Bohemian Rhapsody

by Queen

What is “Bohemian Rhapsody” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen melds operatic drama and rock to explore themes of existential questioning and deep regret. This song emotionally captures the tumult of confronting one's actions and the longing for redemption.

So… what’s this song really about?

Bohemian Rhapsody is a multi-part epic that functions much like a classical opera with various emotional and musical shifts. The song begins as a ballad, where the narrator confesses a murder, leading to profound existential questions and a palpable sense of doom. As the song progresses, it incorporates a mock opera section, filled with references to figures like Galileo and Scaramouche, intensifying the protagonist's internal conflict between confession and the desire for absolution. The final section of the song shifts into hard rock, reflecting anger and defiance, yet concludes on a note of resignation, signifying the unresolved tension between desire and consequence. The song's complexity allows for various interpretations, ranging from a literal confession of crime to a metaphorical struggle with guilt and identity. The operatic segment can be seen as the chaos of the mind, confronting fears and seeking escape, echoing the struggles of the human psyche. Freddie Mercury's composition and lyrics invite listeners to project their emotions and experiences, making the song a timeless piece about the human condition, duality, and redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What inspired Queen to write Bohemian Rhapsody?
Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist and songwriter, never fully disclosed the inspiration, leading to much speculation.

Q: What does 'Bismillah' mean in Bohemian Rhapsody?
In Arabic, 'Bismillah' means 'In the name of God.' It is used in the song to heighten the dramatic tension.

Lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody”

5 ContributorsBohemian Rhapsody Lyrics
[Verse 4]
I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, scaramouche will you do the fandango
Thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening me
Galileo, Galileo
Galileo, Galileo
Galileo Figaro (Magnifico-o-o-o-o)
I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me
He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go (Let him go)
Bismillah! We will not let you go (Let him go)
Bismillah! We will not let you go (Let me go)
Will not let you go (Let me go)(Never, never)
Never let you go(Let me go-o-o-o)
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Oh mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me
For me, for me
[Verse 5]
So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye
So you think you can love me and leave me to die
Oh baby can't do this to me baby
Just gotta get out just gotta get right outta here
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah
[Outro]
Nothing really matters
Anyone can see
Nothing really matters
Nothing really matters to me
Anyway the wind blows