The Show Must Go On
Queen+Paul Rodgers Lyrics


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Empty spaces, what are we living for
Abandoned places, I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess I'm learning (I'm learning learning learning)
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning (turning turning turning)
Round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah yeah
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on

Yeah yeah, whoa wo oh oh

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly, my friends
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on) yeah yeah
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on)
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On, with the show

Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the show
On with the show
The show, the show must go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on




Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on

Overall Meaning

The Show Must Go On by Queen + Paul Rodgers is a powerful song about persevering in the face of adversity. The opening lyrics, "Empty spaces, what are we living for? / Abandoned places, I guess we know the score" set the tone for a song about the emptiness and despair that can accompany life. The chorus emphasizes the need to keep going despite the challenges: "The show must go on / Inside my heart is breaking / My make-up may be flaking / But my smile still stays on."


The song was famously recorded and released in 1991, shortly before Freddie Mercury's death from AIDS-related complications. Mercury was seriously ill during the recording sessions, but he still managed to deliver a powerful vocal performance. Some interpret the song as a message from Mercury about his own struggles with illness, but others see it as a more universal statement about the human experience.


Line by Line Meaning

Empty spaces, what are we living for
What is the purpose of our existence when everything seems so meaningless and empty?


Abandoned places, I guess we know the score
We are surrounded by abandoned and neglected places in the world, indicating that we have given up on certain things that are important.


On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for
We keep searching for something, but we don't even know what it is that we want to find.


Another hero, another mindless crime
We keep idolizing new heroes who end up committing senseless crimes.


Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
There is always something hidden behind the façade, like in a play where there is always something happening behind the scenes.


Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
We are at our limit and cannot bear it anymore, does anyone have the strength to continue?


The show must go on
We must continue despite the challenges, and the world must persist.


Inside my heart is breaking
Despite the brave face I put on, I am feeling devastated inside.


My makeup may be flaking
My façade is falling apart.


But my smile still stays on
Even with everything falling apart, I still put on a smile and continue as if everything is okay.


Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Regardless of what happens, I'll leave it up to fate or destiny to take its course.


Another heartache, another failed romance
Another instance of heartbreak or failed love will soon be taking place in my life.


On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?
We keep going, but we are not entirely sure why we are doing so.


I guess I'm learning (I'm learning learning learning)
I suppose I am starting to realize or discover new things, perhaps related to love or life.


I must be warmer now
I have to become more emotionally invested or engaged now, perhaps in a relationship.


I'll soon be turning (turning turning turning)
I am about to experience some significant change in my life.


Round the corner now
This shift is imminent, perhaps even already happening.


Outside the dawn is breaking
The new day is dawning and bringing with it a new beginning.


But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
Despite the external changes, internally, I still feel trapped and long to be free.


Yeah yeah, whoa wo oh oh
An expression of trying to cope as things become overwhelming.


My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
My spirit is free and colorful, akin to the beauty of butterflies.


Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
Childhood stories and fictions leave an indelible mark on our lives, and we carry them with us always.


I can fly, my friends
I have the freedom and ability to soar in life, with my closest companions by my side.


I'll face it with a grin
Regardless of what comes my way, I'll take it all in stride with a smile on my face.


I'm never giving in
I'll never surrender or give up, no matter how tough the situation becomes.


On, with the show
We must forge ahead and continue with life's performance, despite the hardships.


Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I'll exceed everyone's expectations and give an extraordinary performance, going above and beyond their wildest imaginations.


I have to find the will to carry on
I must find the determination and motivation to keep going, no matter how difficult the journey may be.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN MAY, FREDDIE MERCURY, JOHN DEACON, ROGER TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sebeqxxl1867

Freddie was Freddie. Paul is Paul. It's a pleasure to listen them both.

@minicoopertrooper5643

Paul Rogers was a really good singer with queen. Way better than Adam Lambert but Adam is still amazing but Paul is better. You know what i mean.

@Jade-hf5hz

Adam is Adam too

@user-ng7ms9ts8j

Freddie's song reminds me his last will and Paul's gives me powerful energy.

@sampocock2765

@@scottp5803 100%

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@timothyarnold9350

Incredible performance. Thank you Paul for keeping Freddies music alive.

@frozencons

Paul is a total badass. Every note is delivered with incredible pitch, control and feeling. I'm floored.

@ninkaraven4237

The damn Master, always.

@iamcasihart

Paul Rodgers has SOUL!!! His voice is quite remarkable. Of course, nothing is better than Freddie Mercury on the original recording of this most powerful song...but, Rodgers is a true pleasure to hear. This performance really moves me to tears. Beautiful!

@urszulaszmajduch

Nie da się o Nich zapomnieć ,nie słuchać ,diamenty muzyczne i tak pozostanę wierną QUEENOWI ,

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