An Epic Musical Masterpiece ~ “Bohemian Rhapsody”

 

An Epic Musical Masterpiece ~ “Bohemian Rhapsody”


                                 Queen, Queen II Album Cover, 1974

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality. Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see”... much more than just a song. You’ll quickly discover that it is a cultural touchstone that is innovative, timeless, and has had a cultural impact, unlike any other musical creation in our time. 

In the late 1960s, Farrokh Bulsara wrote the words that would intertwine with future writings and become his 1975 triune masterpiece, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Said to be an artistic blending of rock, opera, and balladry, it would radically break rules and records and serve as an icon in music history. 

Who, you ask is Farrokh Bulsara? He is better known as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of what I would deem to be the greatest rock band ever, Queen. As the band's frontman and one of the main contributors to the songwriting process, Mercury came to his bandmates with the makings of three different songs that he told them he wanted to blend into one long song. Remarkably, it worked!

Released in 1975 on Queen’s Night at the Opera album, “Bohemian Rhapsody” quickly became a hit and would break records as it remained #1 on the UK charts for nine consecutive weeks. What’s crazy is that it was almost not released on the radio due to its 5-minute and 55-second play time, nearly two minutes longer than most songs. I imagine when the stations listened to the album and heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” for the first time, they knew they were hearing something like nothing they’d ever heard before. Stop for a moment and look at and listen to some of the behind-the-scenes workings of this amazing song. 

                     

                Queen, Ideas Bohemian Rhapsody Lyrics, 1974

                        Outtakes from the Creation of Bohemian Rhapsody @
Rockfield Studio №1 in Monmouth, Wales, 1975

Many have wondered and speculated what the meaning behind the lyrics of “Bohemian Rhapsody” might be. With Mercury’s unwillingness to explain the meaning and his untimely passing in November of 1991, we won’t ever know the true meaning of it. Yet there are some amazing possibilities to consider. One of my favorites is that it aligns with the elements of a hero’s journey of murder, descent, ordeal, atonement, and redemption. Take a listen and see what you think. Others have said that it is about Freddie’s transformative journey, his realization of his bisexuality, or simply his need for love. The one that resonates the most with me is that it is about self-discovery, embracing who you are, and living authentically. 

              Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody

What has always fascinated me about the lyrics are the creative elements, and particularly the word choice. Putting the overall meaning of the song aside and focusing on some of the more unique and unfamiliar words, the depth of imagination and creativity that Mercury brings to us in this song is off the charts.

The title alone is magnificent and language expert Noel Wolf explains it perfectly, “Mercury’s selection of this word speaks to the complexity of human experience. The Bohemian side represents freedom, rebellion, and individuality, while the Rhapsody suggests a turbulent yet beautiful emotional exploration.”

The words that follow take us from rock to ballad and then we find ourselves heading toward an operatic overture like none other. Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango? Who is Scaramouche and what exactly is a Fandango? Scaramouche is a 16th-century mischievous theatrical clown character and a Fandango is a lively Spanish dance. I’d say this clown is being asked to dance. Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me.

Scaramouche, Bohemian Rhapsody

Then comes, (Galileo) Galileo, (Galileo) Galileo, Galileo Figaro, magnifico, which translates to (Gailiean) Gailien, (Gailiean) Gailien, magnify the Galiliean’s image and Galileo (Gailiean) was the name of Jesus Christ in ancient Rome. Some say it could reference Galileo, as in the astronomer to honor bandmate Brian May’s love of astronomy, or others suggest that possibly it has some kind of operatic connection, but I am going to side with “magnify the Galilean” because frankly, it fits with the rest of the song.

                

                  Jesus Christ by Leon Devenice 

The last two words I will highlight are where the connection I referenced with Gailieo can be seen. This first word, represented by its Islamic symbols  is  Bismillah and translates to in the name of God. Bismillah No, we will not let you go (let him go)

                     
Bismillah ~ In the name of God. 

Then we come to Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me. Beelzebub is a name for Satan.


  Beelzebub
Fascinating! Just fascinating! I could go into more depth on each of these words, their relation to the overall song, and possible connections to Freddie Mercury’s life, thoughts, and discoveries, but that will all have to wait for another post. 

For now, having looked at “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” unique path to creation, its ambiguous meaning and eccentric word choice, its cultural impact and significance are evident in its genre-defying style, the depth of its lyrics, the way it somehow reaches generation after generation with its timeless appeal and powerful message of overcoming challenges. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is truly a remarkable song that is far more than just one of Queen’s greatest hits. I would say that it just might be the number one hit of all time and its legacy will continue to reach and impact generation after generation in the years to come.