Say It's Not True
Queen + Paul Rodgers Lyrics

The song ‘Say it’s Not True’ by Queen and Paul Rodgers laments the tragedy of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and calls for compassion, empathy, and action. The lyrics describe the devastating impact of the disease on individuals and society, and the feelings of shock, disbelief, and grief that accompany it. The opening words, ‘The harder we play, the faster we fall’ suggest that the disease is a consequence of reckless behavior and ignorance. The lines, ‘When we think that we know it all, we know nothing at all’ convey the idea that we are all vulnerable to illness and that we should be humble and empathetic towards others who suffer.

The song’s chorus, ‘Say it’s not true, say it today, when I open my eyes, will it all go away’ expresses the hopelessness and desperation of those who are affected by AIDS. The words reveal the desire to deny the reality of the situation and to wake up from what feels like a nightmare. The following lines, ‘Can’t be happening to you, can’t be happening to me’ emphasize the universal nature of the epidemic and the need for everyone to take responsibility for addressing it.

The song’s final verse highlights the inequalities that fuel the spread of AIDS and the barriers to effective treatment: ‘With the wonders of science, all the knowledge we’ve stored, magic cocktails for lives, people just can’t afford’. These words highlight the fact that while there have been many advances in medical science, not everyone has access to the treatments they need. The song’s message is one of compassion and unity: we must all work together to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to support those who are affected by it.