The Show Must Go On" is a song by English rock band Queen, featured as the twelfth and final track on their 1991 album, Innuendo. The song was written primarily by guitarist Brian May, with input from the other band members. Like the previous album The Miracle, all songs on Innuendo were credited to the band as a whole.
The song appears to chronicle the effort of Freddie Mercury continuing to perform despite approaching the end of his life. The title is derived from the phrase "the show must go on", and may be in reaction to the numerous press speculations about lead singer Mercury's critically declining health since the late 1980s. Much of the lyrics and imagery of the song can also be construed to be a reflection on life and imminent death. It is regarded as one of Queen's most emotive, powerful songs by many fans.
It was released as a single in the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991 in promotion for the Greatest Hits II album, just six weeks before Mercury died. Following Mercury's death in November 1991, the song re-entered the British charts and spent longer in the top 75 than it did on its original release, eventually reaching a peak of 16. A live version with Elton John on vocals appeared on Queen's Greatest Hits III album.
The song was chosen as the favourite funeral song in a survey conducted in Europe.
LYRICS
Empty spaces, what are we waiting 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'm learning)
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning (turning, turning) round 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, yeah
Oooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking, but my smile... still stays on
Yeah oh, oh, oh
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly, my friends
The show must go on, yeah yeah
The show must go on, go on, go on
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in, on with the show
I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the, on wïth the show
The show must go on, go on, go on...