The Show Must Go On - Queen

Artist: Queen
Song: The Show Must Go On
Year: 1991
Album: Innuendo

This song really picked up steam in early 1992. Due to Freddie Mercury's declining health, a proper video could not be made for the song. It is comprised of clips and outtakes from previous Queen and Freddie Mercury solo videos. After Freddie's death, this song became a symbol of his attitude and gave comfort to his legions of fans.

Initially, it was said that the band did not know of Freddie's health issues. If you look at clips in this video of Queen's last video shoot, it is very apparent that something is ailing Mercury. Queen has leaked out information since then that made it clear that everyone close to Freddie knew what was going on.

Thanks to the track order on the Classic Queen compilation album, I cannot listen to this song without first hearing "Who Wants To Live Forever" and vice-versa. Those two songs give a fitting end to Freddie and leave the listener with hope. "The Show Must Go On" is said to have gained popularity as a funeral song. I can believe that.

Every member of Queen worked on this song. There are part contributed to every member. This was the last song on the last album that was released when Freddie Mercury was still alive. It is poetic justice that this song would feature Queen on the credits. The band was more than just Freddie Mercury or Brian May or Roger Taylor or John Deacon. What made Queen into the band that it became was the ability for all four members to make important contributions.

Lyrics:
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 learning 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 yeah, whoa wo oh oh

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly - my friends
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on) yeah yeah
The show must go on (go on, go on, 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
The show - the show must go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on