Queen never quite followed the expected trajectory of the typical rock band, which is why their career boasts so many unique moments. Case in point: their decision to follow up one of their greatest triumphs with music for a sci-fi cult film, which led to their stirring ballad “Who Wants to Live Forever” in 1986.
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What is the song about? What movie used the song prominently? And how did guitarist Brian May write it? Here is the story of the soaring slow song “Who Wants to Live Forever.”
Magic Time
The early ’80s weren’t a boom time for Queen. Their status as pomp-rock torchbearers took a hit as styles changed and MTV entered the picture, ushering in a whole new wave of pop stars. One of their few big hits from that time, “Radio Ga Ga,” took a caustic look at the prevalence of videos, suggesting the band understood their predicament.
But in one glorious performance, they restored their lost luster and heft in the industry. Of course, we’re referencing the Live Aid show in 1985, when the band’s four-song set meant all the other huge artists present were playing for second that day. Queen was back. What would they do next?
The answer was unexpected. Queen decided their next studio album, A Kind of Magic, would act as a kind of unofficial soundtrack for the film Highlander. The sci-fi/fantasy flick, starring Christopher Lambert and, in a supporting role, Sean Connery, told the story of immortals who walk the Earth conducting sword fights for supremacy. Six Queen songs were featured in it, including a soft one that found the band at its most sensitive and soul-searching.
“Forever” Music
Queen was shown the film to give them an idea of its plot and themes. One plot point in Highlander deals with Lambert’s immortal character suffering extreme heartbreak when the love of his life ages and dies, while he’s fated to live forever without her. That particular idea struck a chord with Queen’s guitarist Brian May.
May wrote “Who Wants to Live Forever” in response to this idea. May actually sings some of the song in the version of the song found on A Kind of Magic. In the film, Freddie Mercury carries the whole vocal load, and does so in spectacular fashion. A swelling score created by Michael Kamen adds pathos to the sorrowful melody.
The initial response for A Kind of Magic wasn’t helped by the fact Highlander was a bit of a flop upon its initial release. But then a funny thing happened. In the years when VCRs were first becoming common household fixtures, a fresh audience found the film on video and made it an extremely popular rental. And those Queen songs, particularly “Who Wants to Live Forever.” enjoyed quite the shelf life because of this development.
What is the Meaning of “Who Wants to Live Forever”?
May does an amazing job with the lyrics of “Who Wants to Live Forever,” taking the concept of the film and using it to stress the importance of living for today. Eternal life might seem like a kick, but not if the important stuff doesn’t last: Who dares to live forever / When love must die?
Anyone who’s ever been in love is nagged that time flies by and fate can take everything away at any time: What is this thing that builds our dreams / Yet slips away from us? The best you can do is identify the fleeting nature of everything: This world has only one sweet moment set aside for us.
Once you’ve done that, you can emphasize and maximize what time you have: Who wants to live forever? / Forever is our today. “Who Wants to Live Forever” is one of Queen’s songs that shows that wonderful musical moments are as eternal as those fictional swordfighters.
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