The band formed in London in 1970 after May and Taylor's former band Smile split after having released an album and single. Freddie replaced lead vocalist Tim Staffell, after the latter's departure from the original trio.
There was much deliberation as to what the band's name would be. May and Taylor had settled upon the Grand Dance, derived from a C.S. Lewis Trilogy of books Out Of The Silent Planet.
Ultimately, the band went with Queen, a name that was entirely Freddie's. Originally Roger and, especially, Brian did not like the name, though Mercury would eventually persuade them both that it was "right" for the band.
"Years ago I thought up the name Queen... It's just a name, but it's very regal, and it sounds splendid. It's a strong name, very universal and immediate. It had a lot of visual potential and was open to all sorts of interpretations. I was certainly aware of the gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it. "
- Freddie Mercury.
Queen went through several bass players before a young electronics major by the name of John Deacon arrived on the scene in January of 1971.
"Until John, it had been exploding bass player syndrome. If they musically worked they'd look all wrong, and if they felt all right they couldn't play. - Brian May.
This quite shy guy turned up with his immaculate Rickenbacker bass and immaculate amplifier, plugged in, and as soon as he started playing we realized it was right." - Brian May.
Later that year, the band was secured recording time at the newly built De Lane Lea studio, and used the opportunity to record several songs that would later appear on their debut album - Liar, Keep Yourself Alive, Jesus, and The Night Comes Down. The demo reel was passed around from producer to producer with little success, until a staff member of Trident records by the name of Roy Thomas Baker was introduced to the band by fellow Trident producer John Anthony. Baker dropped in to watch the band at work and, clearly liking what he heard, recommended Queen to his superiors.
It was eventually agreed upon that the fledgling band could record at Trident studios, though after already-established artists had finished their work, such as the likes of Elton John and David Bowie. Relegated to the wee hours of the morning to record the remaining tracks of their first album, the band nonetheless stuck it out until they reached their ultimate goal of "perfection".
Queen's self-titled debut album was released in 1973 and received little attention from the general public. They quickly followed it a year later with a second album, "Queen II" which also failed to generate much interest from music fans in Britain, despite the success of the album's single, Seven Seas of Rhye, which would reach #10 on the charts after the band's mimed appearance on Top of the Pops.
The band's second album was recorded with a higher budget than the first, and the band threw everything they had into recording it. Queen II was somewhat of a "concept album", split into "White Side" vs. "Black Side".
As was in their nature, the band pressed onward after the mediocre success of their first two albums, immersing themselves in a world-wide tour to promote Queen II. Queen played in America for the first time, as a support act for Mott the Hoople.
Sheer Heart Attack would be released later that year, focusing more on being accessible to listeners, than the grand and complex ideas of the previous two albums. The recording of their third album was met with some hardships, as May fell victim to a series of illnesses brought on by an infected inoculation, required for the band's rigorous touring schedule.
Sheer Heart Attack brought even more success for the band, with May's Now I'm Here and the song that would be the band's "turning point", the Mercury-penned Killer Queen, the latter of which would reach #2 on the UK charts.
During this time, the band began developing a huge following in Japan and witnessed their popularity for themselves when they visited the country, mainly in 1975, to promote their fourth and most famous album "A Night At The Opera", featuring the epic "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Queen's popularity grew steadily through the latter half of the 70s as they released hit album after hit album, reaching its peak in the mid-80s after their "Live Aid" appearance, and continuing into the early 90s before Mercury's untimely death on 24th November 1991. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.
Over the course of their 30 year career, the band did sound tracks for two films ("Flash Gordon" and "Highlander"), released a string of live and studio albums, and had many many fans across the world.
In 1995, 4 years after Mercury's death, the band released the album "Made In Heaven". This album saw the surviving band members in the studio completing or reworking unused vocals, unreleased variations of Freddie solo material (a Queen version of "I Was Born To Love You" for example), and tracks where Brian and Roger added lyrics to flesh out a song ("Mother Love").
Queen have been on indefinite hiatus since 1997, when John Deacon decided to retire.
Several "Queen + ..." projects have been developed in the following years, a few of them mere remixes with no artistic involvement from the band. In 1999, a "Greatest Hits III" album was released. This featured, among others, "Queen + Wyclef Jean" on a rap version of "Another One Bites the Dust", a live version of "Somebody to Love" performed by George Michael, and a live version of "The Show Must Go On" performed live in 1997 with Elton John.
Brian May and Roger Taylor have performed together as Queen on several occasions (award ceremonies, charity concerts, and the like), sharing vocals with various guest singers. They have also recorded several covers of Queen's hits with guest vocalists, including "We Will Rock You" (first with Five and later Britney Spears, Beyonce, John Farnham and P!nk) and "We Are the Champions" (with Robbie Williams).
On the 14th of May 2002 the Queen musical 'We Will Rock You' opened in the Dominion theatre in London's 'West End'. A Musical about young people in the distant future who aren't allowed to listen to music not generated by computers. Various Queen songs are used in the story, played by a live band. This live band was supported by Brian May and Roger Taylor on the premiere evening.
At the end of 2004, May and Taylor announced that they would reunite and return to touring in 2005, with Paul Rodgers (founder and former lead singer of Free and Bad Company). Brian May's website also stated that Rodgers would be 'featured with' Queen as 'Queen + Paul Rodgers', not replacing Mercury. The retired John Deacon would not be participating.
Between 2005 and 2006 Queen + Paul Rodgers embarked on a world tour, the first leg in Europe and the second, Japan and then the US in 2006. On 15 August 2006, Brian May confirmed through his website and fan club that Queen + Paul Rodgers would begin producing their first studio album beginning in October, to be recorded at a "secret location". The album, titled The Cosmos Rocks, was released in Europe on 12 September 2008 and in the United States on 28 October 2008. Following the album the band again embarked on a tour through Europe, opening on Kharkiv's Freedom Square in front of 350,000 Ukrainian fans. The show in Ukraine was later released on DVD.
Queen and Paul Rodgers officially split up without animosity on 12 May 2009. Rodgers did not rule out the possibility of working together again.
Since 2012, Queen has been touring with Adam Lambert as the frontman.
More information about Queen + Paul Rodgers can be found on their last.fm page.
Official website: www.queenonline.com
Discography:
1.- Queen (1973)
2.- Queen II (1974)
3.- Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
4.- A Night at the Opera (1975)
5.- A Day at the Races (1976)
6.- News of the World (1977)
7.- Jazz (1978)
8.- The Game (1980)
9.- Flash Gordon (1980)
10.- Hot Space (1982)
11.- The Works (1984)
12.- A Kind of Magic (1986)
13.- The Miracle (1989)
14.- Innuendo (1991)
15.- Made in Heaven (1995)
It`s Late
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I hardly know your name
And if I say I love you in the candle light
There's no one but myself to blame
But there's something inside
That's turning my mind away
Whoa, how I could love you
If I could let you stay
It's late, and I'm bleeding deep inside
It's late, ooh, is it just my sickly pride?
Too late, even now the feeling seems to steal away
So late, though I'm crying I can't help but hear you say
It's late, it's late, it's late
But not too late
Mm, yeah
The way you love me
Is the sweetest love around
But after all this time
The more I'm trying
The more I seem to let you down, yes
Now you tell me you're leaving
And I just can't believe it's true
Oh, you know that I can love you
Though I know I can't be true
Oh, you made me love you
Don't tell me that we're through
It's late, mm, and it's driving me so mad
It's late, yes I know, but don't try to tell me that it's
Too late, save our love you can't turn out the light
So late, I've been wrong but I'll learn to be right
It's late, it's late, it's late
But not too late
Mm, I've been so long
You've been so long
We've been so long tryin' to work it out
I ain't got long
You ain't got long
We've gotta know what this life's all about, ooh
Tell me
Tryin' to work it out, yeah, ooh
Ooh too late
Yeah, too late
Much too late, ah
You're staring at me
With suspicion in your eye
You say what game are you playing?
What's this that you're saying?
I know that I can't reply
If I take you tonight
Is it making my life a lie?
Oh you make me wonder
Did I live my life right?
It's late, ooh, but it's time to set me free
It's late, ooh, yes I know, but there's no way it has to be
Too late, so let the fire take our bodies this night
So late, let the waters take our guilt in the tide
It's late, it's late, it's late, it's late
It's late, it's late, it's late
Oh, It's all too late
Whoa, whoa, come on
Ooh mm, late, too late, oh yeah
Ah
The lyrics of "It's Late" by Queen tell a story of a man who is in love with a woman, but is too afraid to fully commit himself to the relationship. He fears that he will ultimately let her down and cause her pain, so he tries to push her away to protect himself from the possibility of heartbreak. As the song progresses, he becomes more and more conflicted between his love for her and his fear of inadequacy, leading to a point where he feels like it may be too late to save their relationship.
The line "It's late - and I'm bleeding deep inside" is particularly poignant, as it suggests both a physical and emotional pain that the singer is experiencing. The repetition of the phrase "It's late" throughout the song serves as a reminder that time is running out for the couple, and they need to make a decision about their future before it's too late.
Overall, the song is a powerful exploration of love, fear, and regret, showcasing Queen's signature blend of hard rock and emotional balladry.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you love me
The singer is being told by someone that they love him/her.
And I hardly know your name
The singer does not have much familiarity with the person confessing their love.
And if I say I love you in the candle light
The singer is considering reciprocating love in a romantic setting.
There's no-one but myself to blame
The artist acknowledges that he/she would be responsible for any fallout that may come from reciprocating this love.
But there's something inside
The artist is experiencing an internal conflict.
That's turning my mind away
This internal conflict is causing the singer to distance themselves from the idea of reciprocating love.
Woh - how I could love you
Despite the internal conflict, the singer is acknowledging the potential for love to happen.
If I could let you stay
The artist recognizes that the only way this love can happen is if the other person stays around.
It's late - and I'm bleeding deep inside
The artist is feeling the pain of a difficult situation.
It's late - ooh, is it just my sickly pride?
The artist questions if their pride is causing them to resist this potential love.
Too late - even now the feeling seems to steal away
The singer is coming to terms with the fact that love may no longer be possible.
So late - though I'm crying I can't help but hear you say
The artist is acknowledging the cruel irony of hearing the other person say they love him/her despite the fact that it may not be possible to reciprocate.
The way you love me
The singer is acknowledging the genuine love that the other person has for him/her.
Is the sweetest love around
The singer is acknowledging the value and importance of the love being offered.
But after all this time
The singer is acknowledging that this situation has been ongoing for a significant period of time.
The more I'm trying
The artist is attempting to make things work despite the numerous complications.
The more I seem to let you down, yes
Despite the attempts to make things work, the situation is still causing disappointment and hurt to the other person.
Now you tell me you're leaving
The other person is indicating that they can no longer stay in this situation.
And I just can't believe it's true
The singer is struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
Oh, you know that I can love you
The artist is acknowledging the fact that he/she is capable of loving the other person.
Though I know I can't be true
The artist acknowledges that they may not be able to fully commit to this love.
Oh, you made me love you
The other person's love has had a profound impact on the artist.
Don't tell me that we're through
Despite everything, the singer is still not ready to let go of this love.
You're staring at me
The other person is looking at the artist with suspicion.
With suspicion in your eye
This suspicious look is causing the singer anxiety.
You say what game are you playing?
The other person is questioning the singer's motives.
What's this that you're saying?
The other person is confused by the singer's behavior and words.
I know that I can't reply
The artist is struggling to find the words to respond to the other person's questioning.
If I take you tonight
Despite everything, the artist is still considering intimacy with the other person.
Is it making my life a lie?
The singer is questioning if giving into this love will betray his/her integrity.
Oh you make me wonder
The other person's presence and actions are causing the singer to question himself/herself.
Did I live my life right?
The artist is grappling with the possibility that his/her choices have led to this complicated situation.
We've been so long tryin' to work it out
The artist acknowledges the significant time and effort devoted to this situation.
I ain't got long
The artist is aware that time is running out to resolve the situation.
You ain't got long
The other person is also running out of time to stay in this situation.
We've gotta know what this life's all about, ooh
The artist recognizes the importance of understanding their purpose in life.
It's late - ooh, but it's time to set me free
The singer is acknowledging that it may be time to let go of this love and move on.
Yes I know, but there's no way it has to be
Despite the difficulty, the singer acknowledges that there may be other paths to take.
So let the fire take our bodies this night
The singer is willing to take risks and embrace passion even if it leads to destruction.
Let the waters take our guilt in the tide
The artist is acknowledging the possibility of redemption and letting go of past mistakes.
It's all too late
The artist comes to terms with the fact that it may be too late to change their fate.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian May
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vladimir Rafael
You say you love me
And I hardly know your name
And if I say I love you in the candle light
There's no one but myself to blame
But there's something inside
That's turning my mind away
Oh, how I could love you
If I could let you stay
It's late when I'm bleeding deep inside
It's late. Ooh, is it just my sickly pride?
Too late. Even now the feeling seems to steal away
So late. Though I'm crying I can't help but hear you say
It's late, it's late, it's late, but not too late
The way you love me
Is the sweetest love around
But after all this time
The more I'm trying
The more I seem to let you down
Yes, baby
Now you tell me you're leaving
And I just can't believe it's true
Oh, you know that I can love you
Though I know I can't be true
Oh, you made me love you
Don't tell me that we're through
It's late, but it's driving me so mad
It's late. Yes, I know but don't try to tell me
That it's too late. Save our love you can't turn out the lights
So late. I've been wrong but I'll learn to be right
It's late, it's late, it's late, but not too late
I've been so long
You've been so long
We've been so long tryna work it out
I ain't got long
You ain't got long
We gotta know what this life is all about
Tell me
Tryna work it out
Ooh, too late, yeah
Too late, much too late
You're staring at me
With suspicion in your eye
You say what game are you playing?
What's this that you're saying?
I know that I can't reply
If I take you tonight
Is it making my life a lie?
Oh, you make me wonder
Did I live my life right?
It's late, but it's time to set me free
It's late. Ooh, yes, I know but there's no way it has to be
Too late. So, let the fire take our bodies this night
So late. Let the waters take our guilt in the tide
It's late, it's late, it's late, it's late, it's late, it's late, it's late
It's all too late
Whoa, whoa
It's too late, c'mon
Late too late, oh, yeah
Harristle
This is literally a jewel hidden in the discography of Queen
Mike Douglas
Only real fans know about this one
vdgg
Not hidden from me. My first or second-favorite Brian May song.
John stitt
You literally misused the word 'literally".
Herman Helmich
Released as a single in the States
Mattchamp15
@John stitt figuratively speaking
SEVENSEASOFRHYE😈🙏
The more you listen to this song the better it gets
Chris Damon
This is probably Brian May's masterpiece. He wrote a great tune and really shines on guitar. Freddie, of course, takes it to astonishing heights with his godly vocal delivery. Great harmonies from the guys, as well. I love it!
Chris Strunk
Hard to pick a favorite Freddie Mercury vocal, because they're all so damn amazing.... But I think this is one of his strongest vocal performances...
Pete White
HARD TO CHOOSE 1 SONG OFF THIS MASTERPIECE OF AN ALBUM! BUT FOR ME THI$ I$ MINE! LYRICALLY MU$ICALLY VOCALLY PERFECT! Pete