The Show Must Go On

Queen, Paul Rodgers

About The Show Must Go On

"The Show Must Go On" is a song by the British rock band Queen, featured as the twelfth and final track on their 1991 album Innuendo. It is credited to Queen, but written mainly by Brian May. The song chronicles the effort of Freddie Mercury continuing to perform despite approaching the end of his life, although his diagnosis with HIV/AIDS had not yet been made public in spite of ongoing media speculation claiming that he was seriously ill. Mercury was so ill when the band recorded the song in 1990 that May had concerns as to whether he was physically capable of singing it. Recalling Mercury's performance, May states; "I said, 'Fred, I don't know if this is going to be possible to sing.' And he went, 'I'll fucking do it, darling' — vodka down — and went in and killed it, completely lacerated that vocal". It was released as a single in the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991 in promotion for the Greatest Hits II album, just six weeks before Mercury died. Following Mercury's death on 24 November 1991, the song re-entered the British charts and spent as many weeks in the top 75 (five) as it did upon its original release, initially reaching a peak of 16. A live version with Elton John on vocals appeared on Queen's Greatest Hits III album. 


Year:
2008
4:36
10 
#1

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Empty spaces, what are we living for?
Abandoned places, I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for?
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore?

The show must go on
The show must go on
Yeah
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess I'm learning (I'm learning), I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning (turning, turning, turning), 'round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free

The show must go on
The show must go on (yeah yeah)
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Yeah

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly my friends

The show must go on, yeah
The show must go on
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On with the show 

Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on 
(On with the show, on with the show)

Show (show must go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on)

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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: Roger Taylor, John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Origin
"The Show Must Go On" is originally performed by British rock band Queen, it is featured in their 1991 album "Innuendo".
Meaning
This song was created as a direct response to the speculation about the declining health of Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of the band Queen, who was then battling AIDS.
Elton John's Association
Elton John performed "The Show Must Go On" in tribute to Freddie Mercury during the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992.
Guest Appearance
During the performance of Elton John in the tribute concert, Queen's drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Brian May hit the stage along with John Deacon, Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, and Guns N Roses Guitarist Slash
Collaboration with Paul Rodgers
Brian May and Roger Taylor later teamed up with Paul Rodgers, former lead vocalist for the rock band Free, performing "The Show Must Go On" during their Queen + Paul Rodgers tours.
Chart Performance
The original version of the song peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. However, the song reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1991, after Mercury’s death.
Appeal
Despite dealing with serious health issues, Mercury was highly praised for his powerful and energetic vocal performance on "The Show Must Go On". It is considered one of the greatest rock performances in history.
Recognition
In 2012, it was named the "Greatest Queen Song" by readers of Rolling Stone who praised the inspirational lyrics in the wake of Freddie Mercury's struggle with AIDS.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists, including Elton John, Celine Dion, Katherine Jenkins, and the cast from the musical We Will Rock You.

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