiful soul to ever grace our planet . I loved you reaction and comments 💕
Queen did all kinds of genres, they were very unique. This song was written by Freddie Mercury, it wasn't his mother who killed a man, it was him and he confessed to his mother. Freddie Mercury is the lead singer.
People say the genre is called Rock Opera but it’s the only song I’ve heard of that genre. The band is called Queen and the song is called Bohemian Rhapsody, you should definitely react to more of their music they’re probably my favorite band currently.
to see queen at their fullest...watch their Live aid performance. its a 20 min they had at the live aid for africa chariety concert. they were one of many performers at 2 locations (they performed in London). they werent the headline but they stole the show
Oh baby, you can’t pigeon hole Queen. This song was Freddie’s coming out song to his Mother. Please keep on your Queen journey. You will be richly rewarded. They are legend. Watch “Somebody to love” live from Montreal next. Please always, always watch Queen live. 0 synthesizers. 0 auto tune. 100% pure talent. Not bad for a group of four that included a dentist, as Astro engineer, a graphics designer, and Jon. Lol.
Ok so now you have to watch or find the clip of the movie Wayne’s World, there is a famous part where the guys are rocking out to this song. Epic movie moment. And I’d suggest reacting to Somebody to Love. The original is outstanding BUT there is a live performance Montreal 81’ that is just so amazing. If you like Freddie’s voice you have to watch the Live Montreal first. I’ll include the link.
Don’t get hung up and over analyze these lyrics. Freddie took three songs he was working on and mashed them together. Freddie always said you can interpret it anyway you want. React to Somebody to Love, live in Montreal.
Some songs by Queen "We will rock you", and "we are the champions ", I know you will recognize. "Another one bites the dust ", live at Wembley 1986 "Under pressure ",live at wembley 1986. "Somebody to love ", live at Montreal 1981 "Save me ", live at Montreal 1981.
The genre is Queen. Freddie is confessing to his mother that he ‘murdered’ someone, not saying his mother murdered someone lol. Freddie is British, the others are English. Freddie is a genius and our national treasure ❤️🇬🇧
Freddie Mercury was a musical genius! This song was from their album A Night at the Opera. So, you were correct in saying that the second part of the song sounded like opera. Freddie was the lead vocalist, and he actually wrote the song! He purposely threw different genres into it! RIP, Freddie. You're singing with the angels! 💞💞
This song and video came out in the mid 70's. Auto tune didn't exist until the mid 90's. What you are listening to is 100% them, the words the music, just them. You have heard their music before, in movies, commercials, at sporting events, you just didn't know it was Queen. Go down the rabbit hole, it will be a journey you will enjoy. Don't overthink this song, just enjoy it.
I'm surprised at how many people think that Mama killed a man. I certainly knew that he was talking to his mama, even the first time I heard it. Even though the subject "I" is dropped, the pause after "Mama" made it clear that Mama didn't kill anybody. He killed a man with his own gun.
The interpretation is up to each listener. I interpret it this way, the fictional character in the song murders someone, then he stands trial where he sings I’m just poor boy from poor family, the response is no we will not let you go….he’s convicted, and the third transition is working through the anger and resentment of the conviction, until it ends with accepting his fate. However, this is how I feel the song moves
The Genre is Queen. Freddie would never say what the song was about but a lot of people think it is about him killing off the old Freddie by coming out about his sexuality to his Mother
,Queen...Roger Taylor, Brian May ,John Deacon and the BRILLIANCE OF FREDDIE MERCURY..ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN.CAME OUT IN 1975... written by Freddie
Brilliant song, Brilliant band!!! Momma didn’t kill a man, you misunderstood the beginning a bit!! Queen is a Rock band and has a massive catalog, you will know a few of their songs!!! enjoy the ride! 👌🎵👍🎶✌️😁
Freddie's voice = magic 100% him He is known for his fast vibrato. My favorite example of that is from Friday night's Wembley 1986 'Who Wants to Live Forever' (must be Friday for my example). Another excellent 'study' of Freddie's voice is 'You Take My Breath Away' live at Hyde Park 1976. (just Freddie and his piano) superb! This song is 5 kinds of music (rarely do songs merge more than 2 if any) A CAPELLA... is this real or just fantasy BALLAD ... mama just killed a guy OPERA ... a silhouette of a man ROCK ... you think you can stop me CODA ... nothing really matters what may be happening in the song A CAPELLA... questioning situation BALLAD ... admition / realization OPERA ... judgement / pleading ROCK ... anger / consequences CODA ... resolve / acceptance Freddie would never say what it's about and wants each listener to decide for themselves. One very widely aggreed idea is it's Freddie killing off the heterosexual side of himself. Freddie was 29 in 1975 and gay or on the cusp... it was illegal to be gay up until 1967 (only 8 years earlier) so legal issues plagued this part of society. I personally love how much the video reminds me of 'Oliver' from 1968~1972 both visually and storyline.
Don’t worry about how you feel Freddie said about this song put your own interpretation onto it, whatever fits to your life, I’m queen fan went to most of their of their concerts, this man wanted no more than to make sure the fans got nothing but the best from him, his fans were the most important thing to Freddie and that’s why he gave everything he had on stage even when diagnosed with HIV he never wanted to let his fans down regardless of how sick he became, your right you are listening to one of the greatest bands ever and I’m so privileged to have seen.this band live. RIp Freddie your are, solely missed, you got your wish not make it to old bones but we would of been happier if you did, god knows he didn’t need another angel in heaven so bad but he decided he wanted Freddie’s voice was more useful in heaven, but god knew his legacy will always live on, that was proved by the green day concert when the full audience sang bohemian rhapsody word for word when most of the crowd were to young to remember queen, he will always be remembered and missed by his fans
So loved your reaction - the genre is Queen - they are in a league of their own. If you've not reviewed it already please check out the Live Aid Queen set or better still just work your way through the Album - Queens Greatest Hits 1. The song you just heard is about a poor boy who shoots a man, gets arrested, ends up in court and goes to jail .... but although he is broken he is still defiant and hopefully. In the UK we all know the words and we sing it loud ... in the car, when cleaning, at work, on the bus .... it is simply Queen.
Queen is a rock band but incorporates different types of music. He killed a man not his mom. His parents were religious and strict. I think it was his coming out song killing his old self. Just my opinion. Queen is amazing and its not a cry for help. Freddy died of Aids right before they got treatment for it. He was amazing. Listen to the full Queen live Aid concert without studying it first. Watch the entire clip and react. Its amazing too.
Their music was especially popular in the 70's. They/QUEEN WERE TOLD BY THEIR RECORD LABEL THAT "the song would NEVER SELL. THEY SAID, " IT'S TOO LONG AND THE RECORD COMPANY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PRODUCE IT, I.E ROCK/OPERA." TIME PROVED THOSE EXECUTIVES WRONG. QUEEN'S MUSIC, WITH FREDDY MERCURY AS LEAD SINGER, STILL IMPRESSIVES MUSIC CRIDICS TO THIS DAY.
A strip that ran in Heavy Metal Magazine around the time was called Rock Opera. Not for the first time, confusion arises because the lyrics written "Mama. Just killed a man" misses the personal pronoun. He means "Mama, I just killed a man . . " To contextualize, the following lyrics are, " . . Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he's dead!" So many reactors to Bohemian Rhapsody are so busy processing an error of information that they fail to hear the contextualization afterwards. They're too busy thinking, or saying, "Huh? . . What? . . His mama killed a man??"
Rhapsody: a musical composition of irregular form that expresses powerful feelings. Freddie's composition includes intro, ballad, operatic section, hard rock & coda. Freddie himself never clarified what his lyrics meant but it's generally assumed that the man he killed was some former version of himself.
I concur …. Listen to Somebody to Love (Live in Montreal) and the greatest live performance of a band all time: Queen at Live Aid concert broadcast live around the world. Finish with Freddie and Monserrat live in Barcelona singing an operatic song he wrote called “Barcelona”. Pick the one where he is in a black tuxedo and she is in a light blue dress. There are many versions as he performed different places. But this one version is epic. And served as the theme song to the Barcelona Olympics
They have so many songs that you don't realize you know. Lyrics to me are metaphors.. 3 songs written by Freddy without much to them combined I to this perfect creation. Please listen to more of their songs.
I spent my 24th B-day at the Queen concert in Montreal, 1981. Freddie owned the crowd. They are all so damn talented. Besides the birth of my kids, it was one of the best moments of my life. Sadly, Freddie also died on my B-day, 10 years later in 1991. I light a candle and play the Queen song... Who Wants To Live Forever every year on that date.
They are a rock band. This song was rated in top 5 greatest song ever. No..his mom didnt kill a man, he was confessing to his mom. Freddy Mercury has a great voice. Check out Somebody To Love, live in Montreol, 1981... you will see what a great voice he has. Also the song We Are The Champions,,and We will Rock You. They have such a great rabbit hole to go down!!
Watch the 1985 Live Aid concert. Their performance outdid every single other performance. Freddie Mercury’s voice and Brian May’s guitar. It’s 70 80s rock. By 1985, every single person on earth under 30 knew Queen.
''that guy has a great voice'' is like saying ''Mozart was a great composer''. Like, bruh, he's got arguably the greatest rock voice/singing voice in music history. Quite an understatement 😂 This song is a masterpiece!
Freddie a gifted talent who sang Opera. His group Queen the best. Check out his Aid Concert 85. He would die in 91 from Aids. But he will live on forever.
The name of the group is Queen in the name of the song is Bohemian Rhapsody and it's a rock opera is a little bit of chorus band rock and roll and orchestra and Opera all rolled into one and it came out in 1976 they're very well-known British rock group 🎶🎺🎷🎸🎻🥁📯
The popular narrative is - He was diagnosed with AIDS which back then was like a death sentence. Since it was primarily contracted through transmission, it was easily spread to others - thus, the reference to taking someone’s life. The song is sad, but was also groundbreaking for that era so I totally get how you feel conflicted because I did too. Rock operas were not a thing back then so I was amazed, and the musical changes take you through that emotion in the song’s meaning. It’s pretty much timeless and I’ve never felt or heard anything similar since.
Its not a genre it is just musical brilliance ... you will never forget this. ,,,,, Try Funeral for a Friend, Elton John now that will blow your mind !
"What genre is this?"
_"It's Queen. It's simply Queen."_
That's exactly how it is!
0% autotune
0% external songwriters
100% talent
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
^ 100% Facts
And rap is not depressing??
@@davidshattock9522 it's effects are
❤
0% autotune 100% raw talent This is a masterpiece written by beloved Freddie
"Freddie, how many genres did you put in this song?"
Freddie: "Yes".
I love that!!
@@donnanaples5214 Me too! Still! ;-)
"All of them, darling."
I wish I could like this comment more than once
😂😂😂
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a voice like that”
And you never will again
Queen is technically a rock band. But I feel they are a genre themselves. Their music is so unique, their sound is never the same. Freddie Mercury-lead singer, Brian May-lead guitar, Roger Taylor-drums, and John Deacon-bass. I’d love to see you react to Somebody To Love live in Montreal!
Yes, they have their own unique sound, but a genre themselves? I don’t get it.
I like the studio version of Somebody to Love better. Taylor on the drums!!!
Freddie Mercury's voice is unique. The first a capella part is just Freddie, harmonising with himself. Freddie wrote this masterpiece (Brian May wrote his own guitar solo of course). Freddie was a great musician, performer, singer. He is still so greatly missed...
No , The Guitar solo is also written by Freddie !!!
Brian May said in an interview !!
The Fact is This whole song from start to end everything is Freddie's idea, everything written by Freddie !!!
A few fun facts about Queen:
* Guitarist Brian May has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and built his electric guitar (Red Special) when he was 17 (with his dad).
* Bassist John Deacon has a degree in electronics. He designed and built the amp that Brian sometimes uses to create unique sounds on Red Special. John was also involved in the band’s financial management.
* Drummer Roger Taylor has a degree in biology (pre-med). His vocal range is better than most lead singers of other groups.
* Lead singer Freddie Mercury has a degree in graphic design. It goes without saying that his vocal range was amazing and he was the best front man of any band.
* All four have written #1 hits, and all are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
BTW, Freddie didn't say his mother killed a man. He said, "Momma, just killed a man." (Note the comma. It indicated he was addressing his mother). People have been debating the meaning of the song ever since it came out, but it's safe to say it was a euphemism, and no one was actually killed. 😀
Excellent information!
I think he may of talking about the epidemic in the late 70’s early 80’s.
Go watch Phil Collins in the air of tonight live.
I have to laugh every time someone says they've never heard of this group before. You have. You just dont know it. Ever heard of We Will rock You? We Are the Champions? Another one bites the dust? :)
As for this song, Freddie Mercury never told anyone what exactly it meant. He preferred people make up their own minds as songs can be personal to whoever is listening. The other band members probably knew. A lot of people feel it's his coming to grips with his own sexuality. In effect he was killing the man his family (mother) expected him to be and admitting his gay/bi personality.
What a good reaction. Thank you!
Im 65&just discovered Queen after hearing DanVasc do this&then I started hearing other songs&realized Id loved various songs just never saw band album cover or pic before;that was in Oct. &Im hooked completely. I guarantee you are now hooked! They were awesome band but Freddie Mercury,lead singer&front man was a gift from God in voice,charisma,vivid imagination! Their other videos will blow you away as nearly all are over the top. This was 3 songs Freddie combined&is what set them off! Dont try to figure out meaning as itll give you brain freeze I think.&This is early Queen; the older they got the more work to meet challenge of variety of 4song writers mixing it up! One Freddie & he truly was the best but also only 1 true Queen,as never could replace Freddie❣️💔💖💯
Bohemian Rhapsody has so many views, like most of their songs because Queen is the absolute best band there is and. Freddie Mercury is one of a kind and the greatest frontman to ever walk on stage! You have to listen to some of their greatest hits, the rabbit hole is waiting for you! I've been loving Queen for about 45 years now and I have no plans to stop! Thanks for reacting to Queen! 👍
Freddie was a true showman. Queen live at Wembley stadium for live aid was epic
Queen plays rock, jazz, opera, rag time and even disco. All out talented band. Early 70s when they became big. So many great songs.
My Dad introduced me to Queen in 1990. I instantly fell in love with his voice 😍. I was devastated when he died of AIDS. He is the true definition of a artist. He was at his best performing live. No one could peacock the stage like Freddy!
If you will know Queen, you will love them, especially Freddie Mercury💖
Queen is a British rock band formed in 1970 consisting of:
Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano
John Deacon - Bass guitar
Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals
Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals
You are right. There was no Autotune in 1975 when Bohemian Rhapsody (BoRap) was recorded and released. All 4 members of Queen had amazing musical talent plus all 4 members composed music that became number 1 hits. Ever heard "Another One Bites the Dust", "We Will Rock You", or "We Are The Champions"? All written and recorded by Queen.
Freddie Mercury composed Bohemian Rhapsody. He never explained the meaning behind it because Freddie preferred that the meaning be whatever the listener felt it was not what he (Freddie) was thinking when he wrote it. He did admit that it is actually 3 different songs that he had been working on for a while but could not seem to finish. So he mashed them all together, adding some transitions and bridges, and created Bohemian Rhapsody.
Bohemian Rhapsody can be broken down into 6 separate parts:
1. Intro - (the video shows all 4 members of Queen singing acapella but in reality what you are heading is just Freddie, who laid down 5 separate tracks of himself singing and harmonizing with himself).
2; Ballad - "Mama, just killed a man..." had the working title of "Freddie's Cowboy Song".
3. Guitar Solo - this is the only part of BoRap not composed by Freddie. He knew he wanted a guitar solo in it and so he told Brian where he wanted it and Brian wrote something so amazingly perfect for the song.
4. Operatic section - Freddie was always fascinated by the thought of mixing genres of music. He loved the thought of mixing rock (which he loved) with Opera (which he also loved).
5. Hard Rock - because Freddie and the whole band loved to rock out
6. Outro - Closes the circle by returning to the ballad to close out the song
A good friend of Freddie's, the lyrist Sir Tim Rice (who wrote the lyrics for "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Alladin", "The Lion King", "Evita", etc.) believed the ballad portion was Freddie's attempt to come out as gay/bisexual. (The man he killed was metaphorically the Freddie who pretended to be straight.) In 1975, even though it was during the "sexual revolution", coming out as non-heterosexual was very scary. Freddie never did actually admit he was gay but everyone knew it. (None of the other members of Queen were gay).
All talent......this song has 1 complete storyline (listen again to the words only)....it has 5 parts.....1 Acapello (introduction), 2 Ballad (confession), 3 Operatic (trial) [look up Bismilla], 4 Rock show (acceptance) and a Coda (closing).........there are masterpieces and then there's Bohemian Rhapsody
QUEEN was multi-genre's, & if I had to put a label on this song, I would say it falls in the Rock Opera category......enjoyed your reaction, & hope you continue down the QUEEN rabbit hole, it is huge, and incredible!!!
I think you can safely say this song is rock opera but Queen never adhered to any genre. When you first listen to a Queen song you never know what it is going to be but you know it is going to be good. Yes, that is pure Freddie Mercury on vocals. He also wrote this song which he turned into a rhapsody by sandwiching together three different songs that were on the same basic theme. Freddie was a one off with a 4 octave vocal range though in this song the highest notes are Roger who is the drummer. Nobody knows what this song was about because Freddie never said, he left it up to the listener to decide. Some of the lyrics are metaphor and not literal. If you listen closely, his mom didn't kill a man, he says he did when he says pulled MY trigger now he's dead. There are lots of theories about what the song means but nobody really knows. It is a song about transitions I think, becoming a different person, perhaps growing up, perhaps leaving his old life behind for music or some other change. I love this song and nearly everyone knows this song by heart. Just enjoy it and let it be whatever it feels like at the time. To me this song has three parts: the crime, the judgement and the outcome which is nothing really matters. I have been listening to this song since 1975 and I still hear different things in the lyrics and the music when I listen to it. This is a fantastic band with over 200 songs in their catalog. Every band member wrote at least three number 1 hits. Freddie Mercury was said to be the best singer of all time and also the best frontman of all time. Thank you for your reaction. It was everything I felt the first time I heard this song too but I was just itching to hear it again and again.
They were a rock band-that was their genre.
@@DJ-bj8ku Queen did vaudeville, jazz, disco, funk, ballads, folk, anthems and whatever they felt like. I would call them a rock BAND, I agree with you there but as far as their music is concerned, I think Queen was much more diversified than that. Seaside Rendezvous, Cool Cat, Good Company, 39 and You Take My Breath Away to name a few, really can't be considered as rock songs in my opinion. You are free to disagree, of course and I would certainly understand your point of view. Bo-Rap is rock opera in my opinion (and I have heard the members of the band refer to it that way) not unlike some of the songs done by The Who where rock was blended with a more classical types of music. The members of Queen were music composers and really took the freedom to write in any manner that appealed to them and each of them had different tastes in music.
@@sherryheim5504 Thanks for the thoughtful response. I grew up in the late ‘60s and of course through the ‘70s when there were super groups, like Zeppelin, the Stones, etc. Queen was never considered more than a very talented rock group. I think the Stones were more versatile. Of course perspectives change over time, but Queen was influenced primarily by Elvis (Crazy Little Thing Called Love), the Beatles and music from the ‘50s. While they had a unique sound, of course-I had several of their albums-I think the UA-cam era may be giving them an outsize stature simply because Freddy was charismatic and flamboyant and no one really rocks like them anymore.
No auto tune but also no ear pieces -- what you heard on stage is what you sang and played to...now no artist will go out there without that advantage. Gold stars for the early days.
Thanks for the great reaction! This genre is called "Queen" because it's a group that represents all the genres we know. This is exactly the phenomenon of Queen + their harmony. It was these four talented musicians who made music history. In Freddie's work, it is never possible to find clarity in words. All his fantasy world and thoughts are up to the listeners. He himself has said so in his interviews.
Queen is it's own genre. They sing it all!!!
You have to react to more Queen. Their live performances are the best. No auto tune. This is pure Talent!!!
Thanks for the great reaction! Don't try to put the band into a box, they wrote the songs in cca. 15 different genres, they were the most diverse rock band.
Freddie Mercury composed this masterpiece from 3 earlier written and unfinished songs. All those beautiful harmonies are the result of a very complicated 3 weeks recording in 6 different studios, only Freddie knew how it had to be sounded. In the first part Freddie is harmonizing with himself and the chorus section is based on the voice of 3 of them, because John the bass player couldn't sing well. Pls, check out Somebody To Love at Montreal 81.
This was the very first song considered rock opera. Queen is it’s own genre since all four members have written at least 3 number one hits. There songs all sound different. Freddie Mercury had the best voice ever. 4 octaves - incredible.
Absolutely huge talented band one of the best bands ever from 🇬🇧 Uk , all the members of Queen have written no1 hits, Queens greatest hits album is still the best selling album of all time in the Uk 🇬🇧 they have sold 300 million albums worldwide, They are known for there flamboyant live performances, the lead guitarist Brian May hand made his unique legendary electric guitar from a wooden fireplace, Queen have amazing songs like, We Will Rock You , also We Are The Champions ,they have many rock anthems , Live Aid concert in 1985 was a charity concert in aid for the famine in Africa,Live aid was twined with a concert in Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸 80,000 people at Live Aid , 90, thousand crowd in Philadelphia, 2billion people worldwide watched both concerts, all the best artists in the world attended these concerts, and Queen had a 20 minute slot for their performance and Queen performance absolutely stole the show from the world’s best, The lead singer Freddie Mercury was considered the best frontman of a band ever! So check out Live Aid 1985 at Wembley Stadium , Freddie had the crowd in the palm of his hand !
Queen is a deep, deep dive. Early stuff (like this) is amazing.. they’re genre-busting, you can’t pin them down! Freddie didn’t ever want to define his music, he wanted it to mean something different to whomever was listening to it!! But.. bc all four of these guys wrote music (all are in the songwriter hall of fame).. their music varies widely. You’ve heard much of it, even if you didn’t know who sung it!! Enjoy the journey - you can’t go wrong!
Freddie Mercury (lead singer) was working on writing 3 very different songs when he had the genius inspiration to combine them into this epic masterpiece. Nothing like it, before or since.
Actually almost the entire second side of the Beatles’ Abbey Road is a combination of unwritten songs.
queen's music is....iconic. even if you never heard of them...its impossibe to never have heard their music. reacto these
-Live aid (a 20 min concert they had)
-we will rock you
-we are the champions
-under preasure
-crazy little thing called love
-who wants to live forever (from the movie Highlander)
-princes of the universe (same)
-Love of my life
-another one bites the dust
-somebody to love
-I want to break free
-dont stop me now
Really good reaction, I enjoyed it. And being surprised and confused is a perfect reaction. There are a number of different assumptions about the meaning in the lyrics from the literal to it being a metaphor for Freddie coming out. Whatever, it's a masterpiece. I was 15 when this was released and as lots of other people have said, it's a song that stays with you.
Technically it is rock. If you listen closely he is confessing to his mother that HE killed a man and has thrown his life away. He will be locked up or executed. Most believe the song is metaphorical. Some argue it was Freddie Mercury's coming out song. He would never say what it was about, leaving it up to the listeners.
You are correct in that there is no auto tune or filters - it is pure Freddie Mercury. In fact, the opening section is Freddie doing 5 part harmony with himself. He had amazing vocals and is considered by many as the best rock male vocalist of all time.
The Queen rabbit hole offers a wide variety of songs showcasing their amazing talent. Next, you should listen to "Somebody to Love" live in Montreal. Their talent is on full display
Yess.... Please react to "Somebody to love" but I would suggest react to the studio version first... then onto the live Montreal one for comparison to get the full effect of their amazing ability to change it but still keep the meaning of the song...by the way Freddie wrote this song too. Amazing vocalist and best Frontman ever...R.I.P. Thanks for your reaction.
@@m.frazier9952 I agree,listen to the studio version first.Totally different version,but basically still the same song.LOL❤️
before you watch the movie, please watch queen´s 20 minute "live-aid 1985" performance. and do "somebody to love, live montreal 1981".
It's a great sampler package, the stuff of legends. Joyous!
You just heard one of the masterpiece of the world my friend... I know, it's unbelievable. Love from France 🇫🇷😘
This is truly the greatest masterpiece ever. !!
And it’s our Freddie’s coming out song .
The most beautiful soul to ever grace our planet .
I loved you reaction and comments 💕
Queen did all kinds of genres, they were very unique. This song was written by Freddie Mercury, it wasn't his mother who killed a man, it was him and he confessed to his mother. Freddie Mercury is the lead singer.
This song came out in the mid - seventies. I was in high school and it became a classic, as soon as we heard it!!! 👏🏼🌠♥
I experience this as an orchestra
People say the genre is called Rock Opera but it’s the only song I’ve heard of that genre. The band is called Queen and the song is called Bohemian Rhapsody, you should definitely react to more of their music they’re probably my favorite band currently.
And welcome to the world of the great Freddie Mercury and Queen!
Queen is there Own Genre..Welcome to Queen..Freddie Mercury ❤❤
to see queen at their fullest...watch their Live aid performance. its a 20 min they had at the live aid for africa chariety concert. they were one of many performers at 2 locations (they performed in London). they werent the headline but they stole the show
Queen, Legends
Freddie Mercury, lead singer is the best frontman ever!!!
He is a Legend!
Oh baby, you can’t pigeon hole Queen. This song was Freddie’s coming out song to his Mother. Please keep on your Queen journey. You will be richly rewarded. They are legend. Watch “Somebody to love” live from Montreal next. Please always, always watch Queen live. 0 synthesizers. 0 auto tune. 100% pure talent. Not bad for a group of four that included a dentist, as Astro engineer, a graphics designer, and Jon. Lol.
Ok so now you have to watch or find the clip of the movie Wayne’s World, there is a famous part where the guys are rocking out to this song. Epic movie moment. And I’d suggest reacting to Somebody to Love. The original is outstanding BUT there is a live performance Montreal 81’ that is just so amazing. If you like Freddie’s voice you have to watch the Live Montreal first. I’ll include the link.
Don’t get hung up and over analyze these lyrics. Freddie took three songs he was working on and mashed them together. Freddie always said you can interpret it anyway you want. React to Somebody to Love, live in Montreal.
Queen is a different genre every song. It's music, great music.
A genre on there own, there’s never been a voice like the late great Freddie Mercury
The man he killed was himself, it's a metaphor. Like Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader.
5:09 pausing in a brian may guitar solo is borderline criminal
Queen 🙌 more thanks for your reaction
By way this song came out in 1975
BRILLIANT. TRY SOMEBODY TO LOVE 1981...MONTREAL...
MINDBLOWING....BTW THAT'S GREAT FREDDIE MERCURY
The album was called a night at the opera. It was a rock ballad with an operatic interlude.
Some songs by Queen
"We will rock you", and "we are the champions ", I know you will recognize.
"Another one bites the dust ", live at Wembley 1986
"Under pressure ",live at wembley 1986.
"Somebody to love ", live at Montreal 1981
"Save me ", live at Montreal 1981.
The genre is Queen. Freddie is confessing to his mother that he ‘murdered’ someone, not saying his mother murdered someone lol. Freddie is British, the others are English. Freddie is a genius and our national treasure ❤️🇬🇧
The others are British too. To be English is to be British. Also, they’re a rock band who dabbled in different styles.
I would also call this song rock opera, although they are a rock band. And btw, he was telling his mama that HE just killed a man.
Pure talent no filters no attitude recorded on 22 track tape .
Some say this was his "coming out" message.
Freddie Mercury was a musical genius! This song was from their album A Night at the Opera. So, you were correct in saying that the second part of the song sounded like opera. Freddie was the lead vocalist, and he actually wrote the song! He purposely threw different genres into it! RIP, Freddie. You're singing with the angels! 💞💞
Please try more Queen, you will be amazed, somebody to love, Montreal, watch their live concerts, thank you
This song and video came out in the mid 70's.
Auto tune didn't exist until the mid 90's.
What you are listening to is 100% them, the words the music, just them.
You have heard their music before, in movies, commercials, at sporting events, you just didn't know it was Queen.
Go down the rabbit hole, it will be a journey you will enjoy.
Don't overthink this song, just enjoy it.
I'm surprised at how many people think that Mama killed a man. I certainly knew that he was talking to his mama, even the first time I heard it. Even though the subject "I" is dropped, the pause after "Mama" made it clear that Mama didn't kill anybody. He killed a man with his own gun.
The interpretation is up to each listener. I interpret it this way, the fictional character in the song murders someone, then he stands trial where he sings I’m just poor boy from poor family, the response is no we will not let you go….he’s convicted, and the third transition is working through the anger and resentment of the conviction, until it ends with accepting his fate. However, this is how I feel the song moves
You have just heard the best song EVER WRITTEN!!!!!
The Genre is Queen. Freddie would never say what the song was about but a lot of people think it is about him killing off the old Freddie by coming out about his sexuality to his Mother
The best voice ever best band of all time❤
Don't worry about the label. Just feel the music and love the music that speaks to you.
All those voices at the start, right up to the 'opera' section are all Freddie, singing with himself.
If you've head we are the champions or we will rock you at sports events,that's queen
,Queen...Roger Taylor, Brian May ,John Deacon and the BRILLIANCE OF FREDDIE MERCURY..ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN.CAME OUT IN 1975... written by Freddie
Mama just killed a man is a metaphor about Freddie changing his life . The Genre is Queen .
Brilliant song, Brilliant band!!! Momma didn’t kill a man, you misunderstood the beginning a bit!!
Queen is a Rock band and has a massive catalog, you will know a few of their songs!!! enjoy the ride! 👌🎵👍🎶✌️😁
Freddie's voice = magic 100% him
He is known for his fast vibrato. My favorite example of that is from Friday night's Wembley 1986 'Who Wants to Live Forever' (must be Friday for my example). Another excellent 'study' of Freddie's voice is 'You Take My Breath Away' live at Hyde Park 1976. (just Freddie and his piano) superb!
This song is 5 kinds of music (rarely do songs merge more than 2 if any)
A CAPELLA... is this real or just fantasy
BALLAD ... mama just killed a guy
OPERA ... a silhouette of a man
ROCK ... you think you can stop me
CODA ... nothing really matters
what may be happening in the song
A CAPELLA... questioning situation
BALLAD ... admition / realization
OPERA ... judgement / pleading
ROCK ... anger / consequences
CODA ... resolve / acceptance
Freddie would never say what it's about and wants each listener to decide for themselves. One very widely aggreed idea is it's Freddie killing off the heterosexual side of himself. Freddie was 29 in 1975 and gay or on the cusp... it was illegal to be gay up until 1967 (only 8 years earlier) so legal issues plagued this part of society.
I personally love how much the video reminds me of 'Oliver' from 1968~1972 both visually and storyline.
I can’t wait to get your reaction to future Queen songs you only have 300 more to go!!🇬🇧🇬🇧
Somebody to love is another good one .. listen to a few more til your ready to watch their movie
Don’t worry about how you feel Freddie said about this song put your own interpretation onto it, whatever fits to your life, I’m queen fan went to most of their of their concerts, this man wanted no more than to make sure the fans got nothing but the best from him, his fans were the most important thing to Freddie and that’s why he gave everything he had on stage even when diagnosed with HIV he never wanted to let his fans down regardless of how sick he became, your right you are listening to one of the greatest bands ever and I’m so privileged to have seen.this band live. RIp Freddie your are, solely missed, you got your wish not make it to old bones but we would of been happier if you did, god knows he didn’t need another angel in heaven so bad but he decided he wanted Freddie’s voice was more useful in heaven, but god knew his legacy will always live on, that was proved by the green day concert when the full audience sang bohemian rhapsody word for word when most of the crowd were to young to remember queen, he will always be remembered and missed by his fans
one of the best rock bands of all time
So loved your reaction - the genre is Queen - they are in a league of their own. If you've not reviewed it already please check out the Live Aid Queen set or better still just work your way through the Album - Queens Greatest Hits 1. The song you just heard is about a poor boy who shoots a man, gets arrested, ends up in court and goes to jail .... but although he is broken he is still defiant and hopefully. In the UK we all know the words and we sing it loud ... in the car, when cleaning, at work, on the bus .... it is simply Queen.
We love you Freddie,miss you legend♥️♥️♥️♥️.Watch Live Aid and Somebody to love!!!
Queen is a rock band but incorporates different types of music. He killed a man not his mom. His parents were religious and strict. I think it was his coming out song killing his old self. Just my opinion. Queen is amazing and its not a cry for help. Freddy died of Aids right before they got treatment for it. He was amazing. Listen to the full Queen live Aid concert without studying it first. Watch the entire clip and react. Its amazing too.
Their music was especially popular in the 70's. They/QUEEN WERE TOLD BY THEIR RECORD LABEL THAT "the song would NEVER SELL. THEY SAID, " IT'S TOO LONG AND THE RECORD COMPANY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PRODUCE IT, I.E ROCK/OPERA."
TIME PROVED THOSE EXECUTIVES WRONG.
QUEEN'S MUSIC, WITH FREDDY MERCURY AS LEAD SINGER, STILL IMPRESSIVES MUSIC CRIDICS TO THIS DAY.
It's a rock anthem, Sir. Just watch straight through, nonstop, to feel the power of this piece...
A strip that ran in Heavy Metal Magazine around the time was called Rock Opera.
Not for the first time, confusion arises because the lyrics written "Mama. Just killed a man" misses the personal pronoun. He means "Mama, I just killed a man . . " To contextualize, the following lyrics are, " . . Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he's dead!" So many reactors to Bohemian Rhapsody are so busy processing an error of information that they fail to hear the contextualization afterwards. They're too busy thinking, or saying, "Huh? . . What? . . His mama killed a man??"
Correct. Pure real vocals. No auto tune
Rhapsody: a musical composition of irregular form that expresses powerful feelings. Freddie's composition includes intro, ballad, operatic section, hard rock & coda. Freddie himself never clarified what his lyrics meant but it's generally assumed that the man he killed was some former version of himself.
I concur …. Listen to Somebody to Love (Live in Montreal) and the greatest live performance of a band all time: Queen at Live Aid concert broadcast live around the world. Finish with Freddie and Monserrat live in Barcelona singing an operatic song he wrote called “Barcelona”. Pick the one where he is in a black tuxedo and she is in a light blue dress. There are many versions as he performed different places. But this one version is epic. And served as the theme song to the Barcelona Olympics
They have so many songs that you don't realize you know. Lyrics to me are metaphors.. 3 songs written by Freddy without much to them combined I to this perfect creation. Please listen to more of their songs.
I spent my 24th B-day at the Queen concert in Montreal, 1981. Freddie owned the crowd. They are all so damn talented. Besides the birth of my kids, it was one of the best moments of my life. Sadly, Freddie also died on my B-day, 10 years later in 1991. I light a candle and play the Queen song... Who Wants To Live Forever every year on that date.
You are in for a hell of a ride. Get ready. It's a Rock Opera written by the singer by himself. Freddie was a musical genius. RIP FREDDIE!🙏✌🌻🌻
It's not "Mama just killed a man", it's "Mama, (I) just killed a man". He doesn't say the "I" and the comma after Mama is implied.
It’s ok Prime, we all get lost in his voice. Enjoy! There’s SO much more.
Freddie Mercury said this song could be interpreted by the individual who listens to it.
That’s called art.
They are a rock band. This song was rated in top 5 greatest song ever. No..his mom didnt kill a man, he was confessing to his mom. Freddy Mercury has a great voice. Check out Somebody To Love, live in Montreol, 1981... you will see
what a great voice he has. Also the song We Are The Champions,,and We will Rock You. They have such a great rabbit hole to go down!!
It made you feel.
Genre , classic Rock
Watch the 1985 Live Aid concert. Their performance outdid every single other performance. Freddie Mercury’s voice and Brian May’s guitar. It’s 70 80s rock. By 1985, every single person on earth under 30 knew Queen.
''that guy has a great voice'' is like saying ''Mozart was a great composer''. Like, bruh, he's got arguably the greatest rock voice/singing voice in music history. Quite an understatement 😂 This song is a masterpiece!
Freddie a gifted talent who sang Opera. His group Queen the best. Check out his Aid Concert 85. He would die in 91 from Aids. But he will live on forever.
The name of the group is Queen in the name of the song is Bohemian Rhapsody and it's a rock opera is a little bit of chorus band rock and roll and orchestra and Opera all rolled into one and it came out in 1976 they're very well-known British rock group 🎶🎺🎷🎸🎻🥁📯
The popular narrative is - He was diagnosed with AIDS which back then was like a death sentence. Since it was primarily contracted through transmission, it was easily spread to others - thus, the reference to taking someone’s life. The song is sad, but was also groundbreaking for that era so I totally get how you feel conflicted because I did too. Rock operas were not a thing back then so I was amazed, and the musical changes take you through that emotion in the song’s meaning. It’s pretty much timeless and I’ve never felt or heard anything similar since.
That's quite ridiculous as it wasn't even known what AIDS was until well into the 80s.
Its not a genre it is just musical brilliance ... you will never forget this. ,,,,, Try Funeral for a Friend, Elton John now
that will blow your mind !