No One but You
Brian May and Kerry Ellis Lyrics
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An angel reaching for the sky
Is it raining in heaven -
Do you want us to cry'
And everywhere the broken-hearted
On every lonely avenue
No-one could reach them
No-one but you
Only the good die young
They're only flying too close to the sun
And life goes on
Without you
Another tricky situation
A get to drawning in the blues
And I find myself thinkin'
Well - what would you do'
Yes! - it was such an operation
Forever paying every due
Hell, you made a sensation
You found a way through - and
One by one
Only the good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
We'll remember -
Forever
And now the party must be over
I guess we'll never understand
The sense of your leaving
Was it the way it was planned'
And so we grace another table
And raise our glasses one more time
There's a face at the window
And I ain't never, never sayin' goodbye
One by one
Only the good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
Cryin' for nothing
Cryin' for no-one
No-one but you
The song No One But You is a tribute to the late Freddie Mercury, former lead vocalist of Queen, who passed away in 1991 due to complications from AIDS. The hand above the water and the angel reaching for the sky serve as metaphors for the deceased Freddie Mercury who is now in heaven. The lyrics try to make sense of the tragedy of a life cut short and talent lost too soon. The lines "Only the good die young, they're only flying too close to the sun" epitomize the senselessness and unfairness of untimely deaths.
The lyrics also celebrate Mercury's achievements as a musician and a performer. "Yes, it was such an operation, forever paying every due. Hell, you made a sensation, you found a way through" pays tribute to Mercury's unique voice, his flamboyant stage presence, and his trailblazing approach to music. The song acknowledges how Mercury pushed boundaries and inspired countless people with his talent and vision.
In the end, the lyrics convey a message of love and remembrance for Mercury. No One But You acknowledges the pain and loss that his death caused but also celebrates the legacy he left behind. It's a fitting homage to an icon of rock and roll, whose music continues to inspire millions of fans around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
A hand above the water
Describing that someone is in trouble and needs help.
An angel reaching for the sky
The person in trouble is hoping for divine intervention.
Is it raining in heaven - Do you want us to cry'
Questioning if the person is really in heaven and if their passing was part of a divine plan or not.
And everywhere the broken-hearted
Acknowledging that the death of the person has caused widespread grief.
On every lonely avenue
Showing that grief is everywhere and people are struggling to come to terms with their loss.
No-one could reach them
Highlighting how people are struggling to connect with each other during their time of grief.
No-one but you
Acknowledging that the person who has passed away was able to connect and comfort others in their time of need.
One by one Only the good die young
Reflecting on the fact that life is not fair and that some people die young while others live long lives.
They're only flying too close to the sun
Metaphor for individuals taking risks in life and maybe dying young because of it. The line is a reference to the story of Icarus.
And life goes on Without you
Acknowledging that despite the person's loss, life continues to move forward.
Another tricky situation
Highlighting the struggles that people face in life.
A get to drawning in the blues
Describing feeling overwhelmed and depressed by life's hardships.
And I find myself thinkin'
Reflecting on the person's life and the impact they had.
Well - what would you do'
Thinking about what the person would do in this difficult situation.
Yes! - it was such an operation
Recognizing that the person's life was a unique and significant event.
Forever paying every due
Acknowledging that the person lived a good life filled with challenges but always persevered.
Hell, you made a sensation
Complimenting the person on how they impacted the world with their life and work.
You found a way through - and
Acknowledging that the person found ways to overcome obstacles in their life.
One by one Only the good die young
Reflecting on the fact that some people die young, regardless of how good of a life they lived.
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
Metaphor for taking risks in life and maybe dying young because of it.
We'll remember - Forever
Assuring that the person will always be remembered and honored for their life and work.
And now the party must be over
Recognizing that the person's life has come to an end and it is time to celebrate their legacy.
I guess we'll never understand The sense of your leaving
Reflecting on the mystery of death and how it is hard to understand why some people have to leave us so soon.
And so we grace another table
Gathering together with family and friends to celebrate the person's life.
And raise our glasses one more time
Raising a toast to honor the person and their legacy.
There's a face at the window And I ain't never, never sayin' goodbye
Feeling the presence of the person and holding onto their memory, never truly saying goodbye to them.
One by one Only the good die young
A repetition of the central theme to remind us that life is not always fair.
Cryin' for nothing Cryin' for no-one
Acknowledging the feelings of grief and loss that come with death.
No-one but you
Recognizing that the person who passed away made a difference in the world and touched many lives.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN MAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dav2403
I still don't get all you "fan" questioning Brian decisions like Queen was YOUR band.
Freddie was a genius, no doubt, but without Brian...?
He was AT LEAST 50% of Queen and song like this one prove that he is a Great musician.
Therefore... if HE says she's good enough to let her sing Queen's song...
Who are you to argue?
Regarding her abilities, though, she's known as "The Lady of West End"; I don't recall successful Musical being sung by crap singers!
@craigallen1201
Listened to the original on the way back from a friend's funeral, tragically young at 41. The song came on through shuffle and had to pull off the road as it brought me to tears. This is an incredible version and a great performance by Kerry Ellis. I have now watched several Queen songs which she has covered with Brian, and she does a fantastic interpretation of the songs, not trying to mimic Freddie, but carrying the essence of the song.
@wailelealoha
SO sorry for your loss. I see it was a few years ago now, but I know such losses stay in our heart forever. I am sure your friend is proud of you for how you have carried on. Be well and safe!
@Bens_Views
My father in laws funeral this was played.
@fst-timer7107
Amazing how being slammed into such sadness can make you come out the other side feeling a little lighter.
Hope time has been kind to you and his loved ones.
@Brian77Gilmour
the spirit of Freddie is there
@freddiemercury9159
Forever Freddie mercury
@dottoanimations461
A real tearjerker. Even though it was so many years ago, you can still see Brian holding back tears.
@augusbm3436
Of course... That was their last song with John.
@kathygraham5371
He had lost Freddie , his brother, and knew he was losing John, too. I’m sure he could feel it. Their lives together had come to a tragic end. But then along came Paul Rogers and then magical incredible Adam who would never replace Freddie but helped keep the SOUND and music of QUEEN alive. Adam is an incredible talent who showcases Freddie as his icon and he shows such incredible respect to Freddie’s legacy. God bless the Band and this song has such a powerful message. Thank you to Sir Bri for writing this treasure. 💖🕊️🌹
@matheusrozindo2514
Everybody misses Fredie , but He was like Elvis , MJ, too marvelous tô be an old man ❤