'39
Queen
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In the year of thirty-nine assembled here the volunteers In the days when lands were few Here the ship sailed out into the blue and sunny morn The sweetest sight ever seen And the night followed day And the story tellers say That the score brave souls inside For many a lonely day sailed across the milky seas Ne'er looked back, never feared, never cried Don't you hear my call though you're many years away Don't you hear me calling you Write your letters in the sand For the day I take your hand In the land that our grandchildren knew In the year of thirty-nine came a ship in from the blue The volunteers came home that day And they bring good news of a world so newly born Though their hearts so heavily weigh For the earth is old and grey, little darling went away But my love this cannot be For so many years have gone though I'm older but a year Your mother's eyes, from your eyes, cry to me Don't you hear my call though you're many years away Don't you hear me calling you Write your letters in the sand for the day I take your hand In the land that our grandchildren knew Don't you hear my call though you're many years away Don't you hear me calling you All your letters in the sand cannot heal me like your hand For my life Still ahead Pity Me
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Written by: Brian May
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Band Origin"'39" is a song performed by the legendary British rock band Queen, famed for their distinct style and iconic hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "We Will Rock You."
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Album AppearanceThe song appears on their 1975 studio album, "A Night at the Opera," which is generally considered one of Queen's best and most influential albums.
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Lead SingerInstead of Freddie Mercury, the band's guitarist Brian May sings the lead vocals on "'39". Brian May wrote the song and therefore took on the lead vocals, a rarity in Queen's catalog.
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SongwritingThe track is a prime example of May's songwriting style, with its signature intricate harmonies and rich acoustic textures.
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Song’s ConceptThe song's lyrics are influenced by May's interest in science and astronomy. "'39" is a 'sci-fi folk-rock' song about space explorers who embark on what is, from their perspective, a year-long voyage. However, when they return home, they realize that a hundred years have passed due to the time dilation effect in Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
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Live PerformanceBrian May frequently performed this song during Queen concerts, often dedicating it to "all you scientists out there."
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Song’s InstrumentationThe song is an acoustic folk ballad, which stands in stark contrast to Queen's usual style of hard rock and grandiose operatic compositions. The instrumentation primarily consists of a twelve-string acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion.
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Significant FeaturesThe song features a double bass, played by Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor. This is one of the few Queen songs to feature this instrument.
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B-Side Single"39" was released as the B-side of "You're My Best Friend," another hit song by Queen.
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Audience ReceptionWhile not as well-known as some of Queen's other singles, "'39" has achieved cult status among the band's fans, who appreciate its unique musical and narrative qualities.
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Citation
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"'39 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19362960/Queen/%2739>.
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