Keep Yourself Alive

Queen

About Keep Yourself Alive

"Keep Yourself Alive" is a song by the British rock band Queen. Written by guitarist Brian May, it is the opening track on the band's eponymous debut album (1973). It was released as Queen's first single along with "Son and Daughter" as the B-side. "Keep Yourself Alive" was largely ignored upon its release and failed to chart on either side of the Atlantic. It was also re-released as the non-album B-side of "Lily of the Valley" in 1974. In 2008, Rolling Stone Magazine rated the song 31st on its list of "The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time".  


Year:
1973
3:48
#3

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Take off
I was told a million times
Of all the troubles in my way
Tried to grow a little wiser
Little better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers
And I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started
Bread and butter for a smile
Well I sold a million mirrors
In a shopping alley way
But I never saw my face
In any window any day
Now they say your folks are telling you
Be a super star
But I tell you just be satisfied
Stay right where you are

Keep yourself alive yeah 
Keep yourself alive
Ooh, it'll take you all your time and money
Honey you'll survive

Ow

Well I've loved a million women
In a belladonic haze
And I ate a million dinners
Brought to me on silver trays
Give me everything I need
To feed my body and my soul
And I'll grow a little bigger
Maybe that can be my goal
I was told a million times
Of all the people in my way
How I had to keep on trying
And get better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers
And I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started
Same as when I started

Keep yourself alive, come on
Keep yourself alive
Ooh, it'll take you all your time and money honey
You'll survive - shake

Ow
Keep yourself alive, wow
Keep yourself alive
Oh, it'll take you all your time and money
To keep me satisfied

Do you think you're better every day ?
No, I just think I'm two steps nearer to my grave

Keep yourself alive, c'mon
Keep yourself alive
Mm, you take your time and take more money
Keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive
C'mon keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive
C'mon c'mon keep yourself alive
It'll take you all your time and a money
To keep me satisfied
Keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Take you all your time and money honey
You will survive

Keep you satisfied
Keep you satisfied

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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 Harold May

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Reception
"Keep Yourself Alive" was the first single released by Queen in 1973. However, it didn't appear on the charts until it was re-released a decade later.
Album Debut
The song was featured as the opening track on their debut self-titled album, "Queen".
Inception
Brian May, Queen's lead guitarist, wrote "Keep Yourself Alive" primarily while he was a student at Imperial College in London.
May's Solo
This piece showcases one of Brian May's earliest guitar solos on record, a unique amalgamation of multi-track guitar harmonies known as his "trademark sound".
Music Video
"Keep Yourself Alive" has an accompanying promotional music video that was shot in 1973. The video was one of the earliest promo videos Queen released.
Live Performances
The song was one of Queen's regular live performances during the 1970s. It was also included in their live album "Live at the Rainbow '74".
Significance
Although the song saw limited commercial success, it has been critically regarded as emblematic of Queen's musical style, featuring layered harmonies, hard rock interspersed with softer sections, and virtuosic musicianship.
Rolling Stone
In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Keep Yourself Alive" as 31st on their list of the 100 greatest guitar songs of all time.
Song Length
The song's runtime is 3 minutes and 46 seconds on the single version and 4 minutes and 5 seconds on the album version.
John Peel Session
A version of the track was performed as part of Queen's John Peel Session in 1973.

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