For me it's always been a song about suicide. I was high as balls one night in the midst of the darkest point of my life in the back of a car singing along and it all hit me at once... it just sounded different. That pressure, that judgement, that helplessness, that fear, that rebirth. The song's most likely about Freddie's identity, obviously, but I think the song was vague for a reason, and that's how I've always taken it. It feels like the rush of emotion and self doubt and that inner battle that comes with having a firearm to your hard palate.
@@uniido1108 Im fairly certain it was considered a star prior to him seeing it, and when he looked at it through his telescope, he discovered it was a planet.
@@leodaly2310 I was joking. The lyrics obviously means something more. Maybe Polyphonic didn't get everything right, but IT IS more than just a "rhapsody about bohemian life".
@@leodaly2310 I think you can project many things into a piece of art while it still gives guidance along the reading. There a meaning that the artist wanted to put into the song and there are a lot more that we can find in it.
I just assumed that it implied he had/ has sex with a guy and killing is just word play for an orgasm and hes admitting to it to his mum then the next line is "put a gun against his head pulled my trigger now hes dead" i figured that was implying a bj or something
@@lewispayne4725 Many people agree with your story. I don't think so. Funny how we can read different things from songs. I think it's a song about a guy facing death for murder. Plus, some creative play on words. .Freddie was all that.
In other cases, it's a song about self discovery, and choosing what life you want to live. No matter if you straight,gay,etc. Being a person on the inside and feeling like you don't belong.
I was always taught that this song was simply a murder confession, but despite being told this, I always found it to be an incredible, chaotic and fun song. I appreciate your take on it, very intuitive and thought-provoking. I'll likely never hear the song the same now, but I know I'll still enjoy it!
I actually feel it's a bit of both. I think that the song references HIV, his guilt of having spread the deadly disease and having left the other guy to die, all while not wanting to die himself even though he knew it was coming, and that's a truth he had to face and accept. Having a devil put aside for him seems to indicate that there really is some sinful things that he has actively done, something like condemning someone to die of HIV. I get the feeling that he may not have known he had the disease when he first transmitted it but it was still transmitted by a deliberate action on his part, and where he was acting like a fool, and even if he didn't know he was infected, he should have known better than to act the way he did. I also think the stoning and spitting in the eye part is a bit more of a euphemism than most people realize. Stoning representing an action where someone is being repeatedly struck by another man's... euh... "stones", the spitting representing the ejection of a body fluid (not actual spit) and the eye... well that could represent an area below the belt where such "spitting" might happen inside of when "stoning" is happening... (sorry, kinda weird trying to explain euphemisms while keeping things youtube friendly) with the whole context, it would add some relationship between the phrases "stone me and spit in my eye" and "love me and leave me to die" the way he preceeded both those phrases by "So you think you can" is something that says that the 2 phrases are related to each other, like if they were referring to the same actions... and I think the act of pulling his trigger with the phallic gun also refers to the same action. Too much emphasis on the "my" when he says that. Anyways there is more but I've already probably written too much for most people.
I see it as Freddie’s “coming out”. When he says “mama, just killed a man” he’s talking about his old self. And when he says “ life has just begun, and now I’ve gone all it all away” I feel like he knows that if/when he comes out he will have a different view of him In the public.
@@finngerbrandy3523 But it doesn't necessarily have to be about himself. It's written from the vantage point of someone who does have HIV, in my opinion. It makes so much more sense in that context.
Normally, I hate when people try to break down this song, but I really, really appreciate the work done here. People usually make the song out to be something that only Freddie himself could understand, but this video acknowledges how personal this song is for everyone, no matter who you are.
Fun fact: Mercury actually wrote the guitar solo for Brian May on the piano and then May proceeded to gift us with the legendary rendition we have today. Goes to show how well they understood each other on many levels.
He didnt do the guitar solo, that was all brian (which is also the only part of the song freddie didnt write). Freddie wrote the heavy riff for the rock section ("So you think you can stone me") on his piano which brian then brought to life But yeah, i agree, they understood each other really well.
@@liam9807 Freddie and Brian were brothers of the heart along with John Deacon and Roger Taylor. When Freddie Mercury died it ripped the heart out of Queen. John couldn't go on. He helped complete Queen's last album and did a concert contributed to Freddie Mercury but afterward he retired from music completely. Brian and Roger moved on to do their own thing. But to me it was never really the same without Freddie Mercury out front strutting his stuff and playing with the crowd. Freddie loved the fans and they loved him right back.
This is one of the very few channels that I listen from start to end without stopping. Also, your narration and voice are quite similar (though less dramatic in a very pleasant way) to John Major from "our fake history". Cheers from a romanian living in Vienna that grew as a person and still does because of music!
this song has always made me emotional, sometimes i’ll cry listening to certain parts. not sad, just emotional, because he’s so amazingly expressive of his own emotions just through his voice alone.
Some lyricists are absolutely poets, and they gift the world with works that can be interpreted many ways. Tarot cards can mean different things depending on where and how they come up in a spread. The editing and illustrating of this video is both beautiful in its own right, and in regards to how it plays off the subject. Amazing job!
@@anthonyhayes1267 that's what fascinates me most about MMA: the fact that men seem to need to be brutally smashing each others face in for an excuse to hug each other. Pitiful, that is. And I don't mean condescendingly.
His religion and ethnicity have also supposedly provided insight. Freddie belonged to the Indo-European diaspora, specifically the Eastern branch. The eastern diaspora is not considered white due to geography. Only the western branch is. The Brits did not like the incoming "non-white" immigrants from the crumbling empire. A lot of racism happened. People like him were called "Paki," which is a slur for folks from Pakistan but is used for any ethnicity from southwestern Eurasia and their respective diaspora. Also, his Zoroastrian religion was something else that set him apart.
I think you've missed something hidden in plain sight, if you think that this song is about his coming out. In the final "Rock" section Freddy sings: "Just gotta get out...Just gotta get right out of here." I think there's a parallel/reference between 'coming out' or 'coming out of the closet' and 'just gotta get out'. Though we'll probably never know what the song was really all about.
For what it's worth, with this theory, "I just killed a man" may be the "killing" of the "man" as a symbol of heterosexuality and what society expects a man to be / do ?
I always thought it was just about a real murder and the part where he says just got to get out means he's trying to get out of prison after being tried in court which is the part where they sing we will not let you go references as in part to where he's being held in court and put on trial
I always thought this song was more about existentialism, but that's the beauty of a good art piece, in that it can echo differently in each person's hart (amazing editting btw).
I suppose for many queer people it is a question of existence, so whatever meaning you get from it has validity. I agree that’s what shows it’s great art. It’s one of those songs where anyone can feel it’s power and feel it resonate :)
This was most impressive! I loved the analysis and how carefully it was constructed with both passion and reason. The visuals were magnificent and I can't think of a better way of presenting it to be any more engaging. It is, after all, A Kind of Magic.
I think It's a good hypothesis, but with the queerness in mind before the analysis, we could adjust almost every Queen song to this theme. I think being gay might be some part of the song but I think main motives are way wider. I would assume it's not just about sexual orientation but more about finding yourself, leaving the past behind you, and adjusting to change in life. I don't even think the song was written with one idea in mind, I think it's formed as a gate for every troubled individual to find his way through
I think people don’t realize how life consuming it feels to be closeted. While all you said would make complete sense to a general audience, a big part of Freddie’s identity was being gay in a culture that thought that was an abomination. And in fact, when you understand that part of Freddie’s identity, all other Queen songs do make a lot more sense. He wrote whimsical, campy pieces but in the end his lyrics spoke to his experience. Everyone is free to interpret the song differently and that is art’s beauty; but as a gay man, Bohemian Rhapsody is so clearly about what it feels to be gay in this society. The beginning is about self reckoning-a process all queer people go through when coming to terms with their identity. The opera a plead for mercy to the creator, begging to be “spared” for this “monstrosity”. The rock section a rebellion against those who try to beat you down. And finally the ending is a return to the beginning, a constant, defeating cycle. I know people like to say that gay people are fine because “it’s 2024”. People forget though, that there are still millions of gay people struggling in hateful settings. The experience is also so lonely. Unless you have a community of gay friends, nobody truly understands what it feels like to be constantly rejected, hated, and ignored for something you can’t control. Thats why I love this song so much. He wrote it for us-in my eyes-because he’s one of us. He understands that experience and perfectly assembled this masterpiece to reflect that struggle.
As someone who not long ago outet herself as trans this speaks on another level to me. Especially as I faced transphobia based in religion just a few days ago which really had me feeling down since then. This is really inspiring and gives me a new perspective to deal with this kind of BS. Thank you so much for your amazing videos!
Everytime you put out new videos, not only are they always insightful, interesting and well-researched (I'm always sure to learn something new), they just keep getting better and better. The interpretations, the narration, the visuals... everything. I loved the tarot analogies in this one! Your work is insane, you're so talented at what you do and I can't imagine how much hard work it must take. Thank you so much for what you do.
Being gay myself, it's very hard for me not to understand this song as a metaphor for coming out. It really expresses the feelings and the turmoil with precision.
I completely knew what the song was about when I first heard it as a kid. I’m a straight guy but I think this song formed my outlook on what it must be like to have the stress of accepting your sexuality as a gay man. A very challenging process no doubt.
As a huge Queen fan, this is one of the best breakdowns/interpretations of this song I've ever seen. Always love your videos, and this was fantastic 👏👏
You've outdone yourself with this video man. It is beautifully done, and the timing/editing is spot on incredible. And then you have the essay itself..Just wow. Well done👏
I love it when RUclips’s go the extra mile with there videos, the visual presentation did not half to go this hard I really think that this is one of those god tier really well put together videos
Fantastic interpretation, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I've heard that the song's lyrics could also be connected to Albert Camus's The Stranger; in that interpretation, the piano section of the song would be Meursault mentally communicating with his recently deceased mother after shooting the Arab man, and the rest would be his impression and reaction to the absurdity of the resulting trial. But then, I suppose there are also parallels between the philosophy of the novella and Mercury's personal life-- both ultimately coming to the conclusion that society is at fault for trying to impose its morality on individuals who don't act a certain way.
yes, that's also what I heard and I heard that mercury read the novel earlier in his life and was very inspired when writing this song. the plot of the novel very closely follows the song's lyrics
This is such an incredibly beautiful and important video essay that finally gives this song a meaning that is so fitting and so relevamt nowadays. I just love everything about this.
Back in highschool and me a big time christian my friend gave me a tape with this song and I was Shocked....they are still one of my favorites bands, and I've owed most of there albums.
It’s a good interpretation, with points that I would not have seen myself. When I was 17 in high school in ‘79 we studied The Outsider or to give its original French title L’ Étranger by Albert Camus (who was associated with the existentialist school of philosophy). As we read through and discussed the book in class I was struck by the correlation between the plot and the song. As to the idea that “it’s all nonsense” especially the operatic section, it is actually full of references to TV characters of the early ‘70’s! In The High Chaparral the character of Manolito used “Mama Mia” as an exclamation. Scaramouche is a film that had been on TV a number of times. The silhouette idea (as seen in the video) reminds me of the way host Bruce Forsyth used to appear at the start of the show The Generation Game. I was 12 and not prone to deep analysis when the song hit the charts, so the U.K. TV references were clear and obvious and perhaps helped to obscure any obvious meaning as a vehicle to aid the mystery. Have you considered the song Lilly of the Valley from the Sheer Hear Attack album. It came out the year before and seems to be about Freddie’s struggle and a woman not knowing.
I don’t think this was Freddie’s “coming out” song. I think it was more of a reflection of how he felt about the career path he went down. Queen really wasn’t all that big when that song initially came out. They had one last shot at writing a “hit” song otherwise their record label was gonna drop them. I think the song is about the pressure bestowed upon the band. The opening line, I’ve always interpreted as being Freddie “killing” his career. He chose to be a singer which, up to that point, only had minimal to moderate success instead of settling on a successful, safe career. I’m not putting any words into anyone’s mouths so it is always up for any kind of interpretation. I don’t think it was his coming out song based on the fact that he still was unsure about his sexuality at the time of recording the song and he was also very private regarding his personal life. Sure he was flamboyant but so are most rock stars. Again, I don’t know. Maybe it was his coming out song. Maybe not. The only person who really knows for sure was Freddie. Whatever the meaning, the song has been going strong now for nearly 5 decades and nearly everyone knows the song. It is a masterpiece.
Even if he was not completely sure about his sexuality, the song was written right after his first sexual encounter with a man and the song gives the picture of someone confused about themselves so it fits perfectly with it being about his sexuality.
The multiplicity of meanings matters. Even if a song is rooted in intensely personal meanings, audiences will always take diverging views, and that’s the quality of BR that it allows itself to be taken otherwise. One thing I know is that you don’t play the song to a bunch of military personnel, otherwise they’ll break down.
That was absolutely fabulous. Hard to say enough about how great your editing is, but this was a fantastic reading of a fabulous song. Thank you for another amazing offering.
This is a great reading, and I definitely think that Freddie was intentionally making reference to his sexuality in the lyrics. However, I think that Bohemian Rhapsody has so many meanings woven into the lyrics that it isn't just about his coming out; it's also a meditation on life, death, nihilism, love, heartache, religion, and even Martin Heidegger's concept of 'Thrownness.'
Thanks for this interpretation. I read some other interpretations especially about the reference to Galileo but you probably did also extensive research about it. As a Queen fan, I am always torn between the curiosity and the need to respect the will of Freddie which wanted to leave the meaning open. Also, as all great songs, little it matters the original meaning but it is more important what it means for who listens and loves the song. And that's why it is an amazing song.
@@Borganov20 it's actually a deep dive into anti-social and depressive behaviours of young Japanese men and the societal pressures they must overcome BUT that's not a complete interpretation in itself, Hideaki Anno is more into deconstruction not making complex metaphors and analogies. So it really isn't about too much outside it's plot but it offers a lot to look into (if you want).
@@Borganov20 It's all aesthetic Lilith, Adam, The angles all these titles were given just to make it seem cooler, The religious imagery is just because western religion is foreign and badass.
@@user-hy5jy7sf9j Agreed. We had to write an argumentative short essay on what we felt was going on. Half of us had the same answer. We all basically said that Stan is a closeted gay man who’s in love with Slim. Random thought: Elton John loves Eminem. I wonder what Freddie Mercury would think of Eminem. 🧐
Polyphonic: I’m burned out. I need to take a break for a while. Weeks later: Damn RUclips copyright troubles! I’ll create a video that could be viewed muted and still be enthralling!!!
Your videos are so well edited they seem like something of my imagination, it's very thought provoking but very clear with every little aspect in it. Keep up the god work
This is a song about a deal he made. He’s knows he’s dying and has no one to call to. He doesn’t like the deal but the damage has been done already and he feels like it’s hopeless. He goes back and forth on his decisions in life (specific decisions) and on one hand he regrets because it lead him here but then also doubts that it could have been different. This some isn’t about coming out, but his sexuality played a a major role in the date he’d later come to terms with. I could go on…
I've never really thought too hard about the lyrics but this interpretation of it is awesome. Though it was never officially said it is known that Freddie was queer. So, as a closeted bi person it's cool to think that Bohemian Rhapsody could be interpreted as a coming out song. He was such a legend rip
What an incredible video! Bohemian Rhapsody is probably the well most know rock anthem in the world and sets high standards. Your editing of this video and the way you read into the coming out story does this amazing song justice imo
Wow! I honestly don't know another word to use right now. Video editor is absolutely amazing! Great video, and jaw dropping editing, for an absolutely unforgettable, ground breaking, and undeniably one of the greatest bands and singers of all time!
I certainly saw myself in the cards too. "Queer" was once a slur. Now, I see it as both a general term for non-straight and as its own identity, an identity which I myself wear. A lot of people still say only LGBT. But people's identities and selves will not be nailed down to four letters and one "normal." In a less hateful world, we would be free to label ourselves however we wish. Sexuality and our sensual potential has been tabooed, made shameful. But when we break free, as Freddie did, we find a kind of Nirvana, a state where we don't have to care about what others will think, and instead live up to the potential for pleasure within us and in our partner(s).
This analysis coupled with the Pentatonix version of the song (especially considering Matt and Mitch coming out) has really enhanced my appreciation of the music. Thanks.
If it really is a song about coming out, I’m in awe. What a heart wrenching and breathtaking way to translate and express something like this. How powerful this man was to create this art that came right out of his chest
Ok, I like this interpretation A LOT but honestly, I've always interpreted the "momma, just killed a man" as him confessing to his mom that he just killed himself. I've always interpreted it as him killing himself driven by societal expectation but then, going on an epic quest of acknowledging he's worthy of living and he has no reason to be ashamed, so he comes back to life to confront everyone that pushed him to do that.
Great video, and I love the Tarot metaphors! I also think the song is about Freddie's relationship with Mary Austin, who was arguably one of the great loves of his life, and the anguish he felt about breaking up with her. This was covered in the Bohemian Rhapsody film.
In university, I was masochistic enough to study Jean-Paul Sartre's "The Stranger" in French and English. After that, I couldn't unsee the parallels - I wish that you'd given that reading more credence. But more great work from you nonetheless. Thank you!
Brilliant. I've never read the song this way, but your close reading is fantastically well presented. Such a great video, and why I've been coming back for every video since I find the channel. Keep them coming!
Loved how you cracked down this legendary song with such awesome editing and presentation. Though my sister probrably didn't want to hear me finish every verse you mention. Especially since I can't sing even if my life depended on it.
I always thought. . . . . Opening section & verses = Killed someone. Opera section = inner turmoil, self judgement, guilt and fears of retribution. Rock end = f you, give me your worst, bring it on.
I LOVE the use/addition of the Tarot Cards! I hope that you do many of these! I’ve just discovered your channel and it’s FANTASTIC! As a singer, songwriter and musician…it’s great to delve deeper into all these iconic songs and pieces! SALUD from me, Lori Bravo/NUCLEAR DEATH!^..^
You missed one important element: Freddie was Zoroastrian. His use of Abrahamic imagery was evocative to his audience but not reflective of his beliefs.
His heritage was Zoroastrian but I read that as an adult he was non-practicing except for requesting Zoroastrian funeral rights (a big ask in my opinion)
God, the editing has honestly reached incredible heights
it's just ridiculous how high the quality of these videos are
@@chrislarcombemusic8445 Pure magic and animation wizardry
You can tell he spent a ridiculous amount of time on it
As a starting youtuber myself, this editing is just mindblowing.
He is on a completely other level. Every video is an art piece in itself. The storytelling, his voice, the editing and the MF motion design
You've really pulled it out of the bag with those visuals, absolutely incredible!
Bismillah
Ive always felt like this song was a question of existence. Like a rockified “to be or not to be”
I feel you are deeply right.
the best song ever written
i don't think i have met another person who thought that. i always think about "to be or not to be" when i listen to that song. wow.
That's the cool thing about art, everyone can get a different interpretation, and have it mean something new to them outside the author's intent.
You took the words right of out of my mouth
For me it's always been a song about suicide. I was high as balls one night in the midst of the darkest point of my life in the back of a car singing along and it all hit me at once... it just sounded different. That pressure, that judgement, that helplessness, that fear, that rebirth. The song's most likely about Freddie's identity, obviously, but I think the song was vague for a reason, and that's how I've always taken it. It feels like the rush of emotion and self doubt and that inner battle that comes with having a firearm to your hard palate.
I really hope u are still alive and doing great in life
@@Segotti doing a lot better. thank you.
I always took it as a contemplation of suicide as well. "If I'm not back again this time tomorrow" 😬
“the phallic imagery of guns” was not a phrase I expected to hear today but you know what that’s ok
Of course, because there are not a really big number of men who directly relate guns to masculinity... Oh, wait.
Just stuff a slug into a well greased chamber, cock back the hammer and blow your load. Back in the day they had to use a ramrod.
it reminded me of a quote: "is that a gun in your pocket or you happy to see me"
and placement of microphone
Fellas, is it gay to put a gun against his head ?
I think the reason he repeated Galileo was because Brian is an astrophysicist and Galileo discovered Mercury. Or just both.
Fam you're going too far 😂😂😂 Freddie was just high as a kite 🪁
@@Hello-mj2fw .39
@@Hello-mj2fw galileo didn't discover mercury? he was the first to look at it with a telescope iirc
@@uniido1108 Im fairly certain it was considered a star prior to him seeing it, and when he looked at it through his telescope, he discovered it was a planet.
@@sulturwood3226 there had been a differentiation between stars and planets since before the romans dude
This "reading" - excellent wordplay with the tarot card theme.
This is definitely gonna be a series
I'll just leave my favorite Freddie Mercury quote under this video about my favorite song: "If you see it, darling, then it's there."
I thought it was a rhapsody about bohemian life
I think you thought right. This video has a whole lot of reaching and a whole lack of real substance.
@@leodaly2310 That’s what I’m saying
@@leodaly2310 I was joking. The lyrics obviously means something more. Maybe Polyphonic didn't get everything right, but IT IS more than just a "rhapsody about bohemian life".
@@leodaly2310 So, pray tell your take on the meaning of those lyrics.
@@leodaly2310 I think you can project many things into a piece of art while it still gives guidance along the reading. There a meaning that the artist wanted to put into the song and there are a lot more that we can find in it.
O always interpreted the “Momma, just killed a man” as he coming out and killing his former self. :)
Most people in this generation probably will, and it kind of makes sense in hindsight.
I also thought the same
I just assumed that it implied he had/ has sex with a guy and killing is just word play for an orgasm and hes admitting to it to his mum then the next line is "put a gun against his head pulled my trigger now hes dead" i figured that was implying a bj or something
@@lewispayne4725 Many people agree with your story. I don't think so. Funny how we can read different things from songs.
I think it's a song about a guy facing death for murder. Plus, some creative play on words. .Freddie was all that.
@@lewispayne4725 hahahahaha, dude I love how u took the original comment by the idiot and turned it to 11, CAUSE ITS MORE THAN 10!!!!!
I've never read the song like this, probably because it's not in my personal experience, but this makes absolute sense. Very interesting!
How did you read the song, pray tell! I'm a different sort of outsider, and I felt strangely represented without really getting any of it…
In other cases, it's a song about self discovery, and choosing what life you want to live. No matter if you straight,gay,etc. Being a person on the inside and feeling like you don't belong.
I hope I can aleast be half as good,in the future with lryics
I was always taught that this song was simply a murder confession, but despite being told this, I always found it to be an incredible, chaotic and fun song. I appreciate your take on it, very intuitive and thought-provoking.
I'll likely never hear the song the same now, but I know I'll still enjoy it!
Same, always imagined the "I don't wanna die" section as an electric chair execution, each one with each's interpretation i guess haha
I actually feel it's a bit of both. I think that the song references HIV, his guilt of having spread the deadly disease and having left the other guy to die, all while not wanting to die himself even though he knew it was coming, and that's a truth he had to face and accept. Having a devil put aside for him seems to indicate that there really is some sinful things that he has actively done, something like condemning someone to die of HIV. I get the feeling that he may not have known he had the disease when he first transmitted it but it was still transmitted by a deliberate action on his part, and where he was acting like a fool, and even if he didn't know he was infected, he should have known better than to act the way he did.
I also think the stoning and spitting in the eye part is a bit more of a euphemism than most people realize. Stoning representing an action where someone is being repeatedly struck by another man's... euh... "stones", the spitting representing the ejection of a body fluid (not actual spit) and the eye... well that could represent an area below the belt where such "spitting" might happen inside of when "stoning" is happening... (sorry, kinda weird trying to explain euphemisms while keeping things youtube friendly) with the whole context, it would add some relationship between the phrases "stone me and spit in my eye" and "love me and leave me to die" the way he preceeded both those phrases by "So you think you can" is something that says that the 2 phrases are related to each other, like if they were referring to the same actions... and I think the act of pulling his trigger with the phallic gun also refers to the same action. Too much emphasis on the "my" when he says that.
Anyways there is more but I've already probably written too much for most people.
I see it as Freddie’s “coming out”. When he says “mama, just killed a man” he’s talking about his old self. And when he says “ life has just begun, and now I’ve gone all it all away” I feel like he knows that if/when he comes out he will have a different view of him In the public.
@@Chepakishui Freddie didn’t know he had and probably wasn’t even infected with HIV in 1975. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1987.
@@finngerbrandy3523 But it doesn't necessarily have to be about himself. It's written from the vantage point of someone who does have HIV, in my opinion. It makes so much more sense in that context.
Freddy Mercury be like "sometimes I wish I had never been born at all" then does crazy guitar solo
yes, thats how the song goes.
fax!
Except Freddie doesn't play
@@2WheelsTrav ikr lmao
Not so sure it was him playing the guitar solo :)
The last time I was this early Queen was performing at Live Aid
Normally, I hate when people try to break down this song, but I really, really appreciate the work done here. People usually make the song out to be something that only Freddie himself could understand, but this video acknowledges how personal this song is for everyone, no matter who you are.
Fun fact: Mercury actually wrote the guitar solo for Brian May on the piano and then May proceeded to gift us with the legendary rendition we have today.
Goes to show how well they understood each other on many levels.
He didnt do the guitar solo, that was all brian (which is also the only part of the song freddie didnt write). Freddie wrote the heavy riff for the rock section ("So you think you can stone me") on his piano which brian then brought to life
But yeah, i agree, they understood each other really well.
@@liam9807 Freddie and Brian were brothers of the heart along with John Deacon and Roger Taylor. When Freddie Mercury died it ripped the heart out of Queen. John couldn't go on. He helped complete Queen's last album and did a concert contributed to Freddie Mercury but afterward he retired from music completely. Brian and Roger moved on to do their own thing. But to me it was never really the same without Freddie Mercury out front strutting his stuff and playing with the crowd. Freddie loved the fans and they loved him right back.
This is one of the very few channels that I listen from start to end without stopping. Also, your narration and voice are quite similar (though less dramatic in a very pleasant way) to John Major from "our fake history". Cheers from a romanian living in Vienna that grew as a person and still does because of music!
Salut! Si eu sunt roman. :)
Hai noroc!
Man the editing is truly top-tier
I'm impressed with your use of the tarot. Fairly accurate with the way you matched the imagery and card meanings (the sun and empress especially).
this song has always made me emotional, sometimes i’ll cry listening to certain parts. not sad, just emotional, because he’s so amazingly expressive of his own emotions just through his voice alone.
Some lyricists are absolutely poets, and they gift the world with works that can be interpreted many ways. Tarot cards can mean different things depending on where and how they come up in a spread. The editing and illustrating of this video is both beautiful in its own right, and in regards to how it plays off the subject. Amazing job!
Graphic skills on point!
That was one of the best warning messages I've ever seen.
Lmao the phallic imagery of guns? I’m never going to see any action film the same way ever again
why else would you think the Sex Pistols have that name?
@@masicbemester I can't imagine. So maybe cops be shooting ppl in the States cause of X reasons
You should see From Dusk till Dawn now, with your new take on things…
Strike Back season 2 has an interesting take on that: "men never want to admit something about fighting each other: how intimate it is"
@@anthonyhayes1267 that's what fascinates me most about MMA: the fact that men seem to need to be brutally smashing each others face in for an excuse to hug each other. Pitiful, that is. And I don't mean condescendingly.
His religion and ethnicity have also supposedly provided insight. Freddie belonged to the Indo-European diaspora, specifically the Eastern branch. The eastern diaspora is not considered white due to geography. Only the western branch is. The Brits did not like the incoming "non-white" immigrants from the crumbling empire. A lot of racism happened. People like him were called "Paki," which is a slur for folks from Pakistan but is used for any ethnicity from southwestern Eurasia and their respective diaspora. Also, his Zoroastrian religion was something else that set him apart.
He always said he was "Persian" - not wrong, either.
Thus Sang Mercoaster.
I think you've missed something hidden in plain sight, if you think that this song is about his coming out. In the final "Rock" section Freddy sings: "Just gotta get out...Just gotta get right out of here." I think there's a parallel/reference between 'coming out' or 'coming out of the closet' and 'just gotta get out'. Though we'll probably never know what the song was really all about.
For what it's worth, with this theory, "I just killed a man" may be the "killing" of the "man" as a symbol of heterosexuality and what society expects a man to be / do ?
I always thought it was just about a real murder and the part where he says just got to get out means he's trying to get out of prison after being tried in court which is the part where they sing we will not let you go references as in part to where he's being held in court and put on trial
I always thought this song was more about existentialism, but that's the beauty of a good art piece, in that it can echo differently in each person's hart (amazing editting btw).
I suppose for many queer people it is a question of existence, so whatever meaning you get from it has validity. I agree that’s what shows it’s great art. It’s one of those songs where anyone can feel it’s power and feel it resonate :)
I thought about it too about existential conflict and suffering
I am shocked that this channel doesn't have 1M subs yet
Thinking that as I watched this. Exceptional.
It does now!! 😊
Polyphonic: seizure warning
My epileptic ass: don't look, don't look, don't look... Shit! Don't look, don't look, don't look-
This was most impressive! I loved the analysis and how carefully it was constructed with both passion and reason. The visuals were magnificent and I can't think of a better way of presenting it to be any more engaging. It is, after all, A Kind of Magic.
I think It's a good hypothesis, but with the queerness in mind before the analysis, we could adjust almost every Queen song to this theme. I think being gay might be some part of the song but I think main motives are way wider. I would assume it's not just about sexual orientation but more about finding yourself, leaving the past behind you, and adjusting to change in life. I don't even think the song was written with one idea in mind, I think it's formed as a gate for every troubled individual to find his way through
I think people don’t realize how life consuming it feels to be closeted. While all you said would make complete sense to a general audience, a big part of Freddie’s identity was being gay in a culture that thought that was an abomination. And in fact, when you understand that part of Freddie’s identity, all other Queen songs do make a lot more sense. He wrote whimsical, campy pieces but in the end his lyrics spoke to his experience.
Everyone is free to interpret the song differently and that is art’s beauty; but as a gay man, Bohemian Rhapsody is so clearly about what it feels to be gay in this society. The beginning is about self reckoning-a process all queer people go through when coming to terms with their identity. The opera a plead for mercy to the creator, begging to be “spared” for this “monstrosity”. The rock section a rebellion against those who try to beat you down. And finally the ending is a return to the beginning, a constant, defeating cycle.
I know people like to say that gay people are fine because “it’s 2024”. People forget though, that there are still millions of gay people struggling in hateful settings. The experience is also so lonely. Unless you have a community of gay friends, nobody truly understands what it feels like to be constantly rejected, hated, and ignored for something you can’t control.
Thats why I love this song so much. He wrote it for us-in my eyes-because he’s one of us. He understands that experience and perfectly assembled this masterpiece to reflect that struggle.
I forgot you're Canadian until I heard your 'head' and 'dead'. Not sure where you're from, but it reminds me of my extended family's maritime accents.
His pronunciation of "clown" actually makes clowns disturbing to me. OOF!
He does have kind of a strange accent on some words, I’ve always wondered about that.
As someone who not long ago outet herself as trans this speaks on another level to me. Especially as I faced transphobia based in religion just a few days ago which really had me feeling down since then. This is really inspiring and gives me a new perspective to deal with this kind of BS. Thank you so much for your amazing videos!
Awh, I hope you are fine now, Madam.
Everytime you put out new videos, not only are they always insightful, interesting and well-researched (I'm always sure to learn something new), they just keep getting better and better. The interpretations, the narration, the visuals... everything. I loved the tarot analogies in this one! Your work is insane, you're so talented at what you do and I can't imagine how much hard work it must take. Thank you so much for what you do.
Being gay myself, it's very hard for me not to understand this song as a metaphor for coming out. It really expresses the feelings and the turmoil with precision.
I completely knew what the song was about when I first heard it as a kid.
I’m a straight guy but I think this song formed my outlook on what it must be like to have the stress of accepting your sexuality as a gay man.
A very challenging process no doubt.
@@marcuswilson3485 cut the crap what bs is this hahahaha
Being straight, I feel the exact same about this song meaning he's coming out
He could have said it bluntly like the Pointer Sisters.
@@_OG420are you that dense or do you think he actually killed a man? Lmao or is he throwing away his old life by killing off his former straight self
i come back to this video half for the visuals and half for the dissection of the song. kudos to you!!!
As a huge Queen fan, this is one of the best breakdowns/interpretations of this song I've ever seen. Always love your videos, and this was fantastic 👏👏
You've outdone yourself with this video man. It is beautifully done, and the timing/editing is spot on incredible. And then you have the essay itself..Just wow.
Well done👏
The quality and creativity of the animation in this video, especially the whole taro theme is just so amazing!
I love it when RUclips’s go the extra mile with there videos, the visual presentation did not half to go this hard I really think that this is one of those god tier really well put together videos
Fantastic interpretation, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I've heard that the song's lyrics could also be connected to Albert Camus's The Stranger; in that interpretation, the piano section of the song would be Meursault mentally communicating with his recently deceased mother after shooting the Arab man, and the rest would be his impression and reaction to the absurdity of the resulting trial. But then, I suppose there are also parallels between the philosophy of the novella and Mercury's personal life-- both ultimately coming to the conclusion that society is at fault for trying to impose its morality on individuals who don't act a certain way.
yes, that's also what I heard and I heard that mercury read the novel earlier in his life and was very inspired when writing this song. the plot of the novel very closely follows the song's lyrics
This actually makes a LOT of sense
This is such an incredibly beautiful and important video essay that finally gives this song a meaning that is so fitting and so relevamt nowadays. I just love everything about this.
the editing of this video is a masterpiece. It's the first video of yours that I'm seeing, but I'll watch more. keep up the great work m8, good job
could you do videos breaking down Springsteen's "Born to Run" and Billy Joel's "the Stranger"? It would be great and mean a lot.
This channel has some of the best editing I’ve ever seen. This video has got to be one of your most beautiful yet, keep up the great work!
Back in highschool and me a big time christian my friend gave me a tape with this song and I was Shocked....they are still one of my favorites bands, and I've owed most of there albums.
It’s a good interpretation, with points that I would not have seen myself. When I was 17 in high school in ‘79 we studied The Outsider or to give its original French title L’ Étranger by Albert Camus (who was associated with the existentialist school of philosophy). As we read through and discussed the book in class I was struck by the correlation between the plot and the song. As to the idea that “it’s all nonsense” especially the operatic section, it is actually full of references to TV characters of the early ‘70’s! In The High Chaparral the character of Manolito used “Mama Mia” as an exclamation. Scaramouche is a film that had been on TV a number of times. The silhouette idea (as seen in the video) reminds me of the way host Bruce Forsyth used to appear at the start of the show The Generation Game. I was 12 and not prone to deep analysis when the song hit the charts, so the U.K. TV references were clear and obvious and perhaps helped to obscure any obvious meaning as a vehicle to aid the mystery.
Have you considered the song Lilly of the Valley from the Sheer Hear Attack album. It came out the year before and seems to be about Freddie’s struggle and a woman not knowing.
I don’t think this was Freddie’s “coming out” song. I think it was more of a reflection of how he felt about the career path he went down. Queen really wasn’t all that big when that song initially came out. They had one last shot at writing a “hit” song otherwise their record label was gonna drop them. I think the song is about the pressure bestowed upon the band. The opening line, I’ve always interpreted as being Freddie “killing” his career. He chose to be a singer which, up to that point, only had minimal to moderate success instead of settling on a successful, safe career. I’m not putting any words into anyone’s mouths so it is always up for any kind of interpretation. I don’t think it was his coming out song based on the fact that he still was unsure about his sexuality at the time of recording the song and he was also very private regarding his personal life. Sure he was flamboyant but so are most rock stars. Again, I don’t know. Maybe it was his coming out song. Maybe not. The only person who really knows for sure was Freddie. Whatever the meaning, the song has been going strong now for nearly 5 decades and nearly everyone knows the song. It is a masterpiece.
i dont think this song would be a last chance at a hit kind of song. it breaks too many rules .
Even if he was not completely sure about his sexuality, the song was written right after his first sexual encounter with a man and the song gives the picture of someone confused about themselves so it fits perfectly with it being about his sexuality.
Isn't his coming out song "I want to Break Free"?
@@mmyr8ado.360 No, "I want to Break Free" was written by John Deacon.
The multiplicity of meanings matters. Even if a song is rooted in intensely personal meanings, audiences will always take diverging views, and that’s the quality of BR that it allows itself to be taken otherwise. One thing I know is that you don’t play the song to a bunch of military personnel, otherwise they’ll break down.
That was absolutely fabulous. Hard to say enough about how great your editing is, but this was a fantastic reading of a fabulous song.
Thank you for another amazing offering.
This is a great reading, and I definitely think that Freddie was intentionally making reference to his sexuality in the lyrics. However, I think that Bohemian Rhapsody has so many meanings woven into the lyrics that it isn't just about his coming out; it's also a meditation on life, death, nihilism, love, heartache, religion, and even Martin Heidegger's concept of 'Thrownness.'
The disclaimer at the beginning is such an act of love for listeners. It's touching!
Thanks for this interpretation. I read some other interpretations especially about the reference to Galileo but you probably did also extensive research about it. As a Queen fan, I am always torn between the curiosity and the need to respect the will of Freddie which wanted to leave the meaning open. Also, as all great songs, little it matters the original meaning but it is more important what it means for who listens and loves the song. And that's why it is an amazing song.
I'm gonna just take the Evangelion creator's approach and say it was a big shitpost and it'll keep people talking about it forever
"I thought crosses were cool"
@@HueGenex isn’t eva almost entirely about religion though
@@Borganov20 it's actually a deep dive into anti-social and depressive behaviours of young Japanese men and the societal pressures they must overcome BUT that's not a complete interpretation in itself, Hideaki Anno is more into deconstruction not making complex metaphors and analogies. So it really isn't about too much outside it's plot but it offers a lot to look into (if you want).
@@HueGenex oh no I just meant it’s sort of based around it with all the god’s in his heaven and angel stuff
@@Borganov20 It's all aesthetic Lilith, Adam, The angles all these titles were given just to make it seem cooler, The religious imagery is just because western religion is foreign and badass.
The editing is just out of this world!
Pulled my trigger
No he’s dad
Canadians are funny
fukn right bud!
=))
is funny but sad
LOL
I feel like people will analyse this in Poetry classes in 30 years
They did that 30 years ago
We did it with a translation in german class in 5th class back in 2010.
When I was in high school, we analyzed ‘Stan’ by Eminem. Fantastic song, but it’s no dang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
@@user-hy5jy7sf9j Agreed. We had to write an argumentative short essay on what we felt was going on. Half of us had the same answer. We all basically said that Stan is a closeted gay man who’s in love with Slim.
Random thought: Elton John loves Eminem. I wonder what Freddie Mercury would think of Eminem. 🧐
@@rcc_96 I think he would’ve also help Eminem with his drug addiction
I don’t know how long you’ve been working on this video- but it shows. It’s outstanding and presented in a way that’s perfect yet approachable.
Damn it ofcourse my card reading even has a sponsorship
Readings traditionally start with the phrase "cross my palm with silver" after all.
this is actually a great presentation. i love to soak up info about one of my favorite peoples in existence. thanks for sharing man.
Polyphonic: I’m burned out. I need to take a break for a while.
Weeks later: Damn RUclips copyright troubles! I’ll create a video that could be viewed muted and still be enthralling!!!
Your videos are so well edited they seem like something of my imagination, it's very thought provoking but very clear with every little aspect in it. Keep up the god work
Wow the production on this video is amazing it looks as good as anything i've seen on TV !!
The visuals on your videos have been getting so much better, it looks amazing!
love the theory that this song refers to the book "the stranger" by Albert Camus
This is a song about a deal he made. He’s knows he’s dying and has no one to call to. He doesn’t like the deal but the damage has been done already and he feels like it’s hopeless. He goes back and forth on his decisions in life (specific decisions) and on one hand he regrets because it lead him here but then also doubts that it could have been different.
This some isn’t about coming out, but his sexuality played a a major role in the date he’d later come to terms with.
I could go on…
I've never really thought too hard about the lyrics but this interpretation of it is awesome. Though it was never officially said it is known that Freddie was queer. So, as a closeted bi person it's cool to think that Bohemian Rhapsody could be interpreted as a coming out song. He was such a legend rip
Absolutely stunning visuals and theme! The editing was top notch , great work ! Love your channel!
Content aside, the intros are cool as fuck.
What an incredible video! Bohemian Rhapsody is probably the well most know rock anthem in the world and sets high standards. Your editing of this video and the way you read into the coming out story does this amazing song justice imo
this is absolutely incredible. the visuals, the insights, everything. you are amazing
Wow! I honestly don't know another word to use right now. Video editor is absolutely amazing! Great video, and jaw dropping editing, for an absolutely unforgettable, ground breaking, and undeniably one of the greatest bands and singers of all time!
I certainly saw myself in the cards too. "Queer" was once a slur. Now, I see it as both a general term for non-straight and as its own identity, an identity which I myself wear. A lot of people still say only LGBT. But people's identities and selves will not be nailed down to four letters and one "normal." In a less hateful world, we would be free to label ourselves however we wish. Sexuality and our sensual potential has been tabooed, made shameful. But when we break free, as Freddie did, we find a kind of Nirvana, a state where we don't have to care about what others will think, and instead live up to the potential for pleasure within us and in our partner(s).
You really pulled out all the stops for this one. Absolutely fantastic!
You been killin it with the graphics!
This analysis coupled with the Pentatonix version of the song (especially considering Matt and Mitch coming out) has really enhanced my appreciation of the music. Thanks.
If it really is a song about coming out, I’m in awe. What a heart wrenching and breathtaking way to translate and express something like this. How powerful this man was to create this art that came right out of his chest
THE SEGUES TO THE ADS ARE ALWAYS UNBEATEN DAMN THAT WAS SMOOTH
Ok, I like this interpretation A LOT but honestly, I've always interpreted the "momma, just killed a man" as him confessing to his mom that he just killed himself. I've always interpreted it as him killing himself driven by societal expectation but then, going on an epic quest of acknowledging he's worthy of living and he has no reason to be ashamed, so he comes back to life to confront everyone that pushed him to do that.
Great video, and I love the Tarot metaphors! I also think the song is about Freddie's relationship with Mary Austin, who was arguably one of the great loves of his life, and the anguish he felt about breaking up with her. This was covered in the Bohemian Rhapsody film.
The Intro is as iconic as Bohemian Rhapsody itself ! I'm just in awe by this video !
I love the tarot card imagery and the editing in general with all of my heart, keep it up man
The awesomeness level of what I’ve just seen makes my soul and brain happy. Could’ve watched 17 more years of this!
In university, I was masochistic enough to study Jean-Paul Sartre's "The Stranger" in French and English. After that, I couldn't unsee the parallels - I wish that you'd given that reading more credence. But more great work from you nonetheless. Thank you!
Love this new style bro, the new intro too
Brilliant. I've never read the song this way, but your close reading is fantastically well presented. Such a great video, and why I've been coming back for every video since I find the channel. Keep them coming!
Best interpretation of Bohemian Rhapsody that I've ever heard.
Loved how you cracked down this legendary song with such awesome editing and presentation.
Though my sister probrably didn't want to hear me finish every verse you mention.
Especially since I can't sing even if my life depended on it.
I always thought. . . . .
Opening section & verses = Killed someone.
Opera section = inner turmoil, self judgement, guilt and fears of retribution.
Rock end = f you, give me your worst, bring it on.
That is a very literal reading of the song: what is on the page is not always what the story is about
I LOVE the use/addition of the Tarot Cards! I hope that you do many of these! I’ve just discovered your channel and it’s FANTASTIC! As a singer, songwriter and musician…it’s great to delve deeper into all these iconic songs and pieces! SALUD from me, Lori Bravo/NUCLEAR DEATH!^..^
I've always thought the song was about The Stranger by Albert Camus, didn't notice until I read the book in highschool though.
That’s what I thought
most beautiful video i've seen in a while, form the pristine editing and story telling to your interpretation. every frame could be framed. love you
You missed one important element: Freddie was Zoroastrian. His use of Abrahamic imagery was evocative to his audience but not reflective of his beliefs.
His heritage was Zoroastrian but I read that as an adult he was non-practicing except for requesting Zoroastrian funeral rights (a big ask in my opinion)
Your motion graphics work is literally always exactly on point
That Polyphonic “P” reminded me of the Portishead logo
The beats in the intro too, TBH.
the animation is so good & you got the tarot card meanings on point. this was a joy to watch
Freddie Mercury Wrote Bohemian Rhapsody Because He Had The Talent To Do It
Man..... The visual content u provide is awesome.....
The info as usual ... Fantastic
whats it about, anyway? bloody bismillah
Bismillah means "in the name of God". In the context of the lyrics "bismillah, no, we will not let you go" means he was condemn in the name of God.
@@krisnadexter Bismillah means in the name of Allah , to the Muslims , and in the name of God to non Muslims that's what I get
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The art and motion graphics on this video are off the charts! MY GOSH!!
You, good sir, have surpassed video essay and got into art.