Well, here we are. The last song (proper) of the Queen catalog. Yes, they released another album, a patchwork of older stuff, re-edits and demo redux, but this was the last album that the four agreed to. Freddie died the day after it was released, I believe. So, I’m not sure that I will touch the next record.
This album’s closer is the perfect way to say goodbye. “The Show Must Go On” sounds like a perfectly crafter Mercury song, theatrical and grand. In fact, it was written by Brian, after hearing something Deacon and Taylor were working on. Here’s the wikipedia entry:
“The initial chord sequence Taylor and Deacon were working on. The rhythm of the refrain is similar to “I Want it All”. May decided to use the sequence and both he and Mercury decided the theme of the lyrics and wrote the first verse together. From then on May finished the lyrics, completed the vocal melody and wrote the bridge, inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon. Some keys and ideas were suggested by the producer, too.
The song chronicles the effort of Mercury continuing to perform despite approaching the end of his life.”
So, in effect, it was written by the entire band. And that is entirely apropos.
It starts off haunting and sad, musically and the lyrics match perfectly. It’s impossible to listen to this song and not to choke up realizing Freddie is singing about his end and how, despite that impending doom, music, theatre, the band, the craft, it all goes on. And it should.
(On a side note, I am struck by how the first song of the band’s is “Keep Yourself Alive” and the last one is so much a closing of the book on a life. Perhaps that one.)
“The Show Must Go On” might be the grandest finales in rock history. Queen got to write it’s final chapter and did it was brilliance and grace. Even the song tries as hard as it can to not end, because none of them, nor us, want it to.
His soul is painted like the wings of butterflies, he can fly…..
Indeed.
Grade: A+
