'39

Queen

About '39

"'39" is a song by British rock band Queen. Composed by lead guitarist Brian May, it is the fifth track on their fourth studio album A Night at the Opera. The song was also the B-side to "You're My Best Friend". The song tells the tale of a group of space explorers who embark on what is, from their perspective, a year-long voyage. Upon their return, however, they realise that a hundred years have passed, because of the time dilation effect in Einstein's special theory of relativity, and the loved ones they left behind are now all dead or aged.  


Year:
2011
3:31
62 
#5

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In the year of thirty-nine assembled here the volunteers
In the days when lands were few
Here the ship sailed out into the blue and sunny morn
The sweetest sight ever seen

And the night followed day
And the story tellers say
That the score brave souls inside
For many a lonely day sailed across the milky seas
Ne'er looked back, never feared, never cried

Don't you hear my call though you're many years away
Don't you hear me calling you
Write your letters in the sand
For the day I take your hand
In the land that our grandchildren knew

In the year of thirty-nine came a ship in from the blue
The volunteers came home that day
And they bring good news of a world so newly born
Though their hearts so heavily weigh
For the earth is old and grey, little darling went away
But my love this cannot be
For so many years have gone though I'm older but a year
Your mother's eyes, from your eyes, cry to me

Don't you hear my call though you're many years away
Don't you hear me calling you
Write your letters in the sand for the day I take your hand
In the land that our grandchildren knew

Don't you hear my call though you're many years away
Don't you hear me calling you
All your letters in the sand cannot heal me like your hand
For my life
Still ahead
Pity Me

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Queen

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of the late Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). Queen's earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works, incorporating more diverse and innovative styles in their music. After the late and great Freddie Mercury died, Queen continued to tour with multiple acts including Paul Rodgers, and currently, Adam Lambert. more »

75 fans

Written by: Brian May

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Origin
"'39" is a song performed by the legendary British rock band Queen, famed for their distinct style and iconic hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "We Will Rock You."
Album Appearance
The song appears on their 1975 studio album, "A Night at the Opera," which is generally considered one of Queen's best and most influential albums.
Lead Singer
Instead of Freddie Mercury, the band's guitarist Brian May sings the lead vocals on "'39". Brian May wrote the song and therefore took on the lead vocals, a rarity in Queen's catalog.
Songwriting
The track is a prime example of May's songwriting style, with its signature intricate harmonies and rich acoustic textures.
Song’s Concept
The song's lyrics are influenced by May's interest in science and astronomy. "'39" is a 'sci-fi folk-rock' song about space explorers who embark on what is, from their perspective, a year-long voyage. However, when they return home, they realize that a hundred years have passed due to the time dilation effect in Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Live Performance
Brian May frequently performed this song during Queen concerts, often dedicating it to "all you scientists out there."
Song’s Instrumentation
The song is an acoustic folk ballad, which stands in stark contrast to Queen's usual style of hard rock and grandiose operatic compositions. The instrumentation primarily consists of a twelve-string acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion.
Significant Features
The song features a double bass, played by Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor. This is one of the few Queen songs to feature this instrument.
B-Side Single
"39" was released as the B-side of "You're My Best Friend," another hit song by Queen.
Audience Reception
While not as well-known as some of Queen's other singles, "'39" has achieved cult status among the band's fans, who appreciate its unique musical and narrative qualities.

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