I dislike it when Doug improvises over songs at any point... Teaching us the chords etc. is great, and I love learning, but I want what became famous for a reason, not whatever he made up on the spot.
I always admired how very strongly the band members supported Freddie and respected his privacy during his illness. Thanks for admiring my favorite band as much as I do.
Freddie is the GOAT. He could effortlessly have tens of thousands of people eating out of the palm of his hand. Together with the rest of the band, he created so many iconic songs that have become part of the mental furniture of our culture. A vocal and musical visionary, a flamboyant and mesmerising frontman, a lover of life and singer of songs - there are many rockstars, but they all bend the knee before the legend that is Freddie.
Yes he could. Like he he did in Rio and Sao Paulo when the crowd was singing with him the song Love Of My Life. That is something to watch. Imagine to have been lucky enough to have been at one of those venues.
@@32a34a It helps having good songs and catchy ones where the audience can sing along or else you're screwed no matter how flamboyant and charismatic you are.
@@dcsabi1 He went higher but with falsetto register. The D5 in TSMGO is mixed voice, probably his studio highest, maybe an Eb5 on some other song. Live he reached a C5 a few times but strained. Such a powerful baritone.
among all the reactors who can only make faces and pretend they hear world wide known song for the first time, you r a breath of fresh air with your competence and your smart analysis of the songs you review, thank you, even though i feel so small not being able to get the pitch on the spot and capture what happens in real time like you do
This song was released in 1991 around the time I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 18 years old (my first term of University). I was born around Christmas 1972. This song really helped me to cope with the MS diagnosis and carry on with my life. The lyrics to this song are brilliant and very helpful, especially the lines ' I'll face it with a grin. I'm never giving in' . It is still one of my favourites by Queen, but love most of their music. The Innuendo album from that time was also good.
I will forever be awed by the power of music, how it can give us strength, empower us…help us grieve…help us celebrate, etc. It is truly amazing. It’s so wonderful that this song came along just at the right time, to help you cope with your diagnosis. Wishing you all the best, Rachel 💕
“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” “I can fly my friends” “I have to find the will to carry on” “I'll face it with a grin I'm never giving in” This song kills me every time 💔😢❤️❤️❤️ RIP Freddie, what an amazing and strong human being you were ❤️
Really heavy Megan. Hearing this song at the time , you knew that Freddie was a man that loved life and wanted to live...so many years later, I still get a tear...never be another Freddie Mercury
Megan, some background I dug up. Guitarist Brian May wrote this while lead singer Freddie Mercury was dying of AIDS. It was Mercury's last official album with Queen, and when it was released, very few people knew he had the disease. It is inevitably a comment on Mercury's worsening condition, and his attitude towards life - May noted his incredible courage in the Days of our Lives documentary. "He never moaned, he never said 'my life is s--t, this is terrible, I hate it,'" said May. "He had an incredible strength and peace." When Brian May presented the final demo to Mercury, he had doubts that Mercury would be physically capable of singing the song's highly demanding vocal line, due to the extent of his illness at the time. To May's surprise, when the time came to record the vocals, Mercury consumed a measure of vodka and said "I'll f*cking do it, darling!" then proceeded to nail the vocal line in one take without problems - Source - Song Facts, Song Meanings - If only I had the strength and courage that Freddie exhibited in his final days. R.I.P. Freddie.
Freddie Mercury is hands-down the single greatest rock frontman ever. No-one else had all the tools that Freddie had - the voice, the songwriting talent, the charisma, the iconic look(s). There are others who might match Freddie on some of those aspects, but none can do it on all of them. You could show someone a sillouhette or outline of the statue at Montreux on Lake Geneva, of Freddie from Wembley in '86, with his fist in the air clutching his cut-down mic stand and folk would recognise it instantly. It's damn near as iconic as Mickey Mouse or the Apple logo, IMO, and that's a testament to Freddie's greatness.
You have to admire how Freddie gave it everything he had right up until the end. No matter how he appeared or how he sounded, his spirit was untouched and coming through loud and clear. How fitting this was the final song on the final Queen album released while he was alive.
He told the band he had AIDS and didn't have long left, and said that's the last time he's ever going to talk about it, all he wanted to do was make fucking music unil he drops. {:-:-:}
Man, everytime i hear this song, i cry like it's impossible to listen to it in with another mood than, like Baudelaire wrote about melancholy, "the joy to be sad"...
Fun fact: Innuendo is a "borrowed time" album. The band knew about his illness since late 80s and they had already recorded a "goodbye" song ("was it all worth it" from the album The miracle, 1989) as they never thought he gonna reach that far.
This, Who Wants to Live Forever, and Too Much Love Can Kill You are just heart wrenching knowing Freddie's health. What an incredible singer, what an incredible soul.
Freddie Mercury was the greatest front man ever. He still is in my opinion. As you mentioned, that high D vocal despite dying from AIDS is insane and proves that he was a force to be reckoned with.
My favorite lyric too. I am reminded of the lyric from Freddie's "My Fairy King" -"Someone, someone has drained the colour from my wings". Here, it's as if Brian has gifted Freddie the colour and beauty back with this lyric in "The Show Must Go On".
@@DonnaleaSpencer Yes! I bought that album when I was 12 in 1974 and _My Fairy King_ just blew my mind! _Somone... someone... has drained the colour from my wings._ _Broken my fairy circle ring_ _and shamed the King in all his pride._ _Changed the winds and wronged the tides._ _Mother Mercury, look what they've done to me..._ _I cannot run I cannot hide..._ I have the last two lines as the ring tone on my phone! {:-:-:}
Top 3 saddest Queen songs in my opinion: 3) These Are The Days Of Our Lives (last video he recorded) 2) Mother Love (the last song he recorded) 1) No One But You (Only The Good Die Young) (they recorded this as a tribute to Freddie, everytime I listen to it, I instantly start crying like a baby)
Thank you, Doug for continuing to shine a light on a truly magnificent musician and singer in Freddie Mercury. The whole band is Uber talented, but Freddie puts them in another league. Miss that guy, big-time! 🙏
Wow, that was such a powerful song to share with us- amazing spirit in which Freddie was giving it his total all in the middle of illness. What a brave and courageous heart this man had! Queen is one of those bands that every member contributed so much. Freddie continually pushed them to explore new territory. Also appreciate hearing your personal story DD and how the music influenced you, and your comments at the end were spot on with the Never Give Up spirit. Very inspirational! Thank you so much
The line that always get me is: "The fairytales of yesterday, will grow but never die", which reminds me to their earlier albums and all their fantasy prog songs. If you want more goodbye songs you have: Was It All Worth It (which was a kind of fast goodbye from their previous album, that they thought it'll be their last; though i don't love it); Innuendo (which opens the album Innuendo, coming back to the prog/Bohemian Rhapsody style and features some philosophical lyrics and some possible suggestions of Freddie's death); These Are The Days of Our Lives (his last videoclip, sad); Don't Try So Hard (which is kind of an advice from Freddie, when you are in a hard time); Bijou (which is almost instrumental, but it has a lot of sentimentalism and was used live with a hologram of Freddie); It's A Breautiful Day (which is the opening song of the album Made In Heaven, when he was already dead, and indeed it sounds like Freddie singing from heaven); Made In Heaven (which was originally a song from his solo album, but now with the entire band); Let Me Live (which is more like a love song, but the title is kind of suggesting also, and features the three singers from the band in different sections; kind of like a goodbye from all of them); Untitled / 13 (A 22 minute 'hidden' ambient song, which would represent heaven, closing the album, and features some random Freddie voices in the background). And as a bonus, i would recommend the song Delilah, which is dedicated to one of Freddie's cat and has a strong catlike esthetic, and Brian's guitar imitating a meaw.
I am about a decade older than you. I think my first Queen album was The Game, and I was hooked as quickly as my allowance allowed, I bought up the back catalog and everything moving forward. Heck, I even liked some of Hot Space. I went to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie/biopic. I won't rant about all the timeline inconsistencies and 'artistic license ' that totally took me out of the story and annoyed me. Sitting there as the credits rolled, annoyed with the overall incorrect historicity of the film, "The Show Must Go On" started playing and it hit me hard right in the feels and the tears just flowed!
@@interestingthings8598 A band's 'back catalog' is the music they've produced before you became aware of them, reaching 'back' in time. Or at least, that's my speculation on the term. I could easily be wrong.
@@OriginalLictre I think it is more simply the music before the current release. So if we pretend that the album Innuendo was the current release then all albums released prior form the bands back catalog.
The vocals, chords, and backgourd changes in this song give me a sad and yet powerfully inspiring feel! it's the will to live despite the circumstances!
He actually died November 24, 1991, they released this in October 1991, not sure when it was actually recorded. Last song on the album. Freddie lived longer than the Dr’s said he would. You should listen to Mother Love from Made in Heaven. There is a bone chilling line Freddie sings that will rip your heart out, and Brian ends up singing the last verse.
Since it was one of the last tracks recorded in the Innuendo studio time, probably October or November 1990. The unfinished 'Mother Love' was the very final vocal track he laid down in 13th - 16th May 1991. He was too ill to return to the studio after that, hence Brian's completion of the song.
He needs to listen to Mother Love. His last song. So emotional. He nailed it even though he didn't finish the last verse. He was so brave. Amazing how he could sing this as sick as he was
If Doug thought Freddie’s voice was strong on a Winter’s Tale, that bone chilling line in Mother Love makes me cry everytime “Out in the city, in the cold world outside I don't want pity Just a safe place to hide Mama please, let me back inside”
I love to watch your reviews of Queen! They are my group! You reviewed "The March Of The Black Queen" which is on of my favorites! I wish you would react to Freddie's "You Take My Breath Away",,...CUZ IT WILL! I love the studio version, but his live version is exquisite too! Another one from him is "My Melancholy Blues" is terrific. Can't wait for the next Queen reaction! Also, I have never seen someone just sit down and play the piano as easily as you do! You hear and call the notes as fast as if you were reading them out of a book! I have never seen anyone do that! What a gift! Love it!
"Thou shalt not play over a Brian May solo". Never a truer word was spoken - if only all reviewers of Queen videos adhered to that most fundamental of mantras!
I know their star had faded in the USA from '83 onwards, but in the rest of the world they were still the biggest of the big. Such a shame we lost Freddie so young.
Amazing song with superb singing, the likes of which you will not hear for a long time. Innuendo should be revisited sometime in the near future, it has a beautiful middle section with Steve Howe on acoustic guitar.
Doug, you're making me cry. This song is just devastating. It been a long time and I still struggle to get through this one without tears. First, it's a great song. Secondly, Freddie's vocal performance on this is so fierce and has so much passion it just grabs your soul. The world misses him still. A tragic loss.
I saw Queen with Freddie twice, the second time at Knebworth in 1986, the last time he performed with them live. He was far and away the greatest showman I ever saw. "The Show Must Go On" absolutely sums him up. You want to know how good he was? On that tour, Status Quo were playing support.
A great song that was never performed live. When this was released 30 years ago (October 1991), Freddie was already too ill. He died only a few weeks later (November 24). So, this is the last single that was released during Freddie's lifetime.
Another great breakdown of the song Doug, and I agree that while there are a handful or truly great frontmen, Freddie was (for me) the best. Every time he got on stage magic happened pure and simple. Such a sad end to an amazing man. RIP.
to me was it a sad end? i think not as Freddie lived his life to the max as he wanted! Unfortunately given medicine at the time the risk of doing so were high, so I think it is only sad from our own selfish "what more could he have given us" point of view 🤔🙂 I include myself in that point of view 😄
You are absolutely right! Number one front person taking into account his abilities and showmanship. Did you know that he was more showman than singer when they first started. His pitch was all over the place and he noticed that when they started recording. After first vocal tracks he said " I sound horrible. I need to fix it" and he was recording himself and playing back and issue was fixed in days and Brian May said he never heard him off pitch again...
As a former music major, I was blown away by your technical analysis of this hypnotic and poignant masterpiece! Thank you for intelligently dissecting this so elegantly for us.
I lost my brother to AIDS complications in 94. We were dealing with understanding his hIV status when this song came out. Freddie’s range on the bridge just brings tears to my eyes
I cannot imagine what sort of profound strength of soul Freddy had, as a dying man, to sing these lyrics with the power and conviction. Presumably his show still goes on somewhere.
just found you Doug and as a huge Queen fan and having seen them a number of times I enjoyed this review and the Innuendo one. I have to say as a musician myself I only have relative pitch and when I hear you talking about the chords and progressions etc I'm really fascinated. nice work.
i love these videos so much! Doug is the musicians reaction youtuber! Its not just a person going "i like it". The explainations of the chord progressions, key changes and arrangement is interesting and educational! oh yeah and i love how freddie had the crowd in the palm of his hands! its interesting seeing the difference between freddie in the mid 70s live at the hammersmith odeon compared to wembley later on. Early Queen is my favourite era but between songs, he was so shy ^_^
07:07 _"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies..."_ One of my favourite sections of any Queen song. And I've been a huge fan since 1974. But you talked over it! {:-:-:}
Queen have a few absolutely perfect songs imo, and this is one of them. Everything fell in the right place, with the right sound. Perfection right there!
Oh man, this song brings back memories from when I was about to turn 17 and I learned about Freddie's passing and also had the chance to listen to that amazing album called INNUENDO. This song broke my heart, I felt and saw his frustration and sadness, but also all the power and energy of it. What a master piece, thanks for doing this video!!!
When I first listened to Freddie and Queen, it was when I was in the age of 10. Well, I'm a bit older than you, Doug. And so, it was with "Radio Ga Ga". I grew up in the GDR. And radio was sometimes all that entertained us. And for years I thought that it is a song to praise the radio. I always hear Freddie sing: I'd sit alone and watch your light, my only friend through teenage nights... - I always felt connected. Freddie knew how I felt. Of course, everybody knows their big big anthems. "The show must go on" is one of them. But I always loved their quieter songs like "Heaven for everyone" or "These are the days of our lives". But when I heard the news that Freddie will die soon, it was combined with the first time I listened to "The show must go on". Yeah, Freddie was right. Again and again. Nowadays I think this song is his legacy. Somebody said: The song will persists, whoever will sing it. And this is true.
I cant listen to this song without tearing up a bit. For years I was in bands and doing gigs, and then began to struggle with health issues, and at my worse I couldn't even think about getting up, much less thinking of getting in a studio and record. this song is tribute to the animic life force that drove Freddie. A true legend.
You should also look into "Sail away sweet sister" (May) from the Queen album "The game". Great harmonies, chord progressions and last by not least yet another signature guitar solo by Brian May.
I was fortunate to see Queen in 1980. Freddie was a force of nature, and probably the greatest frontman ever. I cried when first hearing this song, the lyrics are poignant and moving. The fact that he recorded it right before his death is astonishing. RIP Freddie.
I'd love to see your thought on "Who wants to live forever", the studio version. It's such a powerful beautiful song that is soooooooo under-rated. Love the content as always Doug :)
I feel you, about when Freddie died. I was born in 75 and was 16 when he passed and he is the only artist or famous person who I have ever cried about when they died. I remember hearing about it, and I went home, laid on my bed and and just sobbed. Even now, I cannot listen to time of our lives without balling. He was one of the greats and always will be.
Great analysis of a great song again Doug. I was fortunate enough to get to see them live in the eighties, twice actually. Freddie was (besides his immaculate singing) unbelieviable good at involving us in the audience and making us feel being a part of the show. Add to that three more star musicians who live on stage played their instruments and while they all nailed the harmonies. I mean, you have one shot and you nail it. I still raise my hat almost forty years later. Great memories.
On a Queen reaction (yours?) I’ve seen a quote by Freddie that bears repeating here. When asked what his favorite instrument was Freddie replied “the audience my dear”. I just love that quote!His love and respect for his audience along with his immense talent is what made him (and the other members of Queen)legendary.
That dynamic, between the personal and the professional...something about that mix that made Freddie so darn vulnerable and charming to people on BOTH sides of the aisle. I bet there are some Queen gems you'll be stunned to say you've never heard. Would be fun to see you hear it for the first time.
I always felt this song, I'm Going Slightly Mad, and These are the Days of our Lives, formed a trio of reflections on different aspects of Freddie's thoughts as he faced his own mortality. The ridiculous dissolution, the warm reminiscence, and the fierce defiance in the face of death. All three beautiful songs, and together they showed the range and craft of this unique group.
This song represents the triumph of the human spirit in the face of the dying of the light. Mercury was the greatest frontman we have seen to date in rock and roll
I miss the unique Freddie. One in a million. Gone to early, so sad. 1981 Nec Birmingham, me in the rafters. They are just the same & even better live. What a show, I will never forget.
Wow, top reaction dear! That’s what I’m talking about. I love your in depth reaction, a joy to watch. Also the amount of respect toward Freddie and the guys. They are timeless! I really hope you want to react to Innuendo. Much bless to you!
Someone once asked me what my favorite song was. As someone who is terrible at picking favorites, I was unable to pick just one. She rephrased the question, asking me to name one song that I could listen to over and over again and never get tired of. "Show Must Go On," was not only the first song I thought of, it was the only one. That was twenty years ago (give or take,) and I don't regret that answer one bit.
Hey there! Discovered you not too long ago and love the channel. So, this is one of my favorite songs too and it has always broken my heart because he was so close to the end. Turn on The Way Back Machine and check out the live version of White Queen also written by Brian. Brian is an innovative guitarist so it's not a coincidence his songs are so well crafted. I think as a classically trained clarinetist it's interesting as well as incredibly beautiful. Freddie's performance will bring you to tears and his voice was at its peak. Oh, the only people I can think of that come close to incredible front men are Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Page and the incredible Ian Anderson.
I was born 1979 (in Finland) and i remember having my own tent set up at our front yard and i remember listening to queen on my amazing sony walkman cassette player repeatedly. It was like i had a place of my own and my own privacy, although i was a kid. Great memories. Have so much respect for these guys now that i understand music better.
"Thy shall not play over a Brian May solo"
Amen!
I dislike it when Doug improvises over songs at any point...
Teaching us the chords etc. is great, and I love learning, but I want what became famous for a reason, not whatever he made up on the spot.
I always admired how very strongly the band members supported Freddie and respected his privacy during his illness. Thanks for admiring my favorite band as much as I do.
they were a family, they loved each other deeply
@@raymo6795 I think they still do.
Freddie is the GOAT. He could effortlessly have tens of thousands of people eating out of the palm of his hand. Together with the rest of the band, he created so many iconic songs that have become part of the mental furniture of our culture. A vocal and musical visionary, a flamboyant and mesmerising frontman, a lover of life and singer of songs - there are many rockstars, but they all bend the knee before the legend that is Freddie.
Yes he could. Like he he did in Rio and Sao Paulo when the crowd was singing with him the song Love Of My Life.
That is something to watch. Imagine to have been lucky enough to have been at one of those venues.
@@32a34a It helps having good songs and catchy ones where the audience can sing along or else you're screwed no matter how flamboyant and charismatic you are.
That D is one of the highest notes Freddie hit and at his weakened state is nothing short of amazing
ah no, he could go much higher than that, but this D note is really remarkable indeed
@@dcsabi1 not sure if I've heard him go higher. Quite possible, just not aware of it.
@@johnnicholson8345 wembley 86 saturday impromptu if I am correct
@@dcsabi1 He went higher but with falsetto register. The D5 in TSMGO is mixed voice, probably his studio highest, maybe an Eb5 on some other song. Live he reached a C5 a few times but strained. Such a powerful baritone.
EL ÚNICO BARÍTONO DEL MUNDO EN LLEGAR TAN ARRIBA???? POSIBLEMENTE
among all the reactors who can only make faces and pretend they hear world wide known song for the first time, you r a breath of fresh air with your competence and your smart analysis of the songs you review, thank you, even though i feel so small not being able to get the pitch on the spot and capture what happens in real time like you do
This song was released in 1991 around the time I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 18 years old (my first term of University). I was born around Christmas 1972. This song really
helped me to cope with the MS diagnosis and carry on with my life.
The lyrics to this song are brilliant and very helpful, especially the lines ' I'll face it with a grin. I'm never giving in' . It is still one of my favourites by Queen, but love most of their music.
The Innuendo album from that time was also good.
👏
I will forever be awed by the power of music, how it can give us strength, empower us…help us grieve…help us celebrate, etc. It is truly amazing. It’s so wonderful that this song came along just at the right time, to help you cope with your diagnosis. Wishing you all the best, Rachel 💕
keep strong rach.....hope your health is good
Stay fabulous Rachel
Hope you are feeling well, Rachel, merry X-mas to you and your family.
Don’t forget he was a great musician, he played piano with such passion.
Yes, so true
He also played alittle guitar
i remember a line he said at the Magic Tour gig at wembley "This sh*tty guitar only knows 3 chords"
“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”
“I can fly my friends”
“I have to find the will to carry on”
“I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in”
This song kills me every time 💔😢❤️❤️❤️
RIP Freddie, what an amazing and strong human being you were ❤️
Really heavy Megan. Hearing this song at the time , you knew that Freddie was a man that loved life and wanted to live...so many years later, I still get a tear...never be another Freddie Mercury
Megan, some background I dug up. Guitarist Brian May wrote this while lead singer Freddie Mercury was dying of AIDS. It was Mercury's last official album with Queen, and when it was released, very few people knew he had the disease. It is inevitably a comment on Mercury's worsening condition, and his attitude towards life - May noted his incredible courage in the Days of our Lives documentary. "He never moaned, he never said 'my life is s--t, this is terrible, I hate it,'" said May. "He had an incredible strength and peace." When Brian May presented the final demo to Mercury, he had doubts that Mercury would be physically capable of singing the song's highly demanding vocal line, due to the extent of his illness at the time. To May's surprise, when the time came to record the vocals, Mercury consumed a measure of vodka and said "I'll f*cking do it, darling!" then proceeded to nail the vocal line in one take without problems - Source - Song Facts, Song Meanings
- If only I had the strength and courage that Freddie exhibited in his final days. R.I.P. Freddie.
@@metalmark1214 thanks Mark! I wish I had that kind of strength and courage, too ❤️
Please do "Innuendo" next, title track of this album
Yes! It's, let's say, the proggiest song of late Queen, and I guess it would be a real first-time hearing reaction
Innuendo is a great track. I liken it as the companion to BoRap. BoRap is the dark, and Innuendo the light.
Yesyes 🙌🏻 Masterpiece!!!
@@AlfW Considering it even had a solo bit with Steve Howe that is pretty true.
That was the first single I ever bought.
One in a billion performer. I agree, many are close, but no one is better. Impossible to not love him. An inspiration, and a true original.
Freddie the Great
NO ONE is close, Freddie is the best ever by light years.
Freddie Mercury is hands-down the single greatest rock frontman ever. No-one else had all the tools that Freddie had - the voice, the songwriting talent, the charisma, the iconic look(s). There are others who might match Freddie on some of those aspects, but none can do it on all of them. You could show someone a sillouhette or outline of the statue at Montreux on Lake Geneva, of Freddie from Wembley in '86, with his fist in the air clutching his cut-down mic stand and folk would recognise it instantly. It's damn near as iconic as Mickey Mouse or the Apple logo, IMO, and that's a testament to Freddie's greatness.
You have to admire how Freddie gave it everything he had right up until the end. No matter how he appeared or how he sounded, his spirit was untouched and coming through loud and clear. How fitting this was the final song on the final Queen album released while he was alive.
The Same as Bowie....
@@antoniocarlin5026 yes indeed ❤️
He told the band he had AIDS and didn't have long left, and said that's the last time he's ever going to talk about it, all he wanted to do was make fucking music unil he drops.
{:-:-:}
Man, everytime i hear this song, i cry like it's impossible to listen to it in with another mood than, like Baudelaire wrote about melancholy, "the joy to be sad"...
Freddie was a musician from top to toe.
Fun fact: Innuendo is a "borrowed time" album. The band knew about his illness since late 80s and they had already recorded a "goodbye" song ("was it all worth it" from the album The miracle, 1989) as they never thought he gonna reach that far.
30 years on and NO ONE has topped this masterpiece.
Man I love that song. Innuendo as well. Great album. Listen to Don’t Try So Hard for some unbelievable Freddie vocals.
Even their worst album is better than most artist's best album.
This, Who Wants to Live Forever, and Too Much Love Can Kill You are just heart wrenching knowing Freddie's health. What an incredible singer, what an incredible soul.
Also These are the days of our lives, being the last video and his apparent farewell
Freddie Mercury was the greatest front man ever. He still is in my opinion. As you mentioned, that high D vocal despite dying from AIDS is insane and proves that he was a force to be reckoned with.
In 88 Freddie did an opera album called Barcelona with Montserrat Caballé.
“My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies, fairy tales of yesterday….
Great lyric.
One of my favourite sections of any Queen Song.
07:07
{:-:-:}
My favorite lyric too. I am reminded of the lyric from Freddie's "My Fairy King" -"Someone, someone has drained the colour from my wings". Here, it's as if Brian has gifted Freddie the colour and beauty back with this lyric in "The Show Must Go On".
@@DonnaleaSpencer
Yes! I bought that album when I was 12 in 1974 and _My Fairy King_ just blew my mind!
_Somone... someone... has drained the colour from my wings._
_Broken my fairy circle ring_
_and shamed the King in all his pride._
_Changed the winds and wronged the tides._
_Mother Mercury, look what they've done to me..._
_I cannot run I cannot hide..._
I have the last two lines as the ring tone on my phone!
{:-:-:}
@@Lance37a to the list and you have Yu lol it opioid to op
This and "Days of our Lives" are really emotional for anyone who loves the music of Queen
Also, Too Much Love Will Kill You and Who Wants to Live Forever. Both can bring me to years.
Top 3 saddest Queen songs in my opinion:
3) These Are The Days Of Our Lives (last video he recorded)
2) Mother Love (the last song he recorded)
1) No One But You (Only The Good Die Young) (they recorded this as a tribute to Freddie, everytime I listen to it, I instantly start crying like a baby)
It amazes me that some of the most powerful songs/performances recorded by Queen, came out during Freddie's last days.
Freddie had a professional life out of this world and was a genius in studio...You maybe right,Freddie is the best front man in the business!
Take a good listen for that high note, Freddie was already very ill while recording this song….RIP Dear Freddie.
indeed, RIP Dear Freddie.
He downed a couple shots of vodka and did the vocal in one take.
Thank you, Doug for continuing to shine a light on a truly magnificent musician and singer in Freddie Mercury. The whole band is Uber talented, but Freddie puts them in another league. Miss that guy, big-time! 🙏
bought that album back in 91...Still one if my favourites songs... Love how Doug plays along with the music and sounds so nice!!!!
There was no one like Freddie! Thanks for playing this song from one of my fav Queen albums. The title track would be fun to analyze.
Your perfect pitch that allows you to identify every note and chord progression is just as amazing as the songs you do reactions to!
Wow, that was such a powerful song to share with us- amazing spirit in which Freddie was giving it his total all in the middle of illness. What a brave and courageous heart this man had! Queen is one of those bands that every member contributed so much. Freddie continually pushed them to explore new territory. Also appreciate hearing your personal story DD and how the music influenced you, and your comments at the end were spot on with the Never Give Up spirit. Very inspirational! Thank you so much
The line that always get me is: "The fairytales of yesterday, will grow but never die", which reminds me to their earlier albums and all their fantasy prog songs.
If you want more goodbye songs you have:
Was It All Worth It (which was a kind of fast goodbye from their previous album, that they thought it'll be their last; though i don't love it);
Innuendo (which opens the album Innuendo, coming back to the prog/Bohemian Rhapsody style and features some philosophical lyrics and some possible suggestions of Freddie's death);
These Are The Days of Our Lives (his last videoclip, sad);
Don't Try So Hard (which is kind of an advice from Freddie, when you are in a hard time);
Bijou (which is almost instrumental, but it has a lot of sentimentalism and was used live with a hologram of Freddie);
It's A Breautiful Day (which is the opening song of the album Made In Heaven, when he was already dead, and indeed it sounds like Freddie singing from heaven);
Made In Heaven (which was originally a song from his solo album, but now with the entire band);
Let Me Live (which is more like a love song, but the title is kind of suggesting also, and features the three singers from the band in different sections; kind of like a goodbye from all of them);
Untitled / 13 (A 22 minute 'hidden' ambient song, which would represent heaven, closing the album, and features some random Freddie voices in the background).
And as a bonus, i would recommend the song Delilah, which is dedicated to one of Freddie's cat and has a strong catlike esthetic, and Brian's guitar imitating a meaw.
John's bass work in this is beautiful.
I didn’t love all Queen music, but without a doubt, Freddie Mercury had the best voice in the world IMO.
I am about a decade older than you. I think my first Queen album was The Game, and I was hooked as quickly as my allowance allowed, I bought up the back catalog and everything moving forward. Heck, I even liked some of Hot Space.
I went to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie/biopic. I won't rant about all the timeline inconsistencies and 'artistic license ' that totally took me out of the story and annoyed me.
Sitting there as the credits rolled, annoyed with the overall incorrect historicity of the film, "The Show Must Go On" started playing and it hit me hard right in the feels and the tears just flowed!
@@interestingthings8598 A band's 'back catalog' is the music they've produced before you became aware of them, reaching 'back' in time.
Or at least, that's my speculation on the term. I could easily be wrong.
@@OriginalLictre I think it is more simply the music before the current release. So if we pretend that the album Innuendo was the current release then all albums released prior form the bands back catalog.
Queen is one of the most versatile bands ever to do it. Every song is so unique
What a masterpiece. Beautifully constructed, so powerful… it inevitably leaves me teary-eyed every single time.
The vocals, chords, and backgourd changes in this song give me a sad and yet powerfully inspiring feel! it's the will to live despite the circumstances!
He actually died November 24, 1991, they released this in October 1991, not sure when it was actually recorded. Last song on the album. Freddie lived longer than the Dr’s said he would. You should listen to Mother Love from Made in Heaven. There is a bone chilling line Freddie sings that will rip your heart out, and Brian ends up singing the last verse.
Since it was one of the last tracks recorded in the Innuendo studio time, probably October or November 1990.
The unfinished 'Mother Love' was the very final vocal track he laid down in 13th - 16th May 1991. He was too ill to return to the studio after that, hence Brian's completion of the song.
He needs to listen to Mother Love. His last song. So emotional. He nailed it even though he didn't finish the last verse. He was so brave. Amazing how he could sing this as sick as he was
If Doug thought Freddie’s voice was strong on a Winter’s Tale, that bone chilling line in Mother Love makes me cry everytime
“Out in the city, in the cold world outside
I don't want pity
Just a safe place to hide
Mama please, let me back inside”
Excellent song and powerful lyrics, I love it more every time I hear it. Thank you for reacting to this song.
I love to watch your reviews of Queen! They are my group! You reviewed "The March Of The Black Queen" which is on of my favorites! I wish you would react to Freddie's "You Take My Breath Away",,...CUZ IT WILL! I love the studio version, but his live version is exquisite too! Another one from him is "My Melancholy Blues" is terrific. Can't wait for the next Queen reaction! Also, I have never seen someone just sit down and play the piano as easily as you do! You hear and call the notes as fast as if you were reading them out of a book! I have never seen anyone do that! What a gift! Love it!
"Thou shalt not play over a Brian May solo". Never a truer word was spoken - if only all reviewers of Queen videos adhered to that most fundamental of mantras!
I know their star had faded in the USA from '83 onwards, but in the rest of the world they were still the biggest of the big. Such a shame we lost Freddie so young.
Amazing song with superb singing, the likes of which you will not hear for a long time. Innuendo should be revisited sometime in the near future, it has a beautiful middle section with Steve Howe on acoustic guitar.
Doug, you're making me cry. This song is just devastating. It been a long time and I still struggle to get through this one without tears. First, it's a great song. Secondly, Freddie's vocal performance on this is so fierce and has so much passion it just grabs your soul. The world misses him still. A tragic loss.
You are a light in the world Thank you for teaching us a new way to love and understand music
masterpiece freddie voice is so marvelous best song ever
I saw Queen with Freddie twice, the second time at Knebworth in 1986, the last time he performed with them live. He was far and away the greatest showman I ever saw. "The Show Must Go On" absolutely sums him up. You want to know how good he was? On that tour, Status Quo were playing support.
‘THOU SHALT NOT PLAY OVER A BRIAN MAY SOLO!!!’ 🎸🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
BLESS YOU SIR!!!
This, and These Are The Days of Our Lives both hit right in the feels, knowing that not long after Freddie was gone. So much power, so much emotion.
A great song that was never performed live. When this was released 30 years ago (October 1991), Freddie was already too ill. He died only a few weeks later (November 24). So, this is the last single that was released during Freddie's lifetime.
Another great breakdown of the song Doug, and I agree that while there are a handful or truly great frontmen, Freddie was (for me) the best. Every time he got on stage magic happened pure and simple. Such a sad end to an amazing man. RIP.
to me was it a sad end? i think not as Freddie lived his life to the max as he wanted! Unfortunately given medicine at the time the risk of doing so were high, so I think it is only sad from our own selfish "what more could he have given us" point of view 🤔🙂 I include myself in that point of view 😄
You are absolutely right! Number one front person taking into account his abilities and showmanship. Did you know that he was more showman than singer when they first started. His pitch was all over the place and he noticed that when they started recording. After first vocal tracks he said " I sound horrible. I need to fix it" and he was recording himself and playing back and issue was fixed in days and Brian May said he never heard him off pitch again...
As a former music major, I was blown away by your technical analysis of this hypnotic and poignant masterpiece! Thank you for intelligently dissecting this so elegantly for us.
Still breaks my heart every time I hear it. They had their ups and downs musically, but their highs were amazing.
I lost my brother to AIDS complications in 94. We were dealing with understanding his hIV status when this song came out. Freddie’s range on the bridge just brings tears to my eyes
I cannot imagine what sort of profound strength of soul Freddy had, as a dying man, to sing these lyrics with the power and conviction. Presumably his show still goes on somewhere.
just found you Doug and as a huge Queen fan and having seen them a number of times I enjoyed this review and the Innuendo one. I have to say as a musician myself I only have relative pitch and when I hear you talking about the chords and progressions etc I'm really fascinated. nice work.
Freddie Mercury = Legend
i love these videos so much! Doug is the musicians reaction youtuber! Its not just a person going "i like it". The explainations of the chord progressions, key changes and arrangement is interesting and educational! oh yeah and i love how freddie had the crowd in the palm of his hands! its interesting seeing the difference between freddie in the mid 70s live at the hammersmith odeon compared to wembley later on. Early Queen is my favourite era but between songs, he was so shy ^_^
Freddie was the greatest showman I have ever seen
07:07
_"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies..."_
One of my favourite sections of any Queen song. And I've been a huge fan since 1974.
But you talked over it!
{:-:-:}
You have a copy of the song, no? This video is Doug's analysis, after all.
Does it get any better than Freddie Mercury? No, it doesn't. Amen, brother!
For me, Freddie and Bruce Dickinson are the two frontmen that are just another level in their live performances, both vocally gifted.
Ronnie James also
Corry Taylor Slipknot
@@hortaserj agreed, that's the top 3
One of the best band, best composers of all time. Great music
Queen have a few absolutely perfect songs imo, and this is one of them. Everything fell in the right place, with the right sound. Perfection right there!
Freddie was the ultimate peacock of rock, such an outstanding vocalist and performer. I would sell my soul to the Devil to watch him performing live.
Oh man, this song brings back memories from when I was about to turn 17 and I learned about Freddie's passing and also had the chance to listen to that amazing album called INNUENDO. This song broke my heart, I felt and saw his frustration and sadness, but also all the power and energy of it. What a master piece, thanks for doing this video!!!
God, what a Herculean effort from Freddie and the rest of Queen!
RIP Freddie!
This song has the same fresh powerful effect everytime I hear it,Anf Freddie was amazing,he had it all,conviction,phrasing,etc...
When I first listened to Freddie and Queen, it was when I was in the age of 10. Well, I'm a bit older than you, Doug. And so, it was with "Radio Ga Ga". I grew up in the GDR. And radio was sometimes all that entertained us. And for years I thought that it is a song to praise the radio. I always hear Freddie sing: I'd sit alone and watch your light, my only friend through teenage nights... - I always felt connected. Freddie knew how I felt.
Of course, everybody knows their big big anthems. "The show must go on" is one of them. But I always loved their quieter songs like "Heaven for everyone" or "These are the days of our lives". But when I heard the news that Freddie will die soon, it was combined with the first time I listened to "The show must go on". Yeah, Freddie was right. Again and again.
Nowadays I think this song is his legacy. Somebody said: The song will persists, whoever will sing it. And this is true.
I cant listen to this song without tearing up a bit.
For years I was in bands and doing gigs, and then began to struggle with health issues, and at my worse I couldn't even think about getting up, much less thinking of getting in a studio and record.
this song is tribute to the animic life force that drove Freddie. A true legend.
You should also look into "Sail away sweet sister" (May) from the Queen album "The game". Great harmonies, chord progressions and last by not least yet another signature guitar solo by Brian May.
👍👍
This song surely fits the bill for many big acts. Its got to be a tough job sometimes. Putting on a smile for us.
Great reaction, analysis and wonderful motivational short speech based on the message of this inspiring song.
I was fortunate to see Queen in 1980. Freddie was a force of nature, and probably the greatest frontman ever. I cried when first hearing this song, the lyrics are poignant and moving. The fact that he recorded it right before his death is astonishing. RIP Freddie.
I'd love to see your thought on "Who wants to live forever", the studio version. It's such a powerful beautiful song that is soooooooo under-rated. Love the content as always Doug :)
Freddie told Doug, The Show Must Go On!
I feel you, about when Freddie died. I was born in 75 and was 16 when he passed and he is the only artist or famous person who I have ever cried about when they died. I remember hearing about it, and I went home, laid on my bed and and just sobbed. Even now, I cannot listen to time of our lives without balling.
He was one of the greats and always will be.
Today is the 30th anniversary of the real Day the Music Died. I'm glad I found this video. Thanks.
Great analysis of a great song again Doug. I was fortunate enough to get to see them live in the eighties, twice actually. Freddie was (besides his immaculate singing) unbelieviable good at involving us in the audience and making us feel being a part of the show.
Add to that three more star musicians who live on stage played their instruments and while they all nailed the harmonies. I mean, you have one shot and you nail it. I still raise my hat almost forty years later. Great memories.
Amazing until the end. A Legend.
I really appreciate the attention given to these songs.
Absolutely love this song, probably my favourite Queen song ever.
I agree - and I don't know about you, but that makes it a contender for "best song of all time" in my book. Flawless.
This is the last song of the last Queen album. It is so fitting.
On a Queen reaction (yours?) I’ve seen a quote by Freddie that bears repeating here. When asked what his favorite instrument was Freddie replied “the audience my dear”. I just love that quote!His love and respect for his audience along with his immense talent is what made him (and the other members of Queen)legendary.
That dynamic, between the personal and the professional...something about that mix that made Freddie so darn vulnerable and charming to people on BOTH sides of the aisle. I bet there are some Queen gems you'll be stunned to say you've never heard. Would be fun to see you hear it for the first time.
Oh how I would love to sing this song with you guiding me on the piano! Your piano sound is so full and warm ❤
I always felt this song, I'm Going Slightly Mad, and These are the Days of our Lives, formed a trio of reflections on different aspects of Freddie's thoughts as he faced his own mortality. The ridiculous dissolution, the warm reminiscence, and the fierce defiance in the face of death. All three beautiful songs, and together they showed the range and craft of this unique group.
I saw Queen in 1984 and 1986. I was 11 years old in 1984. Queen had a huge, huge impact on my life.
This song represents the triumph of the human spirit in the face of the dying of the light. Mercury was the greatest frontman we have seen to date in rock and roll
I miss the unique Freddie. One in a million. Gone to early, so sad. 1981 Nec Birmingham, me in the rafters. They are just the same & even better live. What a show, I will never forget.
You are awesome man I had to hear you again.. lucky to play so well..
Wow, top reaction dear! That’s what I’m talking about. I love your in depth reaction, a joy to watch. Also the amount of respect toward Freddie and the guys. They are timeless! I really hope you want to react to Innuendo. Much bless to you!
Someone once asked me what my favorite song was. As someone who is terrible at picking favorites, I was unable to pick just one. She rephrased the question, asking me to name one song that I could listen to over and over again and never get tired of.
"Show Must Go On," was not only the first song I thought of, it was the only one.
That was twenty years ago (give or take,) and I don't regret that answer one bit.
Thank you for your channel, Doug. You're that kind of persone I'd like to talk with all day, every day.
It was great watching you play along with the keyboard. i really enjoyed that
Hey there! Discovered you not too long ago and love the channel. So, this is one of my favorite songs too and it has always broken my heart because he was so close to the end. Turn on The Way Back Machine and check out the live version of White Queen also written by Brian. Brian is an innovative guitarist so it's not a coincidence his songs are so well crafted. I think as a classically trained clarinetist it's interesting as well as incredibly beautiful. Freddie's performance will bring you to tears and his voice was at its peak. Oh, the only people I can think of that come close to incredible front men are Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Page and the incredible Ian Anderson.
Hell, I'm only 5 minutes into the vid. Your cogency has captured me after the last 6 months or so of watching you.
I was born 1979 (in Finland) and i remember having my own tent set up at our front yard and i remember listening to queen on my amazing sony walkman cassette player repeatedly. It was like i had a place of my own and my own privacy, although i was a kid. Great memories. Have so much respect for these guys now that i understand music better.
No it doesn’t get any better than Freddie. He’s a legend. 💜