About the song
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Queen at Live Aid in 1985, is not just a song, but a legendary moment in music history. Originally released in 1975 as part of their album A Night at the Opera, this song, written primarily by Freddie Mercury, is a complex and groundbreaking rock opera that defies traditional genre conventions. Queen’s performance at Live Aid, however, elevated the song to a new level of iconic status, showcasing their unparalleled musical talent and Freddie Mercury’s captivating stage presence. This live rendition is often cited as one of the greatest live performances ever recorded.
The song itself is characterized by its operatic vocals, intricate piano melodies, and dramatic shifts in tempo and style. It moves through various sections, from a haunting ballad to a hard-rocking segment, creating a truly unique and immersive listening experience. The Live Aid performance captures all the energy and grandeur of the song, enhanced by the tens of thousands of fans singing along in unison, creating an electrifying and unforgettable atmosphere. The combination of the song’s inherent complexity and the power of the live performance makes it a truly extraordinary moment.
While “Bohemian Rhapsody” itself didn’t win any major music awards as a single initially, its performance at Live Aid has been universally celebrated and recognized as a highlight of the event. The entire Live Aid concert was awarded a Grammy for Best Music Video, Long Form in 1986, acknowledging the historical and cultural importance of the event and the part Queen played in it. This particular rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” has become a touchstone for rock fans around the world.
The enduring appeal of “Bohemian Rhapsody” at Live Aid lies in its combination of musical innovation, Freddie Mercury’s captivating performance, and the unifying power of live music. The performance perfectly captures Queen’s ability to connect with audiences on a massive scale, and it remains a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and Mercury’s unparalleled talent. This live version is more than just a performance; it’s a defining moment in rock history and a powerful reminder of the magic that can happen when a band and an audience come together in perfect harmony.
Video
Lyrics
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I’m easy come, easy go
Little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me
Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he’s dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooh, didn’t mean to make you cry
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters
Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine, body’s aching all the time
Goodbye, everybody, I’ve got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, ooh (any way the wind blows)
I don’t wanna die
I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all
I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?
Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me
(Galileo) Galileo, (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro, magnifico
But I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me
He’s just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
No, we will not let you go (let him go)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
We will not let you go (let him go)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
We will not let you go (let me go)
Will not let you go (let me go)
Will not let you go (never, never, never, never let me go)
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Oh, mamma mia, mamma mia
Mamma mia, let me go
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me
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
Ooh
Ooh, yeah, ooh, yeah
Nothing really matters, anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me