The show must go on - Queen

Queen

the show must go on

Victoria Molina Calvo - 2ºBach A

INDEX

Introduction

Analysis

Curiosities

Origin

Influence and legacy

History

Conclusion

Song

INTRODUCTION

In the history of rock music, few bands have left a mark as profound as Queen. Renowned for their innovative sound, theatrical performances, and the unmistakable voice of the legendary Freddie Mercury, Queen stands as one of the most influential rock bands in history. One of their final masterpieces, The Show Must Go On, serves as a testament to the band's resilience and artistic prowess in the face of adversity.

• Released in 1991, album Innuendo,
• The Show Must Go On: powerful instrumentation, emotionally charged lyrics, and Mercury's unparalleled vocal range.
• Lyrics written by Brian May (Mercury's personal battles with his health)
• Anthem of determination and strength.

ORIGIN

"The show must go on" is an Informal expression used to say that a performance, event, etc., must continue even though there are problems. It was originated in the 19th-century circus industry and it is also used in the business world.

HISTORY

• Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, and by the early 1990s, his health was deteriorating rapidly.
• He was struggling with his vocals and seemed to be in a lot of pain. Despite his declining health, Mercury was firm about continuing to make music and performing for his fans.
• There was a particular song that Mercury was struggling to record: The Show Must Go On. Brian May, and he had doubts about whether Mercury would be able to pull it off due to his declining health.

HISTORY

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.

SONG

ANALYSIS

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?

• Questions about the purpose of life and laments that it often seems meaningless and empty.
• Heroes can give people a reason to go on.
• The use of theatrical imagery also helps to suggest how difficult it is to always live in the public eye as a star while concealing one’s problems.

ANALYSIS

• Chorus: the need to continue with life:
• The singer seems to be accepting his role and obligations even though he is dying of AIDS.
• A reference to the disease: makeup, which is flaking under the spotlight (AIDS victims often use makeup to cover their body lesions).

The show must go on The show must go on, yeah Inside my heart is breaking My makeup may be flaking But my smile, still, stays on

ANALYSIS

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 must be warmer now I’ll soon be turning, round the corner now Outside the dawn is breaking But inside in the dark I’m aching to be free

• The need to hide his problems from the public.
• Shyness and insecurities: “When I’m performing, I’m an extrovert, yet inside I’m a completely different man”.
• The dark inside him is the feeling of frustration, the awareness that, while life goes on normally for everyone else, he has to struggle with his illness, his demons, his fears.
• Death is approaching and yet he must not stop fighting.

ANALYSIS

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

These lines outline how his soul is unique, splendid in its beauty, and able to allow him to perform great deeds.

ANALYSIS

• The end: the singer cries out his desire to do anything to be able to go on so as not to disappoint his audience,
• To “top the bill” shows his desire to continue to be the main performer (the one whose name is featured at the top of the theatrical bill).
• To “overkill”, which means to destroy something with more force than necessary or appropriate, suggests that he will perform in an excessive way.
• “I have to find the will to carry on”: it represents the viewpoint of Brian May and the rest of the band who have to find the determination to carry on after Mercury’s death so as to honor his memory as well as possible. Brian has spoken numerous times of his admiration for Freddie’s undeniable strength and bravery.

I’ll top the bill I’ll overkill I have to find the will to carry on On with the show

CURIOSITIES

Fave funeral theme

This song was used in the movie Moulin Rouge!

The most difficult song

In a 2005 poll by digital TV channel Music Choice where 45,000 adults across Europe were asked which song they would like played at their funeral, this was the favorite.

Adam Lambert, who took over as Queen's touring leader in 2011, says that this is the most difficult Queen's song to sing in terms of vocal range. "It's very high, and it's really intense".

It is performed in an operatic style by Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman in a scene that sets up the climax of the movie.

INFLUENCE AND LEGACY

• “The Show Must Go On” has been covered by numerous artists, including Celine Dion, Elton John, and Robbie Williams.
• It has inspired countless performers to push through difficult times and continue putting on a show for their fans.
• The song’s message of determination has also resonated with fans all over the world.
• Currently, versions of the song have been created adapted to all types of musical genres. Example:

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 emotion and powerful vocals make it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

The show must go on...