This song is a masterpiece from an iconic band where every member is absolutely the best at their craft. All songwriters with number 1 songs, all college educated with Brian May (guitar) earning a PhD in Astrophysics and now does some work with NASA as well as still touring with Roger Taylor (drums) as Queen + Adam Lambert. John Deacon (bass) retired from music in the mid 1990's and Freddie Mercury (Lead Vocals/piano) passed away in 1991 from pneumonia due to AIDS. Freddie kept singing all the way to the end, though very sick, he was dedicated to his craft and so brave, never complaining even when he was too weak to stand..his voice was still amazing. Queen has so much history and so much great music, over 200 songs in their catalog and all of them excellent to outstanding, no fillers on their albums. Queen did not have a genre, they continued to evolve and just have fun with music covering everything. I truly love this band and Brian May is my favorite guitar player of all and I have a lot of favorite guitar players but Brian's tone just captivates me. He built his guitar as a teen with his dad and still uses it almost excusiively. Known as "The Red Special" she is made from pieces of an old fireplace, a knitting needle some mother of pearl buttons and part of a bicycle seat, things they had laying around their house. They were too poor to ever afford an electric guitar so his dad suggested they build one. Thank you for your reaction.
That’s beautiful-did not know that. Thanks- now I’m crying. (Just teasing- am crying but teasing w the snarkieness 🤭Always appreciate learning my new thing for the day🥰)🖤
This morning I saw a video of Sir Brian May showing photographs of him as a child with his father building his guitar. Even wooden matchsticks were put in there! Truly astounding!
Lol It is not a metaphor. It ws made to look/sound like one but It is literally his story. The man he kills is himself. His parent followed the Zaratustra religion where a gay person is seen a freak and must be killed by stones. He could not say he was gay cuz at the time if he did his carreer was over and it would mesn dishonor to his oarents. So the man he kills is himself and he saying goodbye to being straight, "his time has come" (to come out of the closet), which meant betrayal to his mum (remember in the Zaratustra religion gay people are to be stoned) he literally says "So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye? So you think you can love me and leave me to die? Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here"
@@1individeo Oh wow I didn't know that, it's such a beautiful song, but I'm also a Christian and homosexuality is a sin, so now I'm wondering if it's okay to listen to still
Excellent reaction! I love and applaud how carefully you attended to the lyrics. Your journey down the Queen path cannot be complete without Bohemian Rhapsody. In fact, your journey into great MUSIC of the past cannot be complete without Bohemian Rhapsody! Bohemian Rhapsody, was released in 1975 on the album "A Night at the Opera" which gives a hint as to the musical genre. Freddie Mercury was a huge fan of opera so this song was written as an operatic suite consisting of five distinct parts: an acapella intro, a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock section, and a reflective coda. Generally it is classified as rock-and-roll, but specifically as a "rock opera" and "progressive rock." Truth is, labeling any Queen song, or Queen the band, is next to impossible! "Bohemian" describes an unconventional, artistic style with freedom and individuality as key elements. "Rhapsody" in musical composition refers to a single work comprised of episodic, diverse pieces arranged into a free-flowing structure designed to heighten emotions. This song came to be because Freddie had pieces of songs he never completed, so he put them together, each section totally different yet masterfully blended into a truly epic masterpiece. It is the band's magnum opus, and is unanimously considered one of the best songs ever written. As for the meaning of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", Freddie was purposefully vague. As with most of the greatest songs, the lyrics are written to be poetic and mysterious. Are they literal or figurative? As separate pieces initially, should the song have a singular meaning? Who knows! The meaning is open to interpretation for each listener to decide, based on how the music and lyrics touched them. You will read comments claiming the song's meaning, but the fact is, the entire band has never stating a specific meaning and has been firm that there isn't one, or if Freddie DID have a specific interpretation, he never shared it. Any assertion of the meaning pertaining to Freddie's sexuality are speculative and pushed by certain groups who WANT that to be the meaning. Those people insist one’s sexual preference is the only defining factor to everything one does in life, and therefore Freddie’s artistic talent is secondary and subjective to who he found attractive. This is ludicrous and insulting to one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time.
In this field - yes - but he also sang with one of the greatest opera singers in the world - Montserrat Caballé - a soprano from Barcelona -. They sang "Barcelona" together - and made an album too. It was groundbreaking - and since then others have done something like it - "Pavarotti and friends" - Brian May, Roger Taylor, and many others (Pavarotti was one of the greatest operatic tenors of all time).
Please react to Queen Somebody to Love live at Montreal 1981 to further your journey. Queen’s live performances are always epic. They don’t perform their songs like the studio versions because they figure their fans could stay home and listen to the album. They will change up the song from performance to performance as well. If you listen to the studio version of Somebody to Love it is equally as good but sounds very different. Their songs span genres with many considering Queen a genre unto themselves.
If you get a minute find the 2017 Green Day audience video. The crew played Bohemian Rhapsody as part of the preshow and the ENTIRE crowd sang along with every word and note!
Looks like you've been Freddie'd! He owned the stage! He had 4 extra teeth & never had them removed because he didn't want to do anything that might affect his performance. One of the best vocalists, he could do anything with that voice!
Welcome to the Queen rabbit hole should you decide to dig deeper. If you don’t mind let me give you some information on this band. You may find them intriguing enough to want to get to know their music better. First off, they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but more impressive is that all 4 members have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the only band ever to have this distinction. All 4 band members have written number 1 hits. Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist, has a 4 octave vocal range and plays piano and guitar. He is considered by most to be the best frontman ever. He got a diploma from Ealing College in graphic design and created the bands logo. Dr Sir Brian May is the guitarist and can play piano and harp. He got his PHD in Astrophysics and has been on numerous NASA projects. He is an authority on stereoscopic photography as well. He was knighted in 2023. He made his electric guitar when he was 16 with his dad out of things found around the house. The neck is made from a 100 year old fireplace mantle, the body from an oak table and the tremolo from bike parts and his mom’s knitting needle. 60 years later and it is still his main guitar called the Red Special. John Deacon is the bass player and can play drums and piano and received first class honors in engineering. He made an amp for Brian out of an old speaker cabinet and some parts he found in the trash. Brian still uses it and the sound is very unique. Brian has had many people try to make another one but no one has ever been able to duplicate it. Roger Taylor is the drummer and can play guitar. He went to school to become a dentist. He became bored and switched and got a degree in Biology. He has/had a high falsetto (you can hear that in Bohemian Rhapsody) and Freddie refers to him as the dog whistle. All these members are considered by many to be one of the best at their craft in the world.
First time watching your reactions.....you are a very impressive young man. You see all the subtle nuances of the video and have a very good understanding of what the song means.......well done!
I cannot get over your perceptiveness. You are able to read into the songs like no one in a reaction I have seen. It's like someone gave you cheat cards on the songs. Amazing
From the moment I first heard it just before Christmas 1975 I have loved this song. It was a game changer both musically and visually, music hasn't been the same since. Four great musicians with Freddie Mercury being the GOAT, the best frontman of any band ever. Thanks for a great reaction.
Freddie was truly the greatest frontman of the most iconic rock band in rock history. This song is a total masterpiece, but even with that being said, baby…….you ain’t seen/heard nothing yet. Every new song you hear by Queen is different from the one before. You’re in for one hell of an adventure. 🖤🎶🖤
This song is known in every single country around the world as the worlds greatest masterpiece. The man Freddie killed in this song is ( Farrukh, Balsara, ) So that Freddie Mercury could live. Its Freddies coming out sing. His life in 3 parts at that time. Farrukh Balsara was Freddies birth name.
The man he killed was himself. It’s a metaphor for him coming to terms with his sexuality. He was worried about the world finding out about his bisexuality and this whole song is a testament to his struggles
So this song has perplexed a lot of people over the decades. Though the Drummer Roger Taylor says its pretty self evident. the the of the song is about greif and acceptance (and the stages there of). You get denial (is this the real life, is this just fantasy) and a begining to understand what you did (momma I killed a man), you get bargaining and depression (I sometimes wish I had never been born at all) anger (the heavy rock bit) and finally acceptance (Any way the wind blows aka "what happens happens"). Whats it about though? Many of us think this is Freddie accepting his sexuality (bi though leaning towards men more). The man he killed was the man his family saw. Whatever it is (and Freddie refused to say, but he clearly knew) it is possibly the most unique song in modern music.
Well done!! It's probably the best 1st time listen I have heard. Freddie never told others what his songs were about, which means we all can interpret what it means to us individually. Thank you!
Thanks! I guess I channeled my inner Freddie for this one. 😎 It’s crazy how this song lets us all come up with our own wild interpretations. Glad you enjoyed the ride!
Saw the same concert but at The Garden in The City. One of my top 5 of all time, maybe number one. IDK but it’s up there with Bowie, Zeppelin and Floyd all around the same time.
If you truly want to appreciate Queen and what a sensation they truly where and are, Live Aid. Makes me cry every time, that and the Bee Gees Too much heavon highly recomendeed
"reached #1 twice" Even better - because it hit the top spot in December both times, it has the distinction of being the only song to be #1 in FOUR different years.
In the UK this song was number 1 twice but both times it was at the end of the year so it has also been Christmas Number 1 twice and number 1 in four different years in two different decades 1975/76 and 1991/92. The 1991 release was to commemorate Freddy’s passing earlier that year and was a double A side with “These are the days of our lives “(Freddy’s heartfelt goodbye to the fans)
A mini opera in three parts - first, confession, then trial and finally repentance and acceptance of his fate. There is a word from the Arabic in the trial scene -'bismillah', it means "in the name of God, the merciful and compassionate", they are pleading for mercy, but the court rejects the pleas. Plus, you might like to know that Brian May, the guitarist, is playing the guitar he made with his father when he was 14 years old. And, he has a doctorate (PhD) in astrophysics.
You in for a treat. Freddy Mercury had some extra teeth in his mouth he was the only singer that could hold a tune with MJ. Freddy was a genius. They did this with no acoustic help
"who wants to live forever", "radio gaga"," it´s a kind of magic", those also great tracks to react to and also freddies solo album tracks "i was born to love you "and "living on my own"(there actually two versions, both worth it) are great stuff!
Nice job. I think this is the ultimate ‘coming out to your parents’ song (guilt, shame & finally empowerment). Either way, it’s a true masterpiece. Cheers!
Love this reaction! This song is amazing. And the fact that Thunderstruck by AC/DC came up next might be a sign 😃 definitely recommend more Queen and also any AC/DC ☺️
Freddie Mercury wanted to leave this song up to individual interpretation. It describes the five stages of Grief. Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance. He wanted people to interpret it how it fit their lives according to an interview I saw. My opinion is it's about his life and his coming to terms with him being bisexual. He was a musical GENIUS and is sorely missed by those that grew up with his and the Bands music. Loved your reaction and interpretation.
@@baysingerfam4 Of course it's ok. Music comes from all types. We are all human beings with emotions and empathy. Music doesn't discriminate. Everyone interprets music differently depending on their situation. Keep listening to Queen. You are in for a WONDERFUL ride. Music from the 70s and 80s is the very best in my opinion.
PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong!-but I’ve heard this song is about his coming out. The man he killed was the persona he presented to those who knew him. Decided it’s time to tell them he’s not the person they thought he was but he couldn’t stand living a lie anymore.🖤
We all have our own ideas about what this song meant..but none of us was there. He had a hard life growing up because he wasn't feeling and doing what daddy kept telling him. His Mom had more understanding and sheltered Freddy and protected him as long as she could. My gut feeling is this is a song about his upbringing and his struggles to recognize and eventually accept as his sexuality. He most likely thought of killing himself at times... understandable. That is what I believe the song is about.
El in acesta melodie vorbeste despre el si viata lui,El cand a ales pe ce drum sa mearga,era constient de ce inseamna asta Asta a vrut sa spuna cu astazi am omorat un om,adica pe el si asta a fost alegerea lui, cand spune ca a apasat pistolul
The consensus opinion (never confirmed by Freddie) was that this was a metaphor from coming out of the closet as bisexual and killing off his old self. A difficult transition to deal with (family and all), just wish i had never been born at all. Makes more sense in that context.
With all due respect, this is not a "consensus opinion" except from those who WANT this masterpiece to be about Freddie's sexuality. He was far from shy in regards to his lifestyle, so IF "Bohemian Rhapsody" meant this, it is unlikely Freddie would have been coy about it.
@@SharonLathanNovelist I agree with @msteve777 . Just the way he kept using the phrase "Any way the wind blows" I have a bisexual friend and she says the same thging, she'll take them Any way the wind blows. In ancient times, being Gay, you were stoned to death and spit upon in the town centers. Another metaphor was used. If he killed a man, he would have been put to death immediately that day. I 100% agree this was about his bisexuality until his girlfriend told him he was gay. And there is nothing wrong with that... Kiss had a song called "Nothing to Lose" One of their best-loved songs. it didn't come out till many years later that the song was about anal sex.... not the one off the album, but my favorite rendition. ua-cam.com/video/dq-_DgkftTs/v-deo.html Watch the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody".
@@TheHustlingHippee Google the phrase "any way the wind blows". It is a common idiom dating to at least 1819 (probably far earlier) and is a poetic way to say "however things may turn out" or "however fate may decide". It can be found in a plethora of songs, books, poems, and other sources for over 200 years. Bottom line, as noted, Freddie Mercury himself, the person who WROTE the song, did NOT make any claims on the meaning. To ascribe a specific meaning as if a certainty would be incorrect. Furthermore, believe it or not, Freddie was much more than just a gay man who could not possibly fathom writing or singing a song that didn't directly and completely pertain to his sexuality. I know it is a shocker to some, but humans are more than just who they sleep with.
Freddie came out gay to his family who had strong views on it, he knew it would hurt them but he hurt himself, having to be himself. He was a wonderful man who used his music to make a name for himself. [ A name is better than good oil whereas the day death is better than the day of your birth, for you have made a name for yourself ] Ecclesiastes 7 . 1>4 Therefore you were correct but one could apply this to other situations we go through in our lives. Great reaction love from the UK
Absolute masterpiece, one IF NOT THE best song ever penned. Argue with ya mama. I’ve always taken it as a metaphor of killing his prior self, and finally accepting his life as a gay man.
Queen didn’t like to explain the lyrics to their songs and wanted the listener to be able to interpret them. Many people believe this song is about Freddie coming to terms with his sexuality and accepting who he truly was. When he says “I just killed a man” I believe he means that he killed the man he used to be, the straight man he’s been pretending to be. The man his parents wanted him to be. When he says “Mama didn’t mean to make you cry” because his family was religious and maybe he couldn’t be the son they wanted. “Goodbye everybody, I’ve got to go and leave you all behind and face the truth” In the middle section they sing “Bismillah will you let me go, no we will not let you go, let him go.” Bismillah is arabic for In the name of god. Then he says “So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye.” In his Zoroastrian religion, there was a time when people would be stoned to death and being gay would be a sin. The last lines “Nothing really matters, nothing really matters to me.” I believe is him giving permission to everyone to be their true self and love whoever they want because it doesn’t matter. “ Anyway the wind blows.” Listen to the lyrics again and see if you agree.
The “I killed a man..” but is a metaphor for for himself, coming out of the closet as gay. Once you know that, I think it makes this song even more special. Freddie was a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician with a beautiful soul. Greatly missed. If you want to see how this song has touched so many people world wide, search for Greenday Queen audience and watch a video of 64.000 people singing this song. I wish I’d been there.
to me it means betrayal of his mother disowning him for loving people who she deemed immoral or maybe him feeling like he has betrayed his family because of his nature. but its all metaphorical, it means whatever you perceive it to mean, you find your own meaning.
Most people interpret this at face value , as if it were a man who murdered someone and is facing the piper so to speak. In reality this entire song is one huge metaphor. Freddie Mercury was the greatest rock vocalist of all time . The greatest showman , and Queen by far the most outrageously talented and unique band in the history of the genre. Freddie was also a gay Man , born into a very conservative religious family from Zanzibar. His family was of the Zoroastrian faith ,which could be equated to pentacostal Christianity in its conservatism. Freddie was terrified to come out of the closet to his parents , and fans for fear it would ruin both his relationship with his career , and his family. This song is a result of this fear . When he sings Mama I just killed a man , it is himself who he is referring to . He has to kill the old Freddie , and embrace who he really is in order to find happiness. . The operatic section which sounds like the devil and an angel fighting for his soul is the battle within himself, his fears of revealing who he really is , and the dangers of keeping it a secret . It was tearing him apart. finally in the conclusion of the song after all of the deliberation, he decides simply to be himself and live his life for himself not worrying what others feel or think . " Nothing really matters he says . Anyone can see. nothing really matters to me.
My interpretation of this song has always been this the first verse is the confession of the crime. The second verse is the trial. And the third verse is the response. Agree or disagree
You could have read a poem - or three - - but what about the music - the musicianship ? You have a new subscriber - and I hope that you will react to "somebody to love" Montreal 1981. - or "save me" from the same concert.
Very good reaction. Thank you. Subscribing. Could you please do Queen Rock in Rio, Love of my life. This performance will show you how much his fans love him. There was an estimated 250,000 in the audience during this song.. people as far as the eye can see. Freddie controls every one of them with the wave of his hand. It shows what a great front man he is. Keep in mind that this crowds first language is Portuguese and Freddie was afraid that they didn't understand what he was singing.
Momma I just killed a man is a metaphor for a part of his life which he is saying goodbye to. It was around this time in Freddie’s life where he came out as a gay man.
The reason behind him saying mama. I just killed a man. This was ham coming out of the closet. Somewhat not fully not back in those days. But he was gay and his mom and dad were real strick religion , So the man they knew what's not really the man, but he was gay. So it was his coming out song. So now that you know that listen to the getting. You definitely understand keep up the good work
It is well known that Freddie was gay. I think the one who betrayed him (you're right about that analysis) , the one who loved him and left him to die, the one who thinks he can stone him and spit in his eye, is the man who he just put a gun to his head. I'm saying, he was jilted by a lover, so he just shot him.
You need to understand that this song is about aids and at this stage in his life he was dying of aids if you watch the movie you'll understand where he's coming from. Great movie I recommend u watch it✌️❤️
This song is not about aids - - it was written in the early 70's, performed in the mid 70's Freddie died in 1991 - . Remember - the movie is not a documentary - the timelines are not correct - among other things.
@@sammygirl5835 In Africa, HIV-the virus that causes AIDS-had jumped from chimpanzees to humans sometime early in the 20th century. To date, the earliest known case of HIV-1 infection in human blood is from a sample taken in 1959 from a man who'd died in Kinshasa in what was then the Belgian Congo.
The song is about HIV. He didn't know he had it, and passed it to a man who ended up dying from it. "Send shivers down my spine, body aching all the time" is about his own symptoms, and it is about coming to terms with what he knew would eventually kill him, which it did.
Um... Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded in 1975, and HIV/AIDS was not a thing until 1981. One theory is that BR is about Freddie coming out as gay, but no explanation has ever been confirmed as conclusive.
@@jaakkomantyjarvi7515you just have to laugh at peoples ideas about this song….Freddie had three songs and decided to put them together…nothing about being gay …nor about HIV…..Freddie always said that he leaves everything to peoples own imagination…he always thought that it was the best thing to do…watch his interviews…he is charming…funny…adorable…an absolute treat❤️🤩
The “I killed a man..” but is a metaphor for for himself, coming out of the closet as gay. Once you know that, I think it makes this song even more special. Freddie was a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician with a beautiful soul. Greatly missed. If you want to see how this song has touched so many people world wide, search for Greenday Queen audience and watch a video of 64.000 people singing this song. I wish I’d been there.
This song is a masterpiece from an iconic band where every member is absolutely the best at their craft. All songwriters with number 1 songs, all college educated with Brian May (guitar) earning a PhD in Astrophysics and now does some work with NASA as well as still touring with Roger Taylor (drums) as Queen + Adam Lambert. John Deacon (bass) retired from music in the mid 1990's and Freddie Mercury (Lead Vocals/piano) passed away in 1991 from pneumonia due to AIDS. Freddie kept singing all the way to the end, though very sick, he was dedicated to his craft and so brave, never complaining even when he was too weak to stand..his voice was still amazing. Queen has so much history and so much great music, over 200 songs in their catalog and all of them excellent to outstanding, no fillers on their albums. Queen did not have a genre, they continued to evolve and just have fun with music covering everything. I truly love this band and Brian May is my favorite guitar player of all and I have a lot of favorite guitar players but Brian's tone just captivates me. He built his guitar as a teen with his dad and still uses it almost excusiively. Known as "The Red Special" she is made from pieces of an old fireplace, a knitting needle some mother of pearl buttons and part of a bicycle seat, things they had laying around their house. They were too poor to ever afford an electric guitar so his dad suggested they build one. Thank you for your reaction.
That’s beautiful-did not know that. Thanks- now I’m crying. (Just teasing- am crying but teasing w the snarkieness 🤭Always appreciate learning my new thing for the day🥰)🖤
This morning I saw a video of Sir Brian May showing photographs of him as a child with his father building his guitar. Even wooden matchsticks were put in there! Truly astounding!
The song is basically a metaphor with the lyrics not to be taken literally. That said, it basically means whatever you think it means.
Excellent…I couldn’t have put it better myself! 🌹
Lol It is not a metaphor. It ws made to look/sound like one but It is literally his story. The man he kills is himself. His parent followed the Zaratustra religion where a gay person is seen a freak and must be killed by stones. He could not say he was gay cuz at the time if he did his carreer was over and it would mesn dishonor to his oarents. So the man he kills is himself and he saying goodbye to being straight, "his time has come" (to come out of the closet), which meant betrayal to his mum (remember in the Zaratustra religion gay people are to be stoned) he literally says "So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?
So you think you can love me and leave me to die?
Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here"
@@1individeo níl cliú dá laghad agat…..tá Freddie sa spéir ag gaire 🤩
@@1individeolyrical genius
@@1individeo Oh wow I didn't know that, it's such a beautiful song, but I'm also a Christian and homosexuality is a sin, so now I'm wondering if it's okay to listen to still
RIP Freddie the best vocalist and showman ever x
Excellent reaction! I love and applaud how carefully you attended to the lyrics. Your journey down the Queen path cannot be complete without Bohemian Rhapsody. In fact, your journey into great MUSIC of the past cannot be complete without Bohemian Rhapsody!
Bohemian Rhapsody, was released in 1975 on the album "A Night at the Opera" which gives a hint as to the musical genre. Freddie Mercury was a huge fan of opera so this song was written as an operatic suite consisting of five distinct parts: an acapella intro, a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock section, and a reflective coda. Generally it is classified as rock-and-roll, but specifically as a "rock opera" and "progressive rock." Truth is, labeling any Queen song, or Queen the band, is next to impossible!
"Bohemian" describes an unconventional, artistic style with freedom and individuality as key elements. "Rhapsody" in musical composition refers to a single work comprised of episodic, diverse pieces arranged into a free-flowing structure designed to heighten emotions. This song came to be because Freddie had pieces of songs he never completed, so he put them together, each section totally different yet masterfully blended into a truly epic masterpiece. It is the band's magnum opus, and is unanimously considered one of the best songs ever written.
As for the meaning of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", Freddie was purposefully vague. As with most of the greatest songs, the lyrics are written to be poetic and mysterious. Are they literal or figurative? As separate pieces initially, should the song have a singular meaning? Who knows! The meaning is open to interpretation for each listener to decide, based on how the music and lyrics touched them. You will read comments claiming the song's meaning, but the fact is, the entire band has never stating a specific meaning and has been firm that there isn't one, or if Freddie DID have a specific interpretation, he never shared it. Any assertion of the meaning pertaining to Freddie's sexuality are speculative and pushed by certain groups who WANT that to be the meaning. Those people insist one’s sexual preference is the only defining factor to everything one does in life, and therefore Freddie’s artistic talent is secondary and subjective to who he found attractive. This is ludicrous and insulting to one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time.
Well done!
What you are watching is a musical masterpiece ! Freddie Mercury may be the greatest male vocalist ever
Couldn’t agree more! Freddie was on a whole different level. Musical masterpiece? More like a timeless treasure! 🎶👑”
No maybe about it.
In this field - yes - but he also sang with one of the greatest opera singers in the world - Montserrat Caballé - a soprano from Barcelona -. They sang "Barcelona" together - and made an album too. It was groundbreaking - and since then others have done something like it - "Pavarotti and friends" - Brian May, Roger Taylor, and many others (Pavarotti was one of the greatest operatic tenors of all time).
YES!!!! QUEEN, the best band ever!!! Freddie Mercury the best frontman in history!!!
And bohemian rhapsody is deemed the best song ever made.
I just love the look on his face when the operatic section comes in, priceless
It never gets old with these reactions lol
Please react to Queen Somebody to Love live at Montreal 1981 to further your journey. Queen’s live performances are always epic. They don’t perform their songs like the studio versions because they figure their fans could stay home and listen to the album. They will change up the song from performance to performance as well. If you listen to the studio version of Somebody to Love it is equally as good but sounds very different. Their songs span genres with many considering Queen a genre unto themselves.
If you get a minute find the 2017 Green Day audience video. The crew played Bohemian Rhapsody as part of the preshow and the ENTIRE crowd sang along with every word and note!
Looks like you've been Freddie'd! He owned the stage! He had 4 extra teeth & never had them removed because he didn't want to do anything that might affect his performance. One of the best vocalists, he could do anything with that voice!
Thanks, Terell! so glad you listened with headphones.. the only way to appreciate this masterpiece...
Welcome to the Queen rabbit hole should you decide to dig deeper. If you don’t mind let me give you some information on this band. You may find them intriguing enough to want to get to know their music better. First off, they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but more impressive is that all 4 members have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the only band ever to have this distinction. All 4 band members have written number 1 hits. Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist, has a 4 octave vocal range and plays piano and guitar. He is considered by most to be the best frontman ever. He got a diploma from Ealing College in graphic design and created the bands logo. Dr Sir Brian May is the guitarist and can play piano and harp. He got his PHD in Astrophysics and has been on numerous NASA projects. He is an authority on stereoscopic photography as well. He was knighted in 2023. He made his electric guitar when he was 16 with his dad out of things found around the house. The neck is made from a 100 year old fireplace mantle, the body from an oak table and the tremolo from bike parts and his mom’s knitting needle. 60 years later and it is still his main guitar called the Red Special. John Deacon is the bass player and can play drums and piano and received first class honors in engineering. He made an amp for Brian out of an old speaker cabinet and some parts he found in the trash. Brian still uses it and the sound is very unique. Brian has had many people try to make another one but no one has ever been able to duplicate it. Roger Taylor is the drummer and can play guitar. He went to school to become a dentist. He became bored and switched and got a degree in Biology. He has/had a high falsetto (you can hear that in Bohemian Rhapsody) and Freddie refers to him as the dog whistle. All these members are considered by many to be one of the best at their craft in the world.
First time watching your reactions.....you are a very impressive young man. You see all the subtle nuances of the video and have a very good understanding of what the song means.......well done!
I cannot get over your perceptiveness. You are able to read into the songs like no one in a reaction I have seen. It's like someone gave you cheat cards on the songs.
Amazing
@@DianeLake-sw3ym this is the greatest compliment I ever received. Thank you. I appreciate that
I grew up listening to Queen (64 y.o. Brit). I've watched lots of these reactions posts and I agree, this is the best by far. Well done young man ❤.
Thank you for your Outstanding reaction. I’m not sure I’ve watched anyone listen as intently to the lyrics as you did.
From the moment I first heard it just before Christmas 1975 I have loved this song. It was a game changer both musically and visually, music hasn't been the same since. Four great musicians with Freddie Mercury being the GOAT, the best frontman of any band ever. Thanks for a great reaction.
omggg queennnn i love thiissss
Freddie was truly the greatest frontman of the most iconic rock band in rock history. This song is a total masterpiece, but even with that being said, baby…….you ain’t seen/heard nothing yet. Every new song you hear by Queen is different from the one before. You’re in for one hell of an adventure. 🖤🎶🖤
,🌸 your facial expressions say it all ..lol
First time watching your channel. My reaction/ response is you are one smart and insightful Dude. Well done, Ad. from Australia
This song is known in every single country around the world as the worlds greatest masterpiece. The man Freddie killed in this song is ( Farrukh, Balsara, ) So that Freddie Mercury could live. Its Freddies coming out sing. His life in 3 parts at that time. Farrukh Balsara was Freddies birth name.
.
The man he killed was himself. It’s a metaphor for him coming to terms with his sexuality. He was worried about the world finding out about his bisexuality and this whole song is a testament to his struggles
So this song has perplexed a lot of people over the decades. Though the Drummer Roger Taylor says its pretty self evident. the the of the song is about greif and acceptance (and the stages there of). You get denial (is this the real life, is this just fantasy) and a begining to understand what you did (momma I killed a man), you get bargaining and depression (I sometimes wish I had never been born at all) anger (the heavy rock bit) and finally acceptance (Any way the wind blows aka "what happens happens").
Whats it about though? Many of us think this is Freddie accepting his sexuality (bi though leaning towards men more). The man he killed was the man his family saw.
Whatever it is (and Freddie refused to say, but he clearly knew) it is possibly the most unique song in modern music.
HEYYYY TERELL….
A very thoughtful reaction, THANK YOU!
Take it from someone who saw, live, every iconic band in the 70s, NOTHING is like Queen live.
Legendary Queen 😊 anything live is amazing thanks for the reaction 😊
Terell - u gotta check out the movie ‘Wayne’s World’ (it’s hilarious but this song is featured in an amazing way).
Great reaction!
Loved your reaction!
Well done!! It's probably the best 1st time listen I have heard. Freddie never told others what his songs were about, which means we all can interpret what it means to us individually. Thank you!
Thanks! I guess I channeled my inner Freddie for this one. 😎 It’s crazy how this song lets us all come up with our own wild interpretations. Glad you enjoyed the ride!
Saw them in February of '77 in Springfield Mass.
Thin Lizzy opening act!
To this day one of the best concerts I've ever seen!
Saw the same concert but at The Garden in The City. One of my top 5 of all time, maybe number one. IDK but it’s up there with Bowie, Zeppelin and Floyd all around the same time.
If you truly want to appreciate Queen and what a sensation they truly where and are, Live Aid. Makes me cry every time, that and the Bee Gees Too much heavon highly recomendeed
"reached #1 twice"
Even better - because it hit the top spot in December both times, it has the distinction of being the only song to be #1 in FOUR different years.
"Live Aid"!!
Great reaction!
Doesn’t matter what songs mean. Songs mean what you want them to mean. Freddie said it didn’t mean anything.
Heard queen in gym class with another one bites the dust , never heard this song until Wayne’s word.. queen is the greatest band ever .. rip Freddy
One of the world's best groups and song...
Digging your response!!!
In the UK this song was number 1 twice but both times it was at the end of the year so it has also been Christmas Number 1 twice and number 1 in four different years in two different decades
1975/76 and 1991/92. The 1991 release was to commemorate Freddy’s passing earlier that year and was a double A side with “These are the days of our lives “(Freddy’s heartfelt goodbye to the fans)
A mini opera in three parts - first, confession, then trial and finally repentance and acceptance of his fate. There is a word from the Arabic in the trial scene -'bismillah', it means "in the name of God, the merciful and compassionate", they are pleading for mercy, but the court rejects the pleas. Plus, you might like to know that Brian May, the guitarist, is playing the guitar he made with his father when he was 14 years old. And, he has a doctorate (PhD) in astrophysics.
Somebody to Love is my fav Queen song
The man he killed was himself 🙏
You in for a treat. Freddy Mercury had some extra teeth in his mouth he was the only singer that could hold a tune with MJ. Freddy was a genius. They did this with no acoustic help
Buckle up when you’re hanging with rockstars- you never know where they’re gonna take you….just go ! ❤😊
"who wants to live forever", "radio gaga"," it´s a kind of magic", those also great tracks to react to and also freddies solo album tracks "i was born to love you "and "living on my own"(there actually two versions, both worth it) are great stuff!
Reaction Queen all want it all pliss 🙏🏼❤
The character is facing execution for what he has done
It's rock opera. (Chef's kiss )
Hypothetically, Freddie talking about "murder" or "killed a man" was about his old self.
Nice job. I think this is the ultimate ‘coming out to your parents’ song (guilt, shame & finally empowerment). Either way, it’s a true masterpiece. Cheers!
Queen lo mejor que le paso a la tierra 🤘
Love this reaction! This song is amazing. And the fact that Thunderstruck by AC/DC came up next might be a sign 😃 definitely recommend more Queen and also any AC/DC ☺️
Personally, I think the operatic part of the song is him dealing with the police, courts, and prison. The soft ending is him in his cell all alone.
And “any way the wind blows”, at least in older times, ment I’m up to having fun w a boy or a girl-whatever the situation offers🤭
I’d love to see you react to the Pentatonix’ acapella cover!
Freddie Mercury wanted to leave this song up to individual interpretation. It describes the five stages of Grief.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance.
He wanted people to interpret it how it fit their lives according to an interview I saw. My opinion is it's about his life and his coming to terms with him being bisexual. He was a musical GENIUS and is sorely missed by those that grew up with his and the Bands music. Loved your reaction and interpretation.
So, does this mean that it would be okay for me to listen to this and sing and play it, even though I'm a Christian and homosexuality is a sin?
@@baysingerfam4 Of course it's ok. Music comes from all types. We are all human beings with emotions and empathy. Music doesn't discriminate. Everyone interprets music differently depending on their situation. Keep listening to Queen. You are in for a WONDERFUL ride. Music from the 70s and 80s is the very best in my opinion.
PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong!-but I’ve heard this song is about his coming out. The man he killed was the persona he presented to those who knew him. Decided it’s time to tell them he’s not the person they thought he was but he couldn’t stand living a lie anymore.🖤
I love how you reached for the bill of your cap and it wasn't there; you were so engrossed in the song you forgot it was on backwards.
Your autoplay was starting to play another outstanding song. Thunderstruck by AC/DC. You should react to that.
Queen was the best band ever!
We all have our own ideas about what this song meant..but none of us was there. He had a hard life growing up because he wasn't feeling and doing what daddy kept telling him. His Mom had more understanding and sheltered Freddy and protected him as long as she could. My gut feeling is this is a song about his upbringing and his struggles to recognize and eventually accept as his sexuality. He most likely thought of killing himself at times... understandable. That is what I believe the song is about.
I heard Freddie describe it as a metaphorical killing…..he was describing an emotional death, not physical
El in acesta melodie vorbeste despre el si viata lui,El cand a ales pe ce drum sa mearga,era constient de ce inseamna asta Asta a vrut sa spuna cu astazi am omorat un om,adica pe el si asta a fost alegerea lui, cand spune ca a apasat pistolul
The consensus opinion (never confirmed by Freddie) was that this was a metaphor from coming out of the closet as bisexual and killing off his old self. A difficult transition to deal with (family and all), just wish i had never been born at all. Makes more sense in that context.
With all due respect, this is not a "consensus opinion" except from those who WANT this masterpiece to be about Freddie's sexuality. He was far from shy in regards to his lifestyle, so IF "Bohemian Rhapsody" meant this, it is unlikely Freddie would have been coy about it.
@@SharonLathanNovelist I agree with
@msteve777 . Just the way he kept using the phrase "Any way the wind blows" I have a bisexual friend and she says the same thging, she'll take them Any way the wind blows. In ancient times, being Gay, you were stoned to death and spit upon in the town centers. Another metaphor was used. If he killed a man, he would have been put to death immediately that day. I 100% agree this was about his bisexuality until his girlfriend told him he was gay. And there is nothing wrong with that... Kiss had a song called "Nothing to Lose" One of their best-loved songs. it didn't come out till many years later that the song was about anal sex.... not the one off the album, but my favorite rendition. ua-cam.com/video/dq-_DgkftTs/v-deo.html Watch the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody".
@@TheHustlingHippee Google the phrase "any way the wind blows". It is a common idiom dating to at least 1819 (probably far earlier) and is a poetic way to say "however things may turn out" or "however fate may decide". It can be found in a plethora of songs, books, poems, and other sources for over 200 years.
Bottom line, as noted, Freddie Mercury himself, the person who WROTE the song, did NOT make any claims on the meaning. To ascribe a specific meaning as if a certainty would be incorrect. Furthermore, believe it or not, Freddie was much more than just a gay man who could not possibly fathom writing or singing a song that didn't directly and completely pertain to his sexuality. I know it is a shocker to some, but humans are more than just who they sleep with.
Freddie came out gay to his family who had strong views on it, he knew it would hurt them but he hurt himself, having to be himself. He was a wonderful man who used his music to make a name for himself. [ A name is better than good oil whereas the day death is better than the day of your birth, for you have made a name for yourself ] Ecclesiastes 7 . 1>4 Therefore you were correct but one could apply this to other situations we go through in our lives. Great reaction love from the UK
The man he talked about killing in the video was an older version of him, I believe
Absolute masterpiece, one IF NOT THE best song ever penned.
Argue with ya mama.
I’ve always taken it as a metaphor of killing his prior self, and finally accepting his life as a gay man.
young people, please start to listen to old music, it is so now a days, if you understand what I mean.....old is so fucking good......
Queen didn’t like to explain the lyrics to their songs and wanted the listener to be able to interpret them. Many people believe this song is about Freddie coming to terms with his sexuality and accepting who he truly was. When he says “I just killed a man” I believe he means that he killed the man he used to be, the straight man he’s been pretending to be. The man his parents wanted him to be. When he says “Mama didn’t mean to make you cry” because his family was religious and maybe he couldn’t be the son they wanted. “Goodbye everybody, I’ve got to go and leave you all behind and face the truth” In the middle section they sing “Bismillah will you let me go, no we will not let you go, let him go.” Bismillah is arabic for In the name of god. Then he says “So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye.” In his Zoroastrian religion, there was a time when people would be stoned to death and being gay would be a sin. The last lines “Nothing really matters, nothing really matters to me.” I believe is him giving permission to everyone to be their true self and love whoever they want because it doesn’t matter. “ Anyway the wind blows.” Listen to the lyrics again and see if you agree.
The “I killed a man..” but is a metaphor for for himself, coming out of the closet as gay. Once you know that, I think it makes this song even more special. Freddie was a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician with a beautiful soul. Greatly missed.
If you want to see how this song has touched so many people world wide, search for Greenday Queen audience and watch a video of 64.000 people singing this song. I wish I’d been there.
to me it means betrayal of his mother disowning him for loving people who she deemed immoral or maybe him feeling like he has betrayed his family because of his nature. but its all metaphorical, it means whatever you perceive it to mean, you find your own meaning.
Most people interpret this at face value , as if it were a man who murdered someone and is facing the piper so to speak. In reality this entire song is one huge metaphor. Freddie Mercury was the greatest rock vocalist of all time . The greatest showman , and Queen by far the most outrageously talented and unique band in the history of the genre. Freddie was also a gay Man , born into a very conservative religious family from Zanzibar. His family was of the Zoroastrian faith ,which could be equated to pentacostal Christianity in its conservatism. Freddie was terrified to come out of the closet to his parents , and fans for fear it would ruin both his relationship with his career , and his family. This song is a result of this fear . When he sings Mama I just killed a man , it is himself who he is referring to . He has to kill the old Freddie , and embrace who he really is in order to find happiness. . The operatic section which sounds like the devil and an angel fighting for his soul is the battle within himself, his fears of revealing who he really is , and the dangers of keeping it a secret . It was tearing him apart. finally in the conclusion of the song after all of the deliberation, he decides simply to be himself and live his life for himself not worrying what others feel or think . " Nothing really matters he says . Anyone can see. nothing really matters to me.
My interpretation of this song has always been this the first verse is the confession of the crime. The second verse is the trial. And the third verse is the response. Agree or disagree
The man he said he killed was himself his old self.
You could have read a poem - or three - - but what about the music - the musicianship ? You have a new subscriber - and I hope that you will react to "somebody to love" Montreal 1981. - or "save me" from the same concert.
Very good reaction. Thank you. Subscribing. Could you please do Queen Rock in Rio, Love of my life. This performance will show you how much his fans love him. There was an estimated 250,000 in the audience during this song.. people as far as the eye can see. Freddie controls every one of them with the wave of his hand. It shows what a great front man he is. Keep in mind that this crowds first language is Portuguese and Freddie was afraid that they didn't understand what he was singing.
Momma I just killed a man is a metaphor for a part of his life which he is saying goodbye to. It was around this time in Freddie’s life where he came out as a gay man.
The reason behind him saying mama. I just killed a man. This was ham coming out of the closet. Somewhat not fully not back in those days.
But he was gay and his mom and dad were real strick religion , So the man they knew what's not really the man, but he was gay. So it was his coming out song. So now that you know that listen to the getting. You definitely understand keep up the good work
It is well known that Freddie was gay. I think the one who betrayed him (you're right about that analysis) , the one who loved him and left him to die, the one who thinks he can stone him and spit in his eye, is the man who he just put a gun to his head. I'm saying, he was jilted by a lover, so he just shot him.
You need to understand that this song is about aids and at this stage in his life he was dying of aids if you watch the movie you'll understand where he's coming from. Great movie I recommend u watch it✌️❤️
This song is not about aids - - it was written in the early 70's, performed in the mid 70's Freddie died in 1991 - . Remember - the movie is not a documentary - the timelines are not correct - among other things.
ABBA, BeeGees, Carpenters,
Rolling Stones ..... more views
Yoo Terell react to Diet Pepsi by Addison Rae
This song seems to be Freddie (Lead singer), saying goodbye to his straight persona and embracing his gay side, and sentenced to death by AIDS.
The song predtates all that - no one had head of AIDS in 1975! Freddie never said what it was about.
@@sammygirl5835 In Africa, HIV-the virus that causes AIDS-had jumped from chimpanzees to humans sometime early in the 20th century. To date, the earliest known case of HIV-1 infection in human blood is from a sample taken in 1959 from a man who'd died in Kinshasa in what was then the Belgian Congo.
After all of these years i just realized what a weird song this is.
Q
The song is about HIV. He didn't know he had it, and passed it to a man who ended up dying from it. "Send shivers down my spine, body aching all the time" is about his own symptoms, and it is about coming to terms with what he knew would eventually kill him, which it did.
Um... Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded in 1975, and HIV/AIDS was not a thing until 1981. One theory is that BR is about Freddie coming out as gay, but no explanation has ever been confirmed as conclusive.
@@jaakkomantyjarvi7515you just have to laugh at peoples ideas about this song….Freddie had three songs and decided to put them together…nothing about being gay …nor about HIV…..Freddie always said that he leaves everything to peoples own imagination…he always thought that it was the best thing to do…watch his interviews…he is charming…funny…adorable…an absolute treat❤️🤩
Do your research and find out Freddies' biography. Then you'll understand the lyrics. c'mon, Bro.
The “I killed a man..” but is a metaphor for for himself, coming out of the closet as gay. Once you know that, I think it makes this song even more special. Freddie was a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician with a beautiful soul. Greatly missed.
If you want to see how this song has touched so many people world wide, search for Greenday Queen audience and watch a video of 64.000 people singing this song. I wish I’d been there.