Innuendo

Queen

About Innuendo

"Innuendo" is a song by the British rock band Queen. Written by Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor but credited to Queen, it is the opening track on the album of the same name, and was released as the first single from the album. The single went straight to number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1991 and additionally reached the top 10 in nine other countries. At six and a half minutes, it is one of Queen's epic songs and their longest ever released as a single, exceeding "Bohemian Rhapsody" by 35 seconds. The song has been described as "reminiscent" of "Bohemian Rhapsody" because it was "harking back to their progressive rock roots". It features a flamenco guitar section performed by Yes guitarist Steve Howe and Brian May, an operatic interlude and sections of hard rock that recall early Queen, in addition to lyrics inspired in part by Mercury's illness; although media stories about his health were being denied strenuously, he was by now seriously ill with AIDS, which would claim his life in November 1991, 10 months after the song was released. 


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One two three four

Ooh ooh

While the sun hangs in the sky and the desert has sand
While the waves crash in the sea and meet the land
While there's a wind and the stars and the rainbow
Till the mountains crumble into the plain

Oh yes, we'll keep on trying
Tread that fine line
Oh, we'll keep on trying
Yeah
Just passing our time

Oh oh

While we live according to race, colour or creed
While we rule by blind madness and pure greed
Our lives dictated by tradition, superstition, false religion
Through the eons and on and on

Oh, yes, we'll keep on trying, yeah
We'll tread that fine line
Oh oh we'll keep on trying
Till the end of time
Till the end of time

Through the sorrow all through our splendor
Don't take offence at my innuendo

Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh
Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh

You can be anything you want to be
Just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be
Be free with your tempo, be free, be free
Surrender your ego be free, be free to yourself

Oh oh, yeah

If there's a God or any kind of justice under the sky
If there's a point, if there's a reason to live or die
Ha, if there's an answer to the questions we feel bound to ask
Show yourself destroy our fears release your mask
Oh yes, we'll keep on trying
Hey, tread that fine line
(Yeah) yeah
We'll keep on smiling, yeah
(Yeah) (yeah) (yeah)
And whatever will be will be
We'll just keep on trying
We'll just keep on trying
Till the end of time
Till the end of time
Till the end of time

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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 »

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Written by: BRIAN MAY, FREDDIE MERCURY, JOHN DEACON, ROGER TAYLOR

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


23 facts about this song

Recording and Release
"Innuendo" was recorded in 1990 and was released as the lead single from the band's fourteenth studio album of the same name in 1991.
Genre & Style
Being one of the longest tracks by Queen, "Innuendo" is considered a progressive rock song that incorporates elements of flamenco and heavy metal.
Influence
The song was reportedly heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."
Involvement of Guest Musicians
The track features a flamenco guitar section by Yes guitarist Steve Howe. He happened to be recording in a nearby studio when the band invited him to participate.
Freddie Mercury's Health
At the time of recording, lead singer Freddie Mercury was struggling with AIDS, although it was not yet public knowledge. His disease did not deter him from delivering a powerful vocal performance on this track.
Chart Performance
Despite its length and less radio-friendly format, "Innuendo" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, staying there for one week.
Music Video
The music video for "Innuendo" used state-of-the-art animation techniques of the time and was inspired by French painter J.J. Grandville's artwork.
Lyrics
The song deals with themes of perseverance in the face of adversity, and many fans see it as a poignant reflection of Mercury's illness.
Recognition
In March 2005, Q magazine placed 'Innuendo' at number 20 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks.
Album Reception
The album "Innuendo" was the band's last with Freddie Mercury, released ten months before his death. It peaked at No. 1 in the UK Album Charts and is certified Gold in the US.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, including the Polish heavy metal band Agressiva 69 and Italian progressive rock group La Storia.
Release Date
"Innuendo" was released as a single by the British rock band Queen in January 1991.
Album Information
This song is the title track of Queen's fourteenth studio album, also named "Innuendo."
Songwriting Credits
Like most of Queen's songs, all members of the band, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, are credited as writers.
Length of the Song
With a duration of around 6 minutes and 30 seconds, "Innuendo" is one of Queen's longest songs.
Music Video
The music video for the song, released in 1991, incorporates stop-motion animation and CGI. It won the "Best Video" award at the 1991 Brit Awards.
Chart Success
"Innuendo" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and remained there for one week.
Special Guest Musician
This song features a flamenco guitar solo by Yes guitarist Steve Howe.
Freddie Mercury's Health
At the time of recording "Innuendo," the band's vocalist Freddie Mercury was seriously ill with AIDS, although it was not public knowledge yet. It was one of the last songs he recorded before his death in November 1991.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics address themes of life, death, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Instrument Arrangements
Besides the use of rock band instruments, the song also includes operatic interludes and a flamenco guitar section, showing Queen's wide range in music.
Cover Art
The cover art for the single is a close-up of the band members' faces taken from the video.
Remix Version
A "freddie’s demo vocal" version of the song is included on the 2011 bonus EP of the "Innuendo" album.

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