The song, together with Tenement Funster and Flick of the Wrist, was covered by Dream Theater on the Bonus Disc of their album Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
Lily of the Valley
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am forever searching high and low
But why does everyone tell me 'no'?
Neptune of the seas, an answer for me please
The lily of the valley doesn't know
I lie in wait with open eyes
I carry on through stormy skies
But each time I grow old
Serpent of the Nile, relieve me for a while
And cast me from your spell, and let me go
Messenger from seven seas has flown
To tell the king of Rhye he's lost his throne
Wars will never cease
Is there time enough for peace?
The lily of the valley doesn't know
The song "Lily of the Valley" by Queen is a mysterious and thought-provoking piece of music that speaks to the experience of searching for something elusive, whether it be love, answers, or a sense of purpose. The opening line, "Baby you've been had," sets the tone for the song, implying that the singer has been deceived or let down in some way. The lyrics then move on to describe the singer's ongoing quest for meaning and fulfillment, which seems to be continually thwarted by obstacles and setbacks.
Despite the difficulties he encounters, the singer remains persistent, "searching high and low" and "carrying on through stormy skies." He longs for guidance or wisdom from higher powers, personified by the mythological god Neptune and the serpent of the Nile. However, the ultimate message of the song seems to be one of resignation and acceptance. The lily of the valley, a symbol of purity and innocence, does not have the answers that the singer seeks, and wars will continue to rage on without end.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lily of the Valley" are open to interpretation, but they convey a deep sense of yearning and a desire for fulfillment that many listeners can relate to. The song's haunting melodies and intricate harmonies only add to its emotional power, making it a standout track on Queen's classic album "Sheer Heart Attack."
Line by Line Meaning
Baby you've been had
You have been deceived
I am forever searching high and low
I am constantly seeking answers to my questions everywhere
But why does everyone tell me 'no'?
I am being denied what I am looking for, and I don't understand why
Neptune of the seas, an answer for me please
I pray to Neptune, the god of the seas, to give me an answer to my question
The lily of the valley doesn't know
Even nature cannot offer me the answer I am seeking
I lie in wait with open eyes
I am waiting patiently and attentively for something to happen
I carry on through stormy skies
I persevere through difficult times and adversity
I follow every course, my kingdom for a horse
I am willing to try anything to find the answer I seek, even if it means giving up everything I have
But each time I grow old
Despite my efforts, I am not getting any closer to the answer and time is passing me by
Serpent of the Nile, relieve me for a while
I am addressing the serpent of the Nile, a symbol of mystery and danger, asking for a break from my troubles
And cast me from your spell, and let me go
I want to be released from the spell of my troubles, and I want to let them go
Messenger from seven seas has flown
A messenger has come from far away, bringing news
To tell the king of Rhye he's lost his throne
The messenger has come to tell the king of Rhye that he has lost his power
Wars will never cease
There will always be conflict and unrest in the world
Is there time enough for peace?
Despite the constant strife, is there time for us to find peace?
The lily of the valley doesn't know
Even in the face of war and conflict, nature is indifferent and unaware
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Freddie Mercury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-og8wg5we4d
I remember the first time I listened to Queen.
My grandpa had lent me his vinyl, and told me “Listen to this. It is of a famous rock band” I did as he told me to.
I started playing it, and it was amazing. I still remember that day as if it was yesterday, but this song caught my eye. This masterpiece.
It was amazing. The lyrics, Freddie’s voice (specially at 0:58. At that part, he had me in tears). It gives such an intense feeling, I just don’t have words to explain it.
I then went running to my Grandpa’s house and told him “Its amazing. I have no words”
I was seven years old, and he actually told me to keep it. He actually gave me all his vinyls. I have to thank him for introducing me to this beautiful band. Fan since 2009!
@gladizbautista9908
[Intro]
Baby, you've been had
[Verse]
I am forever searching high and low
But why does everybody tell me no?
Neptune of the seas
Have you an answer for me, please?
And the lily of the valley doesn't know
I lie in wait with open eyes
I carry on through stormy skies
I follow every course
My kingdom for a horse
But each time I grow old
Serpent of the Nile
Relieve me for a while
And cast me from your spell and let me go
[Outro]
Messenger from Seven Seas has flown
To tell the King of Rhye he's lost his throne
Wars will never cease
Is there time enough for peace?
But the lily of the valley doesn't know
@richard1472
From a Queen song, maybe.
But check this out.
Take another sip my love
And see what you will see.
A fleet of golden galleons
Upon a crystal sea.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Let Merlin cast his spell.
- The Moody Blues
@lucieprochazkovacr
This song and "Nevermore" are just the best. Pure brilliance, pure genius. And not known to many. Hidden treasures.
@carlosreynaud233
Have You Heard "Dear Friends", It's Beautiful Too???...
@thickynicky4973
@Charlie C i was thinking the same thing
@katherineioannou3325
Indeed.
@GrayWolf1521
Have you heard "You Take My Breath Away"?? It's such a beautiful song, too!!
@hombrerusode40anos72
@Chris Manzi yeeeah, one of my ever favourite folk rock songs
@TheZeroSbr
This is probably the most criminally underrated Queen song ever.
@alantremonti9938
TheZeroSbr There are too many though!!
@TheZeroSbr
Alan Tremonti Nah. A lot of their songs are just okay (just like any band), but Queen's great songs are a cut above any other band's songs.
@abababababababa8947
TheZeroSbr no, is white queen