The Meaning Behind The Song: The Show Must Go On by Queen
One of the most iconic rock bands of the 20th century, Queen, released the song “The Show Must Go On” in 1991, just weeks before frontman Freddie Mercury passed away due to complications from AIDS. The song was included in the album “Innuendo,” which was also the last album released during Mercury’s lifetime.
“The Show Must Go On” has since become a beloved classic among fans and has been covered by numerous artists. But what exactly does the song mean? Here, we dive deeper into the lyrics and the backstory of the song to uncover its true meaning.
The Backstory Behind The Song
Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, and by the early 1990s, his health was deteriorating rapidly. While working on the “Innuendo” album, band members noticed that Mercury was struggling with his vocals and seemed to be in a lot of pain. Despite his declining health, Mercury was adamant about continuing to make music and performing for his fans.
The band had already recorded most of the music for the album, but there was a particular song that Mercury was struggling to record: “The Show Must Go On.” The song was written by guitarist Brian May, and he had reservations about whether Mercury would be able to pull it off due to his declining health.
May stated in an interview: “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.”
Indeed, Mercury’s vocals on the song are some of his most powerful and emotional, conveying a sense of urgency and determination despite his personal struggles.
The Lyrics and Their Meaning
The lyrics of “The Show Must Go On” are both simple and profound. The song opens with the line, “Empty spaces, what are we living for?” This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, which deals with the existential questions of life, death, and the purpose of it all.
The chorus of the song features the line, “The show must go on,” which is repeated throughout the song and serves as the central theme. The phrase is a common one in show business, where performers are expected to put on a show no matter what happens. In the context of the song, however, the phrase takes on a deeper meaning.
Mercury sings, “Inside my heart is breaking, my makeup may be flaking, but my smile still stays on.” Here, Mercury acknowledges his own struggles but also affirms that he will continue to perform and put on a show for his fans. The line is both heartbreaking and inspiring, conveying the emotional turmoil that Mercury was going through at the time.
The song also touches on the fleeting nature of life with the line, “My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies, fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die.” This line is a reference to the fragility of life and the impermanence of all things.
Overall, “The Show Must Go On” is a powerful song that speaks to the human experience of facing adversity and determination to continue despite overwhelming challenges.
Legacy and Influence
“The Show Must Go On” has become synonymous with Queen and has been covered by numerous artists, including Celine Dion, Elton John, and Robbie Williams. The song has also inspired countless performers to push through difficult times and continue putting on a show for their fans.
In an interview, May stated that the song has taken on a life of its own, saying, “It had the feeling of something that would last forever, that would never go away.”
The song’s message of resilience and determination has also resonated with fans all over the world. In an era where adversity is more prevalent than ever, the song’s message is more relevant than ever before.
Conclusion
“The Show Must Go On” is more than just a classic rock song. It’s an anthem that speaks to the human spirit and the indomitable will to continue, no matter what obstacles may come. The song’s raw emotion and powerful vocals make it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
