Like "Bohemian Rhapsody", the major hit from Queen's previous album A Night At The Opera, "Somebody to Love" has a complex melody and deep layering of vocal tracks, this time based on a gospel choir arrangement. It was the first single off the album A Day at the Races. It is a rock ballad on which band members Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor multitracked their voices to create the impression of a 100-voice gospel choir.
The lyrics, especially combined with the gospel influence, create a song about faith, desperation and soul-searching; the singer questions both the lack of love he's experiencing and the role of God in helping to provide this disparately needed in his life. He's passionately pondering what the use of it all is without having somebody to love in his life. Staying true to Queen's guitar-driven style, it was also filled with intricate harmonies and a notable guitar solo by Brian May, and it went to number 2 on the UK charts and number 13 on the U.S. singles chart.
A promotional video was made combining a staged recording session at Sarm East Studios (where the A Day at the Races album was recorded) and film footage of the band's performance at Hyde Park that September.
The song was included on their first Greatest Hits, released in 1981.
At the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at Wembley Stadium, the song was performed by George Michael, and this was later rereleased in 1993 as the lead track of an EP called Five Live which went to #1 in the UK. This version is also available on Greatest Hits III, released in 1999.
Roger Taylor spoke briefly on the song during a 31/01/1977 interview with Circus Magazine.
Taylor: "'Somebody To Love' is Aretha Franklin-influenced. Freddie's very much into that. We tried to keep the track in a loose, gospel-type feel. I think it's the loosest track we've ever done."
This was also one of few tracks where John Deacon sang backing vocals when performed live. His voice was clearly heard on bootlegs from the band's performance at Earls Court in June, 1977 and at the Houston Summit in December, 1977. From 1977 to 1978, it was played about every show. For the Jazz and Live Killer tours, it was only played sometimes. In The Game Tour, it was only played early in the tour. It was also played for South America Bites The Dust, Live at the Bowl and Queen Rock Montreal. Later in The Works Tour, a shortened version was played as a medley preceding "Killer Queen".
When performed live, Mercury would often alter the melodies of the song, but would generally hit the sustained A♭4 notes throughout the song. The A♭4 at the peak of the building line "can anybody find me" on the studio version was not part of Mercury's original melody, but the other band members felt that it worked better than his: Mercury reverted to his original melody for this line when live.
At the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at Wembley Stadium, the song was performed by George Michael, and this was later rereleased in 1993 as the lead track of an EP called Five Live which went to #1 in the UK. This version is also available on Greatest Hits III, released in 1999.
* George Michael performed the song with Queen's surviving members at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in April 1992
* G4 sang this on 27 November during The X Factor 2004.
* Anne Hathaway sang this song in her role as Ella in the movie Ella Enchanted
* Elliott Yamin, who placed third in season five of American Idol, sang this song on Week 8 of live performances
* Brittany Murphy sings this song in the movie Happy Feet as her penguin character Gloria.
* Ben Mills sang this on 2 December during Barry Manilow and contestant's choice week of The X Factor 2006.
* Rhydian Roberts sang it on 1 December during Best of British week of The X Factor 2007.
* The cast of Glee covered it in the episode "The Rhodes Not Taken" (2009); it hit #26 on the UK Singles Chart.
* Joe McElderry sang this on 14 November during Queen week of The X Factor 2009.
* In the film Late Last Night, Steven Weber's character sings the song during a drug-infused dreamy scene.
* Todrick Hall performed this song on the ninth season of American Idol during the top 16.
somebody to love
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
(Take a look at yourself) take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry)
Lord, what you're doing to me? (Yeah, yeah)
I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Yeah
I work hard (he works hard) every day of my life
I work 'til I ache my bones
At the end (at the end of the day)
I take home my hard-earned pay (goes home)
All on my own (goes home on his own)
I get down (down) on my knees (knees)
And I start to pray (praise the Lord)
'Til the tears run down from my eyes
Lord, somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody
(Please) can anybody find me somebody to love?
(He works hard)
Every day (every day), I try and I try and I try
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm going crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I got no common sense
(He's got) I got nobody left to believe in
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh, Lord)
Ooh, somebody, ooh (somebody)
Anybody find me somebody to love?
(Can anybody find me someone to love)
Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing)
I'm okay, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright)
I ain't gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
(One day) someday I'm gonna be free, Lord
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love (find me)
Find me somebody to love (find me, find)
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love, love, love (ooh, find me, find me)
Find me somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me somebody to love (ooh)
Somebody, somebody, somebody, somebody
Somebody find me
Somebody find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
(Find me somebody to love)
Ooh
(Find me somebody to love)
Find me somebody, somebody (find me)
Somebody, somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me, find me, find me
Ooh, somebody to love (find me somebody to love)
Ooh (find me somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me somebody to love
Anybody, anywhere (find me)
Anybody, find me somebody to love, love, love, love, love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me love
The lyrics to Queen's song "Somebody to Love" express the frustration and longing of the singer who is desperately seeking love and companionship. The song starts with Freddie Mercury's call for help as he sings "Can anybody find me somebody to love?" and then goes on to depict a man who is facing a lot of challenges.
The singer describes his daily routine that is characterized by exhaustion, loneliness, and pain. He then pleads to anyone who can listen to find him someone to love. He feels let down by life and is in dire need of a special person to share his burdens with. The song then progresses with the singer poignantly expressing his feelings of hopelessness and despair, but in the end he holds out hope that he will find someone to love.
The lyrics beautifully capture the deep longing for love that many people experience. Like many of Queen's songs, "Somebody to Love" is marked by its powerful vocals, soaring harmonies, and brilliant piano arrangements.
Line by Line Meaning
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
The singer is looking for someone to love and wonders if anyone can help them find that person.
Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little
The singer wakes up feeling defeated and unhappy with their life.
Can barely stand on my feet
The singer feels exhausted and overwhelmed, making it difficult for them to continue with their daily routine.
(Take a look at yourself)
The artist advises themselves to reflect on their life and current situation.
Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry)
When the artist looks at themselves, they feel upset and emotional.
Lord, what you're doing to me? (Yeah, yeah)
The singer feels like they are being punished or tormented by a higher power or fate.
I have spent all my years in believing you
The singer has put their trust and faith into someone or something for a very long time.
But I just can't get no relief, Lord
Despite their belief, the artist cannot find any comfort or ease in their life.
Somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody (somebody)
The artist still hopes and yearns for someone to love and be with.
Yeah
An interjection expressing agreement or emphasis.
I work hard (he works hard) every day of my life
The singer puts a lot of effort and dedication into their job or daily routine.
I work 'til I ache my bones
The artist works tirelessly and feels the physical toll it takes on their body.
At the end (at the end of the day)
When the day is over and work is done.
I take home my hard earned pay (goes home)
The singer brings home their salary that they have earned from their hard work.
All on my own (goes home on his own)
The singer goes home without any company or support.
I get down (down) on my knees (knees)
The artist falls to their knees in prayer and desperation.
And I start to pray (praise the Lord)
The artist turns to religion and prays to a higher power for help and guidance.
'Til the tears run down from my eyes
The singer cries from the overwhelming emotions they feel.
Lord, somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody
The singer still longs for someone to love and be with, and turns to their religion for help in finding them.
(Please) can anybody find me somebody to love?
The artist pleads for someone to help them find love and companionship.
(He works hard)
An interjection pointing out that the artist works very hard.
Every day (every day), I try and I try and I try
The artist continues to put in effort to find love every day, but has been unsuccessful so far.
But everybody wants to put me down
The singer feels like others are trying to discourage them or make them feel bad about themselves.
They say I'm going crazy
Others may be judging the artist and labeling them as mentally unstable or irrational.
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
An idiom suggesting that the singer is being perceived as foolish or silly.
I got no common sense
The singer is being made out to seem unintelligent or lacking in practical wisdom.
(He's got) I got nobody left to believe in
The singer has lost faith in most things, and nobody else supports or encourages them.
Ooh, Lord
An interjection perhaps emphasis or emotional appeal.
Ooh, somebody, ooh (somebody)
The artist continues to express their desire for someone to love and be with.
Anybody find me somebody to love?
The singer continues their plea for help in finding love and companionship.
Got no feel, I got no rhythm
The singer feels like they are lacking in something vital or necessary to finding love and romance.
I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing)
The artist feels like they cannot keep up or compete in the dating game.
I'm okay, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright)
An expression of self-assurance or reassurance to oneself that they are doing fine.
I ain't gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)
The artist is determined to not let their lack of success in love defeat them or get them down.
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
The singer feels trapped in their current situation and wants to break free.
One day (someday) I'm gonna be free, Lord
The artist sees a future where they will no longer feel trapped and freed from their current unhappiness.
Find me somebody to love
The singer repeats their plea for someone to help them find love and companionship.
Anybody, find me somebody to love, love, love, love, love (somebody to love)
The singer continues their plea for help and emphasizes their desire for love.
Find me, find me, find me somebody to love (find me)
The singer repeats their plea for someone to find them love.
Anybody, anywhere (find me)
The artist opens up their plea to anyone who could possibly help them find love.
Somebody to love, love, love, love, love (somebody to love)
The artist repeats their desire for love and companionship.
Find me, find me, find me love
The singer continues to repeat their plea for someone to help them find love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Freddie Mercury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gpknkee
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
(Take a look at yourself)
Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry)
Lord, what you're doing to me? (Yeah, yeah)
I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord
Somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody (somebody)
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Yeah
I work hard (he works hard) every day of my life
I work 'til I ache my bones
At the end (at the end of the day)
I take home my hard earned pay (goes home)
All on my own (goes home on his own)
I get down (down) on my knees (knees)
And I start to pray (praise the Lord)
'Til the tears run down from my eyes
Lord, somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody
(Please) can anybody find me somebody to love?
Every day (every day), I try and I try and I try
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm going crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I got no common sense
(He's got) I got nobody left to believe in
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh, somebody, ooh (somebody)
Anybody find me somebody to love?
(Can anybody find me someone to love)
Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing)
I'm okay, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright)
I ain't gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
One day (someday) I'm gonna be free, Lord
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love (find me)
Find me somebody to love (find me, find)
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love, love, love (ooh, find me, find me)
Find me somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me somebody to love (ooh)
Somebody, somebody, somebody, somebody
Somebody find me
Somebody find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
(Find me somebody to love)
Ooh
(Find me somebody to love)
Find me somebody, somebody (find me)
Somebody, somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me, find me, find me
Ooh, somebody to love (find me somebody to love)
Ooh (find me somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me somebody to love
Anybody, anywhere (find me)
Anybody, find me somebody to love, love, love, love, love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me love
@giovanniruscica5380
Lyrics
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
(Take a look at yourself)
Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry)
Lord, what you're doing to me? (Yeah, yeah)
I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord
Somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody (somebody)
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
Yeah
I work hard (he works hard) every day of my life
I work 'til I ache my bones
At the end (at the end of the day)
I take home my hard earned pay (goes home)
All on my own (goes home on his own)
I get down (down) on my knees (knees)
And I start to pray (praise the Lord)
'Til the tears run down from my eyes
Lord, somebody (somebody), ooh, somebody
(Please) can anybody find me somebody to love?
Every day (every day), I try and I try and I try
But everybody wants to put me down
They say I'm going crazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I got no common sense
(He's got) I got nobody left to believe in
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh, somebody, ooh (somebody)
Anybody find me somebody to love?
(Can anybody find me someone to love)
Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (you just keep losing and losing)
I'm okay, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright)
I ain't gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
One day (someday) I'm gonna be free, Lord
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love (find me)
Find me somebody to love (find me, find)
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love, love, love (ooh, find me, find me)
Find me somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me somebody to love (ooh)
Somebody, somebody, somebody, somebody
Somebody find me
Somebody find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?
(Find me somebody to love)
Ooh
(Find me somebody to love)
Find me somebody, somebody (find me)
Somebody, somebody to love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me, find me, find me
Ooh, somebody to love (find me somebody to love)
Ooh (find me somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me somebody to love
Anybody, anywhere (find me)
Anybody, find me somebody to love, love, love, love, love (somebody to love)
Find me, find me, find me love
@EricDenneySecondaryChanne
1976: Great Song
2024: Still Great Song
@Potterhead443
It’s one of the best queen songs
@albergiogomes1525
Em fevereiro de 2024.
@agnesepeppinaboccolina4955
L' adoro grazie Freddy
@thecoasterquizshow
It came out in 1976
@glenkaligis4974
Bro😢
@cherrypopx
“I won't be a rock star. I will be a legend.”
― Freddie Mercury
@JohnSmith-wo7ns
Awesome 👌
@lovekiyo2352
He was a man of word: he said it, and he did it. :)
@gebrechlichkeitii9819
Freddie Mercury: I didn't say that shit