Analysis of Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody Bohemian Rhapsody was released October 31, 1975, and it was an instant hit; it stayed number one on the charts for nine weeks straight. Since then, people have tried countless times to interpret its meaning. Usually, the thought is that Bohemian Rhapsody is just about a man who committed murder and lived to regret it. “...when looking closer on its lyrics it is the most complex/multifaceted song ever written by Mercury, capable of thousands of different interpretations,” (Kokozej). As Daria Kokezej says, you must look deeper into the lyrics to find meaning. After all, the most light Freddie ever shed upon the song's meaning is that said it is “a personal song about relationships,” (Kokozej). Before you can understand the song, you must first understand where Freddie's life was headed at the time. In the early 1970's Freddie had a long term relationship with Mary Austin. In the mid 1970's however, it came to a close after he told her of his bisexuality (Oberon1966). Soon after, he wrote the legendary three part ballad, Bohemian Rhapsody. I submit that the song is a metaphor for his break up and his coming out of the closet. Mary was understanding when he told her about his orientation, and they remained great friends throughout the rest of his life. Once he even said “The only friend I've got is Mary and I don't want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that's enough for me." This points to the relationship closing on good terms, however consider the first stanza: Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, No escape from reality.

To me, the first four lines give away regret in his decision to tell Mary that he is bisexual. Here Freddie seems to be wrestling with what he thinks he may be giving up by leaving Mary Austin behind. In the end it looks to only be momentary regret: in the next four lines he seems to realize (most likely because of

Bibliography: "bohemian" Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2012. "Rhapsody" Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2012. "Scaramouche" Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2012. "Fandago" Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2012. "Bismillah" Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2012. Kokozej, Daria. “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Mercury-and-Queen.com, 2006. Web. 26 October 2012. Peterson, Joseph H. "AVESTA: Vendidad: FARGARD 8. Funerals and purification, unlawful sex" avesta.org. Avesta – Zoroastrian Archives, 1995. Web. 26 Oct 2012.