Innuendo (Queen) REACTION & ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 370)
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- čas přidán 4. 04. 2022
- #Queen #Innuendo #QueenReaction
In this edition of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to Innuendo by Queen. This one has been requested by many people over the past few months, and now I see why. It's the title and longest track on their last album while Freddie Mercury was alive. It's full of philosophy, perspective, and wisdom...as well as a fascinating harmonic progression...AND some guitar work from Steve Howe. Enjoy!
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And no autotune.....remember that, the man was seriously ill, months aways from death and he still outperforms most of the artists that make up the charts today
For my money, the greatest rock vocalist in history.
YESSSS - The Best Ever!
Yep, and I dont know if you've seen someone dying of AIDS, I've lost a couple of people too it, and its a brutal disease. Freddie would have been incredibly unwell and in a world of pain (Because its likely he would have been turning down the full course of pain killers so he could work). What Freddie achieved, in such a poorly state of health, was an immense achievement,.
Whenever I feel 'meh' and unmotivated to do anything, I listen to Innuendo. When you think of what Freddie went through to make that album, and deliver performances that were up there with his best (his vocal on The Show Must Go On is just out of this world), it puts everything else into perspective. Life is short.
Yeah he would have been great in any great band👍😁👍
That Spanish guitar riff is one of the most powerful riffs I've ever heard. Yes, Freddy is amazing but every single one of the band members are second to none
How could it not, it’s Steve Howe
it was written by steve howe
How ironic that you said "yes", after talking about the Spanish guitar riff
I love the interview with Brian May where he said that as sick as Freddie was, in the studio he would sit in his chair and would be tired and looking like he couldn’t make it through a session. Then when it was time for him to sing, he would take a drink out of his bottle of choice adult beverage, prop himself up and lay down some of his most powerful vocals ever. He would just put his chin up and get on with it. THAT, my friends, is badass! Probably my favorite Queen song and this was at the end of Freddie’s time.
I really respect Brian May but more of as an Astronomer than a Guitarist, but can you imagine watching your friend going through this? I'm crying just thinking about all those who have passed in my life, some quietly, some violently, some unexpectedly and yet I remain against all odds....
@@maximan4363 Brian May was /is a Brilliant guitarist… 🙄🇬🇧
Freddy knew he wa singing for his life...
@@Ionabrodie69 Brian May has the most unique sound and tone of any guitarist. He's on my very short list of all-time favourites. He's a legend.
I also head that while they were writing and recording the Innuendo album, Freddie kept asking them to write more for him to sing, so they could finish the album after he died. That man had an unstoppable drive beyond death.
@@MartijnVos You’re absolutely correct…Freddie will never die as long as his music is out there.. 😊🇬🇧
You still really HAVE to do The Millionaire Waltz by Queen. It's a ridiculously amazing track from their 5th album A Day At The Races
Great bass playing on that, plus the sublime guitar orchestration, plus....
Amazing Underrated Track!!!
oh yea... Millionnaire Walts is awesome.
Amazing song. The whole album is a must, preferably in one sitting.
I vote Yes!
My favourite part of this song, "You can be anything you want to be
Just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be", I find this inspiring.
And Freddie was living proof of that at the time - when he turned quiet & shy Farokh Bulsara into Freddie Mercury the rock god. Absolutely agree - very inspiring.
According to Steve Howe:
Inside, there’s Freddie, Brian and Roger all sitting together. They go: ‘Let’s play you the album’. Of course, I’m hearing it for the first time […] And they saved "Innuendo" itself until last. They played it and I was fucking blown away. They all chimed in: ‘We want some crazy Spanish guitar flying around over the top. Improvise!’ I started noodling around on the
guitar, and it was pretty tough. After a couple of hours, I thought: ‘I’ve bitten off more than I can chew here’. I had to learn a bit of the structure, work out what the chordal roots were, where you had to fall if you did a mad run in the distance; you have to know where you’re going. But it got towards evening, and we’d doodled and I’d noodled, and it turned out to be really good fun. We have this beautiful dinner, we go back to the studio and have a listen. And they go: ‘That’s great, just what we wanted
Great story. Thnx for the update
Very 😎 cool
This song should be played everyday on radio and television.
(My experience, from Portugal)
Looking back, to when this came out, it seems that it was in fact played every day. And I won't (wouldn't) regret it (if my memory is not misleading me).
It is truly a great song. When music can strike you and simultaneously deliver an universal message.
This kind of songs are the ones who distinguish great and lasting artists from all the crap we must listen everyday, in fashion waves. No wonder we turn into rocks...
“Was It all worth it” is another epic to listen to, very underrated.
+10000
I totally agree
Agree!!!
Yesssss. Should have been a single
@@hermanhelmich Honestly, if it had been releases as a single, maybe people would pay that song the respect it deserves. I don't know why people don't recognise that song's greatness because I believe it's one of Queen's best tracks. Up there with the miracle and I want it all on the album.
The complexity of this song reminds me of the early days when Queen created Bohemian Rhapsody and March of the Black Queen. Freddie’s vocals are amazing considering how sick he was.
I would say an amazing vocal track regardless of any illness, with that in mind extraordinary. We are so blessed to have his work at our fingertips.
Doug has done March of the Black Queen and several others. Check 'em out!
@@nyima04011 thanks. I've seen many of Dougs videos. Always enjoy his perspective.
I think you`re spot on Michelle. March of the Black Queen was archetypal Freddie.
As strange as it may seem, Freddie had his best vocals, pristine here because he wasn't drinking, taking drugs and generally abusing his voice.
The album's liner notes contain the credit "on "Innuendo": Additional Wandering Minstrel Spanish Guitar - Somewhere In The Middle - by Steve Howe. Many thanks Steve".
Pretty sure Brian is playing the fast rhythmic part while Steve solos over the top.
@@3ggshe11s could be both are very talented
@@3ggshe11s yes
both Brian and Steve are playing the flamenco guitar
@@3ggshe11s That's true and unfortunately most people get it wrong. Brian actually plays the acoustic part and Steve only added ornaments over the basic track, which was already done before Steve even met with Queen. I think someone's words were misinterpreted.
@@Chopin1995 I wouldn't say "ornaments:" `` "Yes’ Steve Howe Recalls Playing On Queen’s “Innuendo” - “They Said, ‘We Want You To Play On That; Why Don’t You Race Around Like Paco De Lucía?’” ''
I never realized how much Brian had done, but not surprised. Brian's usually more of a strummer on acoustic.
In another interview he said something like "Brian could've easily done it but..." can't remember the rest.
Another cool quote by Steve:
“They played it and I was fucking blown away,” Howe told the British music magazine
in its March 2012 issue. “They all chimed in: ‘We want some crazy
Spanish guitar flying around over the top. Improvise!’ I started
noodling around on the guitar, and it was pretty tough. After a couple
of hours, I thought: ‘I’ve bitten off more than I can chew here.’ I had
to learn a bit of the structure, work out [what] the chordal roots were,
where you had to fall if you did a mad run in the distance; you have to
know where you’re going. But it got towards evening, and we’d doodled
and I’d noodled, and it turned out to be really good fun. We have this
beautiful dinner, we go back to the studio and have a listen. And they
go: ‘That’s great. That’s what we wanted.'”
That's a pretty big bite of Steve was so challenged by it.
Thanks for the tidbit.
BTW, love your "Funeral March" ;-)
My fave guitarists:
Steve
Brian | Mike Oldfield.
Mention Mike and you get "That Exorcist guy?" thinking he played keyboards. There may be only one or two he doesn't play. Or zero.
I keep lobbying for DD to do the first song on "Amarok."
One of their best songs, still brings me to tears.
Classic
Damn, this song is still as stunning today as it was the day it came out.
Even more stunning nowadays considering the "music" that is made now
I love this freaking song. The whole album is great.
I think with the benefit of hindsight there's something quite personal and existential in the lyrics. For a man who did not have long left in this world to sing about keeping trying until the end of time; it's just beautifully tragic and poignant.
I think the references to the status quo are in contrast to the chorus, and I think it's reflected in the key change too. Whilst the inexorable march of time goes on, we'll keep on trying, whilst all the bad stuff in life happens, we'll keep on trying. There's a sense of courage in the face of adversity. Again with the benefit of hindsight, someone going through what Freddie did with the disease?
I think the don't take offence at my innuendo line is probably largely self referential too. He's gay, he's ostentatious on stage, he's flamboyant. But I think he's saying through the sorrow through the splendor. So like through the good times and through the bad, don't let that get in the way of what matters. Don't just be shocked by his appearance and mannerisms. Let's not forget he came through the 70's and 80's. People will have been shocked by him back then.
And then it's on to the you can be anything you want to be. Maybe a bit corny, but again in context, leaving a message of hope behind perhaps?
And then back to the main riff and the verse. This time it's looking at devine justice. What's the point, why do we live, why do we die. For someone going through what he was it's hard not to see that as being a personal plea to a higher power. Like a wanting for it to be ok, a wanting for there to be something more, or a devine plan or whatever.
And then we'll keep on trying, we'll keep on smiling. It's almost like the cliche British idiom Keep Calm and Carry On. In the face of all this existential dread, well put our smiles on and do the best we can. Until the end of time. It ends with that phrase, and again I can't help but wonder if he knew deep down that the end of time wasn't far off?
Maybe I'm way off, and maybe I'm looking at joining dots what weren't there at the time of writing it. But I suppose that's the beauty of music and how we interpret it. It can be anything you want it to be as long as it makes sense to you.
I've been asking for you to take a look at this one for a long time now, so really glad you found time to fit it in at last. Really enjoyed it.
“Loved” your comment
Queens classical/opera sensibilities are unmatched. Nice to see someone talk about their composition skills.
Another masterpice from them, beautifuly crafted. They put the bar really high. Larger than life band.
And in a down to earth way being so the Rock of God's, Bismilla🎶🙏🎶
The B side of this is Bijou, which is an extraordinary vocal by Freddie and Brian’s guitar
I agree - and I've heard it said that the "chorus" is the instrumental, while the verse has the lyric. Again, everything in reverse. Anyway, I think it would be great to hear that one on this channel, too.
I love BIJOU .. It’s amazing!
One of the greatest rock bands of all time. I will never forget seeing them live in January 1981 on "The Game" tour. I was shocked. Mercury blew me away. It was fascinating how he made people sing, following him. Of following him with the choir, he created it, as the great frontman that he was. unique. And an amazing voice.
@@interestingthings8598 Buenos Aires, city- Vélez Sarfield stadium. Merury on fire.
I saw them in Vancouver in May/June 1981. Totally freaking awesome concert!
This song always fills my eyes with tears and my body with shivers . RIP FREDDY
One of my favorite songs of all time,
The Prophet´s song from a night at the opera is a great and amazing song to analyse
IMO, this song, and the album as a whole, is their most underrated. It's the best opening song on any of their albums (2nd best to me being Mustapha) and there's so much heart and sadness in this song but the tone still manages to stay positive. The whole album is like that and it's heartbreaking and beautiful.
Mine would be between Innuendo and Death On Two Legs, Mustapha probably third, not sure if I’m missing any other contender.
@@dago87able Hmm, Brighton Rock is kinda powerful, I think...
Guys. Tie Your Mother Down. I rest my case... ;)
@@MaeveWalkerOrchestre Thank you! That’s a serious contender too. Tie Your Mother Down also.
I agree, its a very emotional journey listening to this album, knowing the physical pain and fear he must have been going through. Those were the days of our lives - i cant listen to that song, it's a goodbye note and makes me cry every time.
Basically it’s Queen’s version of “can’t we just all get along” and showing us through history how we haven’t and in 2022 nothing much has changed
So very and sadly true 😞
This is all not so easy. It is against all Instincts and then again those Instincts/Automatisms made Humans the dominant Race on Planet Earth. Yet now we have developed Weapons who are just too strong for most People to even understand the constant Threat they are living in. I am sure many People have tried to solve the Riddle, yet no one has succeeded so far.
@@EgoShredder I don't think world leaders spreading hate and fear with their finger poised above the nuke button is a good balance, and is MORE likely to lead to the extinction of humanity.
@@EgoShredder This is a wind up right?
This track is a masterpiece. Period.
A masterpiece!
I love this song. It's progressive rock. One of their finest songs. Better then Bohemian Rhapsody by far. The message is evident. You just have to listen. "Be who you are.. World Peace...Questioning organized religion. It's all up to us and ourselves to make change. The physical world will stay the same. Don't take offense by my Innuendo is.. Don't be confused by what I say." This song is very deep with a very strong message. This is what I have always gotten out of it.
That they brought in Steve Howe is phenomenal. They never used outside musicians. Steve just happened to be next door recording. He's always been great at Spanish guitar.
I really like your take!; better than Bohemian Rhapsody tho… don’t know about that ;)
Don't think you can compare to Boh Rhap, but otherwise spot on. Steve Howe is credited as "wandering minstrel Spanish guitar" which is quite fitting. :)
It's not better than Bohemian Rhapsody... Actually it has much simpler and usual structure: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge (quite extended though), verse, chorus. Boh Rhap was more gorundbreaking and unique song.
@@konradtomala3580 Well, I would argue that the structural complexity or simplicity of a song doesn’t necessarily makes it better or worse by itself.
To me one aspect that makes me like Innuendo a bit less is the production; I think if it had been recorded using similar production values to BR I would like it still more.
@@konradtomala3580 I can't argue what you're saying. I like "Innuendo" better. It's a matter of preference. Queen's got a few songs I like better. "Black Queen" is also one. I know people don't like me saying that either. Don't get me wrong. I love "Bohemian Rhapsody" too. I'm not criticizing it in any way. It's just one of their best for me.
This song is so powerful....
In my opinon, this song is about Queen's saying that trough the ages mankind is messing things up, but as an individual, you should not be offended by that statement (innuendo) and just try to do your best. The third verse is an effort to make things better for mankind: what if there really is a better life after death? If indeed so, Queen asks God to kind of confirm that.
That's the best summary of the perspective I've read yet. I like it.
That is the best explanation so far!
I always interpreted release your mask as Freddie referring to God especially since he was dying. I know I ask questions about the afterlife. He was facing his mortality as we all will do.
In a time when dying of AIDS was shunned, his impending death and the reason for it were not public knowledge. It is a song about the indominable spirit of humankind, seeking for love, peace and acceptance.
Cuando se pensaba que Queen no tenía más nada que ofrecer, y cuando se rumoreaba acerca de la terrible enfermedad de Freddie, aparece esta obra maestra. La voz de Mercury y sus tonalidades directamente no son de este mundo.
Lo puedo afirmar ya que tuve la fortuna de verlos en vivo en Buenos Aires en 1981...un showman excepcional, único. Una banda legendaria.
Escucharlo aún pone mi piel de gallina. God bless you Freddie, wherever you are!!
Perfectly said!!!
This song always lifts me when I feel down. Freddies defiance which I hear in his voice just nails it for me, never mind the lyrics. Bravo Freddie.
As a hard core Queen fan I interpret this song as being an imprecation to God. As he's really looking death squarely in the eye at this point I imagine Freddie was caught in the ultimate quandary- 'is there a God, and if there is why is He not listening to my prayers?' The key expression I believe is that 3rd verse- 'show yourself, destroy our fears- release your mask.' Thankyou Doug, a great and very thought provoking video which I enjoyed greatly.
Bravo! I grew up as a Queen fan, much to the delights of bullies. I was 15 when Freddie died. The last thing I expected when this song came out as first single from the album and went straight to number 1 in the u.k., I felt able to genuinely claim them as relevant and not just for dads.
@@EgoShredder So did I. I learned to just listen and let all music in. I had my grandparents and my parents music and then my older brothers' music so I got classical, jazz, Sinatra, Mel Torme, early 50s & Elvis and then I had the pleasure of Dylan, the Beatles and all of the great music from the late 50s, 60s and on. I felt like I lived in all of the golden ages.
👍
Innuendo was my first CD purchase. What an extraordinary song to have come out of my first CD player. I love this amazing song. Great album. The lyrics of I'm Going Slightly Mad are hilarious and fun. Thanks for looking at this mini-movie. What a great rich piece.
Wow¡ it was mine too. I was given money for my bday and I bought this cd with it. Amazing. Timeless. A master piece.
@@SebaProgre Indeed. I was an LP buyer. Then 8 tracks. Then cassettes. Then cd's. Still cds for the car. Currently listening to Troika. Such a great CD. Wonderful blend of voices. That was always a Queen hallmark.
It was mine as well. I didn't have the facility to copy to tape at the time either, so I bought the CD and tape on release day. I only bought the CD player a couple of weeks before - because I knew this was coming out.
This is absolutely one of my favorite Queen song. Thanks Doug.
absolutely masterpiece!
Masterpiece..always brings tears in my eyes knowing what has happened a few months later...
No one does EPIC like QUEEN.
I Attended many Queen concerts in the 70s and 80 s my favourite band of all time a group with so much energy their live performances absolutely amazing , they were at the forefront of musical videos !
An amazing Uk band ! Why do you have to spoil the reaction by repeating what we can hear anyway????
Freddie was so sick they had to use old images of him, out of former MVs. But vocally, he KILLS on that album. I can't express how much admiration I have for his dedication to his art.
FYI, Steve Howe from Yes plays the acoustic Spanish guitar part in the middle of this song right before Brian May’s guitar solo.
Nice, didn't knew that! Thanks!
IIRC, it was an impromptu performance as Howe just happened to be in the recording studio that day, and May (surrendering his ego!) invited him to contribute.
Yeah, Doug says exactly that in this video.
@@angelal1607 this was written before the live :)
both Brian and Steve are playing the flamenco guitar
The song was finished when Brian asked Steve to add some spanish guitar licks over what Brian already did on acoustic guitar.
It is amazing to think that Freddie sang those songs knowing he was very ill.
He died just over 9 months after the album was released....just shows what an incredible, I was going to say artist but he was greater than just that, human being he was
@@paulfranklin8636 Agree!, listening to ‘The Show Must Go On’ knowing that hits really hard.
These Are the Days of Our Lives is I think his final farewell. You can see how frail he was in that video which I think is why it was shot in black and white. The last line he sings is 'I still love you' he then repeats this in a whispered voice. That's goodbye to the world. Such as great and sad loss 😞
@@NMY556L
Neall, "Mother love" was Freddies final song. Brian had to finish the vocals as Freddie never returned to the studio. It boke Brians heart. The jumbled sound at the end of the track is a second of all their songs joined together. The haunting vocal("I think I'm going back, to things I know so well, in my youth") right at the end is Larry Lurex- Freddies first released recording of a Dusty Springfield song, using a different name.
@@paulthornley8331 you're right about Brian finishing the vocal after Freddie died but I didn't realise about the 1 second of all their songs featuring like that. We'll still be debating the meaning of Freddie's lyrics for many years to come. Someone will probably obtain an advanced academic qualification centering on an ancient band called Queen and the mystical meanings hidden in their music. I use ancient to mean really old as with ancient Greece. By the tme they award accademic qualifications like this, 70's rock will be classed as Classical Music and Freddie will be akin to Mozart.
This song on first listening is almost too much 😄
I love it very much and it conveys all kinds of feelings to me: fear, anger, beauty, mourning ... strength, hope, ...
I feel like he knows there's not much time left to him, and he "desperately" wants us all to listen to this song and the message.
the chords and the feeling in this song are so heavy that it really hits and hurts you, still followed by moments of joy and hope. fascinating song by the best band of all time
I loved 😍 ♥️ this song when it came out. Rock music was fairly dominant and allowed bands like Queen to express themselves in this kind of magnificent ✨️ manner. Unlike now where all chart/commercial music is fairly soulless, takes the form of 4/4 time and basic progressions and lyrics talk about such deep things as cars, money, 'babyyyyyy' and so on... #queen
This song is telling us the truth about us. We humans never seem to learn our lessons from our history, we repeat all the wrongs, but at the same time we create such beauty (splendid). People do wear masks, either to hide the ugliness within their souls, or because they just want to fit in. No one can truly be free unless they remove those masks and be who they are. As the song says keep on trying, never give up, that gives us hope. Smile, be happy. The line, and what will be, will be, says to me there may be nothing we can really do, but be happy, be kind and show love.
I distinctly remember when this song came out, seeing the video, I was 12, and I know it's cliche to say, but I was completely blown away! I was already a Queen fan, but really only knew the 'radio' hits, but this opened my eyes to how progressive and heavy (yet soft) they could be (I would discover The Prophet's Song & Ogre Battle, March Of The Black Queen not long after getting this album! So realized this was not unique in Queen's long & illustrious catalogue)
I was always a fan of Latin/Spanish influenced music, especially guitar, so Steve Howe's contribution was glorious & so fitting to the mood of the track. The rest of the song is pure bliss - expertly crafted as Queen did all too often.
Then came the words. As a bit of a social misfit, the message of being true to yourself, to press-on and keep trying, especially in a world of brutality, violence & prejudice, was quite impressionable to a pre-teen.
This has, and will forever will be, my #1 Queen track! Great reaction Doug. Now if you will indulge, you should do Bijou off this same album. It comes right before The Show Must Go On - and it highlights Brian and his Red Special guitar soulfulness - as it's 'singing' the versus, with Freddie providing the middle-8 bridge vocally. Beautiful piece.
This song is amazing. The best song of the album and one of their best song. Legendary.
This album brought me back to Queen after their kind of "directionless" period. I can't remember how Brian phrased it, but I agree.
Heard it on the radio, stopped on the way home and bought it. Truly "The Spirit of Radio."
Same thing the fist time I heard "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson.
This album was really Freddie saying goodbye. Some seriously powerful lyrics. And it blew me away that he had one more album in him. Made in Heaven is good too. And much less dark. Such an amazing singer, songwriter, entertainer, and band.
An absolute visual and musical masterpiece.
One of my favourite Queen songs, beautifully written!
One of the greatest songs and albums ever!!! Listen to the album start to finish, read the lyrics, and remember they were written by a someone who knows his time on this Earth is predictably short and experiencing all of the emotions and questions about life and death one might feel and ponder under such a burden. While it might not be intentional, I personally think every single song relates to what Freddy was going through, regardless of it it was more literally spelled out or just Innuendo. R.I.P. Mr. Mercury!
I've always loved this song. It's definitely my favourite of the later Queen hits, but you've given me a whole new appreciation for it. Thank you!
this song is truly timeless. I doubt that there is a band around that could write and perform a song like this.
Doug, thank you for this. I knew that your reaction would be brilliant. and it was worth the weight.
Only Queen can produce a second song as majestic as Bohemian Rhapsody in Innuendo
Fun fact: a music teacher I had in high school, who was a drummer and big Queen fan, once told me the initial drum rhythm was a reference / homage to Maurice Ravel's Boléro... later I read about Freddie's love of opera and classical music, and understood some cool references such as the beginning of "It's a hard life" quoting "Pagliacci" or Figaro and Scaramouche in "Bohemian Rhapsody".
This is a masterpiece, the likes of which we would hardly see again.
This is a powerful song you don’t just hear it, you breathe it
My favorite Queen album. Brings me to tears every single time. You can really feel the intensity throughout it.
Some time ago, I started watching reaction videos to Music that I like. And I've often been thrilled to re-discover pieces of music again, lead by people who are listening to them for the first time. - However: Since I've found your channel, I do not just get reminded of what has benn facinationg in certain songs. IActually I learn to listen to them in a new way, gaining new depth of my love through your insightfull and really original commentaries and explanations. THANK YOU!
Oooh...I did not know that Steve Howe was playing that amazing Spanish Guitar thing here...👏🙌😯Cheers from Poland!
Queen was the first band I listened to as a boy, independent from my parents. I was helped by my older cousin, who at one point got a CD player and was so generous to give his collection of Queen cassette tapes to me. Queen have been a big influence in the development of my, I dare say eclectic, musical tastes. Even though I hardly ever listen to queen anymore, Innuendo has been one of my favourite Queen songs for decades, thank you for reacting to it.
I love how your mind goes into analyzing what you hear while at the same time you're trying to just enjoy what you hear!
For me Innuendo is BohRhap masterpiece level! I ALWAYS tear up listening to it, he's such an inspiration. Still is! I've been a 40+ year Queen fan and there every week, still 3/4 times a week I listen to their music. There never will be another one like Freddie❤
I was stationed in Germany when this came out. I fondly remember a local radio station playing this all the time and listening on my Sony Walkman as I went for a run after work. C Co., 103rd MI BN, 3rd ID.
This song gives me goosebumps. What an unbelievable performance under those circumstances. So moving. Love Queen, love Freddie ❤
This is one of my favourite Queen songs. Freddie was obviously nearing the end of his life and lyrically it’s apparent he was thinking about life, his existence, our existence, what it’s all about and if there’s maybe a higher power at play or not.
Musically, the song flits between a slow & heavy, imposing tempo and this light, fast paced and playful Spanish guitar section in the middle. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition which, on paper, shouldn’t really work - but this is Queen, who were able to marry opera and rock, so it works beautifully. A truly epic song.
For many years, this was my favorite Queen song. Now, of course, it is March of the Black Queen. Their greatest song. But this is also still very good. Love the arabic double harmonic vibe
The sheer brilliance of Queen….
What a powerful song. I've loved it since it came out when I was 8 or 9. That guitar tone though, and that riff on the chorus. Beautiful.
Doug - this is a really heart felt shout out - you're posts have kept me alive over the past couple of years - thank you!
I've been a Queen fan since I first got them on a bootleg cassette when I was 6 or 7 and, as a kid, Innuendo was the first proper, sealed and original, album I ever owned. Nearly 30 years later I still have it.
I always loved this particular song, though as an 8 year old with just a basic understanding of English and little knowledge of the world I had no way of grasping what they were going on about in the lyrics. As I grew older I started understanding more and more of the meaning and now, looking back on it, I realize what a dramatic effect it had on me as a teenager. Knowing that someone who was on the precipice of death could sing such powerful lyrics and with such strength of conviction was inspiring... it led me to see that questioning authority and dogma was, after all, OK. You didn't have to simply submit to it. There was nothing to be scared of, as long as your mind was free... be free to yourself.
That's what the innuendo was all about for me.
as a metalhead this is my favourite queen song....it's just incredible
For all Metal people who think Queen were only a pop band, listen to early Queen. Queen 2 was far from pop.
Phenomenal! It is actually thought of as Bohemian Rhapsody's younger sister and "March of the Black Queen" is thought of as the older sister song. Queen's music is always full of surprises and they bring something to the table to satisfy every sense! Not only are they still a band of transcendent geniuses that stand the test of time, but of deep thinkers that border on (if not totally delve into) philosophical! The beauty of their music is that they preferred the individual listeners interpret the lyrics for themselves. Good approach and analysis. Personally, I also take it as an anthem of perseverance, survival, nonconformity, staying true to yourself and staying strong! Each member of the band was illustrated in homage to a different artist or artistic style: Freddie Mercury in homage to Leonardo Da Vinci, Brian May after victorian etchings, John Deacon in homage to Picasso, and Roger Taylor after Jackson Pollock.
For me that is their best song ever, the swan song...it encompasses all their art and potential. It's simply unbelievable...
P.s. Your bass/baritone voice is really relaxing and..I don't know if yours is perfect pitch but I'm amazed every time you guess the tone..
"A man walked into a bar, and said he wanted an Innuendo. So the barman gave him one"
Good one 🤣
Love this song. There is so much going on in here.
You know, I don't think I've ever heard this. Wow! I think this could be my favourite Queen yet. What a consummate performer and what a voice Freddie was (and the rest of the band, I'm doing them a disservice if I don't thank them too). Thank you Doug and all
At about 13:04 you said "while Richard Wright is playing" - but I think you meant to say Steve Howe
To me this song always feels like Bohemian Rhapsody Part 2 - try playing them back to back and it is mind blowing.
This is an ominous song sung by a man who knew he didn't have alot of time left. It's foreboding yet stunning
Love how when the chorus hits, with uplifting and inspirational lyrics, the keys shifts to major.
This one is absolutely ingenious ❤️❤️
This song is a great exercise in Progressive, and I loved it, a great farewell and legacy for his work Mecury and the entire band
I've been a Queen fan since I was in middle school. I saw them in 1980 on The Game tour. Freddie's death was devastating. Watching/listening to this video brought up old tears. I've been following you, Doug, for about a year. Thank you for this. Keep digging.
This album is my personal favorite, the music if really rich and mature, and the lyrics are so deep especially in this song 🔥
I really aprreciate how diligently you analyse the texts. That's unique. Famous rocksingers usually bring more to the table than good voices. They often stick out and leave rivals behind by taking part in the songwriting and by finding unique lines...
RIP Freddie. One of the greatest showmen to grace the stage.
The composition, the power of his voice...this is just AMAZING!
The man was literally dying. That's what makes this so remarkable. Here's 5 you may not have checked out yet.
1) The Miracle
2) Mustapha
3) These Are the Days Of Our Lives
4) Breakthru
5)Staying Power (Live from MIlton Keynes '82)
Beautiful and sad at the same time. Freddie was very sick, but his voice is so powerful and venine. Amazing power, and the lyrics are really deep. Masterpiece and one of my favs ❤️ He kept on going until he couldn’t anymore, so much respect for him and the guys. They made some timeless music, Innuendo is still so relevant today. Spinechilling! Thankyou for this reaction and keep up the work👍🏻
Fabulous! Have been hanging out for so long for your reaction to this. At last, but not before time ... 😊😊
I've heard this song about 200 times ...since i was a kid...
I'm a Queen fan from 1990...
An amazing track, beautifully creative video & a gift.
Great comments.
Great analysis, again! 👊🏻
I enjoyed your analysis Doug!
Taken in context with other tracks like "Days of our Lives" and "The show must go on" it appears to me that Freddie was saying goodbye and at the same time encouraging us to continue the fight for free expression. Be who you want to be but lose the ego that keeps us entrapped in the theater of Life.
haha I think I was one that requested this. Very powerful song. Thank you Doug 🤘
My favourite of many favourite Queen songs.
Music is all about the tension and release of emotion with sound and theory!!! Freddy was a god of vocals and knew more of music than most respect and appreciate. Thank you for tackling this complicated song!!!
A masterpiece. FM voice is just incredible. More Queen please!
Great reaction, Dough! Especially about the lyrics, this time..... THANK YOU!!!