The Show Must Go On
Written by Queen (Freddie Mercury / Brian May / Roger Taylor / John Richard Deacon).
Released on the 1996 album The Show Must Go On.
Previously sung by Queen. Taken from their "Innuendo" album, released in October
1991 as a forerunner to "Greatest Hits II". Produced by Queen and David
Richards, it signalled the band's fortieth British single release. Combining
everything inherently Queen. A version was also recorded with Elton John on the
lead vocals, at the Theatre National de Chaillot, in Paris in January 1997. The
event was the Gala opening night of "Le Presbytère n'a rien perdu de son charme
ni le jardin de son éclat" a moving work by french ballet legend Maurice Béjart.
The work drew upon AIDS and the early deaths of Freddie Mercury and the
company's principal dancer Jorge Donn, as its major source of inspiration. The
subsequent film of the ballet "Ballet for Life" by David Mallet won a Montreux
Golden Rose in 1998. The Show Must Go On has become a fitting tribute to Freddie
Mercury.
Lyrics
Empty spaces, what are we living for
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
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 must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning, around 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
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
Hold the line
Does anybody want to take it anymore?
The show must go on
The show must go on
I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
With the show
The show must go on
(Transcribed by Roman)