Who Wants to Live Forever

Queen

About Who Wants to Live Forever

"Who Wants to Live Forever" is a song by the British rock band Queen. It is the sixth track on the album A Kind of Magic, which was released in June 1986, and was written by lead guitarist Brian May for the soundtrack to the film Highlander. Queen were backed up by an orchestra, with orchestrations by the co-composer of the film's score, Michael Kamen. The song peaked at No. 24 in the UK charts. In 1991 it was included in the band's Greatest Hits II. Since its release, the song has been covered by many artists. Seal performed a live version of the song at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992. In 2014, Rolling Stone readers voted it their fifth favourite song by Queen. 


Year:
2012
#4

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There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing that builds our dreams
Yet slips away from us?

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?

There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
This world has only one
Sweet moment set aside for us

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?
Who?

Who dares to love forever
Oh, when love must die?

But touch my tears with your lips
Touch my world with your fingertips

And we can have forever
And we can love forever
Forever is our today

Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to live forever?
Forever is our today

Who waits forever anyway?

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Queen

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of the late Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). Queen's earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works, incorporating more diverse and innovative styles in their music. After the late and great Freddie Mercury died, Queen continued to tour with multiple acts including Paul Rodgers, and currently, Adam Lambert. more »

80 fans

Written by: Brian May

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Details
"Who Wants to Live Forever" was released on 2nd June 1986 as a part of Queen's twelfth studio album, "A Kind of Magic".
Songwriter
Frontman Freddie Mercury didn't pen this iconic song. Instead, his bandmate, guitarist Brian May wrote it.
Soundtrack Feature
The song was featured in the movie soundtrack for the 1986 movie "Highlander," and was directly inspired by a scene from the film.
Orchestral Elements
It is one of the few songs by Queen that features an orchestral arrangement, showcasing the band's versatility. The song features a 60-piece orchestra which was arranged and conducted by Michael Kamen.
Interesting Release Fact
Despite being one of Queen's most popular songs, "Who Wants to Live Forever" was never released as a single in the United States.
Freddie Mercury's Vocals
The song showcases Freddie Mercury's extraordinary vocal range. He sings the first verse in a deep, low register, and by the end of the song, he reaches a powerful high pitch.
Live Performances
During live performances, the song was sung by Brian May with Freddie Mercury joining in the climax. In the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992, the song was performed by Seal.
Charity Efforts
In 1997, Brian May re-recorded the song with five singers for the charity album "Who Wants to Live Forever," which was created to raise money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered the song, including pop singer Dune whose techno version reached number 2 in the UK charts in 1996. Other notable covers include renditions by Sarah Brightman, Katherine Jenkins, and Michael Ball.
Song Meaning
The song is about the love story of an immortal who witnesses his loved one aging and dying, reflecting on the transience of life which is seen in the lyrics "Who wants to live forever, When love must die?"
Music Video
The official music video for "Who Wants to Live Forever" is notable because it exhibits Freddie Mercury without his signature mustache, one of the few times he was seen like this in his later years.

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