By January of 2005, Roger Taylor admitted to German television that they would be touring Europe in the spring and summer of that year, under the name of "Queen + Paul Rodgers". The full line up included original "Queen" members May (guitar, vocals) and Taylor (drums, vocals) as well as former "The Pretenders" and "Brian May Band" member Jamie Moses (guitar, vocals), former "Blue Oyster Cult" bassist Danny Miranda (bass, vocals), Queen's 1986 tour keyboard player Spike Edney (keyboards, vocals) and Paul Rodgers (vocals, occasional guitar). Over the course of 2005, the band played in over a dozen European countries as well as the Aruba Festival, 4 dates in Japan, 2 shows in the U.S.A., and 1 show in South Africa The band embarked upon a large scale tour of Northern America during Spring 2006, hitting 22 venues in the U.S.A. and 2 in Canada.
Some controversy was caused within the "Queen" fan base over the use of the name. There was concern over the fact that Queen's legendary front man, Freddie Mercury, was seemingly being replaced. However, each band member has said this is not the case: Rodgers could never replace Freddie Mercury but brought his own talents to the band. Furthermore, the fact that retired former "Queen" bassist John Deacon was also missing caused some discontent. Yet despite this, by and large "Queen" fans were won over by the band's blues-tinted renditions of "Queen" classics. Additionally, Paul Rodgers' fans were happy with the inclusion of several Free and Bad Company anthems on the set list, providing super-powered versions of tunes such as "All Right Now" and "Can't Get Enough".
After the end of the Return of the Champions Tour, the band set out to and completed their first and heretofore only album The Cosmos Rocks which debuted to warm reviews by fans in September 2008. Consequently the band toured again in late 2008 throughout Europe, Asia, and South America to promote the album. The Rock the Cosmos Tour in all was seen by nearly 1 million people in almost two dozen nations. The tour was highlighted by its first performance, recorded for DVD and CD, where the band played before over 350,000 fans in Freedom Square, Kharkiv, Ukraine. Said show was in fact put together at the last moment to benefit HIV/AIDS awareness.
On 14th May 2009, Paul Rodgers announced that his collaboration with the surviving active members of "Queen" was at and end, and that the "Queen + Paul Rodgers" project was being placed on indefinite hiatus. While, the band members did not rule out working together again, each sought to pursue solo projects, or in the case of Paul Rodgers, a reunion with Bad Company. The band has not gotten back together since, but Rodgers has stated that he's open to the idea of doing more, specially for charity.
The Show Must Go On
Queen + Paul Rodgers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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), 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
Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh, whoa
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, yeah
The show must go on
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never givin' 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)
Show
(The show must go on, go on)
The Show Must Go On by Queen + Paul Rodgers starts off with an introspection about the bleakness of life. The lyrics ask the question, "Empty spaces, what are we living for?," highlighting the emptiness and the feeling of despair that the poet feels. The poem continues with "The Show Must Go On" conveying a sense of encouragement and strength to carry on with life despite the hardships that one may face. The next lines speak of the continuous cycle of life, a failed romance, and the presence of heartaches. The lyrics again bring us back to the question of the purpose of life, "Does anybody know what we are living for?"
The refrain "The show must go on" is repeated in different variations throughout the song, and also the phrase "Inside my heart is breaking, but my smile still stays on," which conveys the idea that the performer is hurting inside, but is keeping up the facade of being okay for the sake of the music and the audience. The last part of the lyrics refers to the allegorical transformation of the singer, from being painted like the wings of butterflies to the idea of not giving up and overkilling, leading to finding the will to carry on.
Line by Line Meaning
Empty spaces, what are we living for?
Why are we alive? What is our purpose in life?
Abandoned places, I guess we know the score
We understand that we live in a world where there are numerous abandoned places and spaces.
On and on
Life keeps going without any pause, and the grind is never-ending.
Does anybody know what we are looking for?
What is the true meaning of life, and what are we as humans searching for?
Another hero, another mindless crime
Instead of a hero, we see more and more mindless crimes taking place.
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Life can be a performance where people are concealed by masks, acting in a manner that's not true to their personalities.
Hold the line
Stay strong in the face of adversity, don't give up.
Does anybody want to take it anymore?
Is anyone able to tolerate the challenges expereinced in life anymore?
The show must go on
No matter what, life must go on, and you must soldier on through its trials and tribulations.
Inside my heart is breaking
Although facing adversities, I am still trying to keep a brave face.
My make-up may be flaking
My face may be deteriorating, but I'm not giving up.
But my smile still stays on
I try and remain optimistic despite my outlook.
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
I'll let fate unfold, whatever happens, will happen.
Another heartache, another failed romance
Another unsuccessful relationship - only another heartbreak to add to the list.
Does anybody know what we are living for?
Still searching for guidance amidst an overwhelming sense of confusion.
I guess I'm learning (I'm learning), I must be warmer now
Things are beginning to get clearer, and I'm seeing life in a new way.
I'll soon be turning (turning, turning, turning), 'round the corner now
Hoping that things start looking up soon.
Outside the dawn is breaking
New beginnings are coming; a new day is around the corner.
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
Despite outward appearances, deep down, I'm still pained and yearning for relief.
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
The inner turmoil deepens, as I face successive challenges.
My make-up may be flaking
Outwardly, things may be starting to cave in, but I won't let that break me.
Yeah, yeah
Just a show of determination and strength.
Oh, whoa, whoa
A brief cry, as a reminder of emotional vulnerability.
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
My soul is adorned with the beauty of the world, giving me strength to go on.
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
Memories of the past will always hold a special place in our hearts.
I can fly, my friends
With this newfound strength, I feel free to do anything I set my mind to.
I'll face it with a grin
Taking on life with a smile, determined to see it through.
I'm never givin' in
No matter the odds, there's always hope, and always a reason to keep trying.
Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I will succeed, no matter what it takes.
I have to find the will to carry on
Finding the strength and courage to go on amidst the difficulties and adversaries of life.
Show
The grandest performance of all is the performance of life.
(The show must go on, go on)
No matter what- the show must go on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Roger Taylor, John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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%
@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 ,