Bohemian Rhapsody

About this song

"Bohemian Rhapsody" was the first single from Queen's fourth studio album, A Night at the Opera. It became an international success, reaching number one in seven countries and peaking at number nine in the United States. After Freddie Mercury's death in November 1991, it was re-released as a double A-side with "These Are the Days of Our Lives" and returned to number one in the UK, and in 2018 the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic helped make it the most streamed song of the 20th century.

What it's about

The surviving band members have said the narrative is based on the Faust legend, while critics have pointed to possible sources in opera and Freddie Mercury's personal biography. The song is open to interpretation.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 53 other songs, like “γɈiƆ qɒЯ nɒimɒʜɒઘ by Joe Hawley (Ft. Ish Ledesma, Sam Falik & Stacey Osei-Kuffour)”.
• Covered 85 times, including “Bohemian Rhapsody by TheRealSullyG”.
• Written by Freddie Mercury.
• Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen.
• Recorded at Rockfield Studios and Roundhouse Recording Studios.