Decoding "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Decoding Bohemian Rhapsody
Decoding Bohemian Rhapsody
Source: Medium


“Bohemian Rhapsody” made it to the theaters in 2018 which took over the world as a biopic about Freddie Mercury. The lead vocalist of the British Rock Band Queen, Freddie Mercury is largely regarded as the greatest singer in the history of rock music. But more than that, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the song that shook the world. And changed forever the face of rock music. Even after 45 years since its first release, Bohemian Rhapsody stands out to be one of the greatest rock songs. However, the task of decoding “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a classified task as its meaning is a closely guarded secret.

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No doubt, Bohemian Rhapsody is the most iconic song in the history of rock music. More than just a song, it sounds to be a timeless piece of art with opera-like effect. This is the song where music comes alive: Capella. Ballad. Hard Rock. Opera. Perfectly knitted together into one whole six-minute song that shook the music world.

 

Nevertheless, Bohemian Rhapsody is also the least understood song, mainly due to the complex persona of Freddie Mercury. Almost half a century since it was released, but the actual meaning of the song continues to evade from our understanding. In fact, Freddie wanted it to be this way. He described it rather simply as a song being just about relationships. But it’s not that simple.


 Interpreting Bohemian Rhapsody

Going through the lyrics of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, it seems like Freddie is confessing something through the song. As one of the greatest performances of his life, he is telling his own story. How different his life could have been and how happy he could be if he has just been himself!?

 

Reading between the line, it appears that he’s confessing his sexuality as being gay. He killed who wanted to be and instead he is trying to live a new life. And he is lamenting for the people he has hurt in his life, forever being haunted with the regret of what he had done.


“Bohemian Rhapsody” is undoubtedly the masterpiece in the music industry and it is the legacy which The Queen and particularly Freddie Mercury has left behind. Once you hear this song, you can’t just stop listening to it. Bohemian Rhapsody might be just a rare case in music history which made Queen and Freddie Mercury a Legend.

 

©Linkingthe Myths 2021: Decoding Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie Mercury. British Rock BandQueen.

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