This year marks the 50th anniversary of Queen’s most famous song, Bohemian Rhapsody.
The most listened to track of the 20th century with 2.5 billion streams was penned by Freddie Mercury and defied its critics despite its almost 6 minute length and genre-traversing melody.
The hidden meaning behind the late Queen frontman’s lyrics have been the subject of debate for decades, but now leading language expert at Babbel has shared his fascinating insights into the confusing but compelling song.
Read on to discover Noël Wolf’s thoughts on the meaning of Scaramouche and Galileo, the existential themes based on Freddie’s personal journey and what the title Bohemian Rhapsody really means.
Unpacking the title of Bohemian Rhapsody
“The title Bohemian Rhapsody grabs you right from the start – it’s like a gateway to the song’s enigmatic world. Bohemian reflects an unconventional, free-spirited way of life, one that rejects societal norms. The term, rooted in 19th-century French literature, speaks to those who live outside traditional bounds, often driven by art, passion and freedom. It conveys the sense of embracing one’s individuality, even if it means standing apart from the crowd. The choice of this word indicates that the song itself will be a personal exploration, breaking from tradition and embracing the complexity of life. It’s a nod to the way Mercury lived his own life – unapologetically himself, regardless of what society expected.
“In contrast, Rhapsody comes from the Greek rhapsodia, meaning a recitation of poetry or a spontaneous, impassioned performance. The word evokes a sense of unrestrained emotion and improvisation, suggesting a journey through intense and chaotic feelings. The word rhapsody isn’t just a title – it’s a clever bit of wordplay, inviting us into Mercury’s emotional, ever-changing world. The song doesn’t follow a straight path, and neither do the emotions it unleashes. It captures the spontaneity of someone grappling with their own identity and the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.
“Mercury’s selection of this word speaks to the complexity of human experience. The Bohemian side represents freedom, rebellion and individuality, while the Rhapsody suggests a turbulent yet beautiful emotional exploration. It’s as if Freddie is opening up a personal dialogue with the listener, inviting us to navigate the chaos and contradictions of life alongside him. The title itself becomes a reflection of how we each struggle with, and ultimately embrace, our own identity – both messy and magnificent.”
Significance of the key words in the lyrics
“Whilst Freddie Mercury famously refused to explain the meaning behind the lyrics of Bohemian Rhapsody, we can discern a lot by focusing on the key words used. Freddie’s use of seemingly random, but culturally and historically rich references add depth to the song’s narrative.”
“Scaramouche, scaramouche, will you do the fandango?”
Scaramouche is a mischievous clown character from Italian commedia dell’arte, an early form of modern theatre. The character is usually depicted as cowardly, hence the next line: ‘Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me’. In the song, scaramouche may symbolise the narrator’s inner conflict: between surrendering to fate, or fighting for their own agency. The fandango is a passionate Spanish dance, conveying energy, excitement and rhythm. Its presence brings a frantic moment amidst the emotional intensity of this verse.”
“Galileo, Galileo Figaro magnifico”
“The Italian scientist who proved that the Earth orbits the Sun, Galileo represents a challenge to accept truths. In the song, he might symbolise the struggle to find one’s own truth, defying societal norms. Figaro is likely a reference to Mozart’s opera, The Marriage of Figaro. Freddie Mercury famously loved opera, hence the fervent operatic rhythm of this verse.”
“Bismillah, no, we will not let you go”
“Bismillah is an Arabic phrase meaning ‘in the name of God’. In Bohemian Rhapsody, it might be a call for mercy, possibly reflecting the narrator’s quest for redemption or forgiveness in the face of guilt.”
“Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me”
“Beelzebub is another word for the devil, and represents inner demons the narrator is grappling with. The narrator feels that what he has done is so horrific that there is a devil waiting in Hell for him. In an interview, Freddie Mercury (famously close-lipped about the meaning of his lyrics) doesn’t go into specifics, but says that he just likes the word beelzebub.”
Themes of conflict and existential questioning
“The lyrics reflect Freddie Mercury’s internal struggle and search for meaning, particularly in relation to his personal identity: In the line ‘Mama, I just killed a man,’ it’s widely interpreted as a metaphor for the death of Freddie’s former self, a significant moment marking his personal transformation. Some have suggested that this moment in the song represents Freddie’s way of coming out, as he confronts the point where he sheds his old identity. This internal shift, symbolised by ‘killing’ his former self, aligns with the themes of self-acceptance and the search for personal freedom.”
“Mama, ooh (Anyway the wind blows), I don’t wanna die, I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all.”
“The repetition of Mama throughout the song can be seen as a longing for a return to innocence, a desire to escape the complexities and struggles he was facing in his adult life. This vulnerability is further emphasised in the line “I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all,” a deeply melancholic expression of the inner conflict Freddie was enduring. The song’s conclusion, with the line ‘Nothing really matters’, echoes an existential reflection on life. It is as if Freddie is questioning his role in the world, the chaotic language throughout mirroring his struggles with his identity and place in society. This sense of nihilism contrasts sharply with the earlier lines of yearning and regret, suggesting that by the end of the song, Freddie has reached a point of resignation, or perhaps, acceptance.”