Queen’s 'Bicycle Race': A Forgotten Classic from the 80s

Queen, the legendary British rock band, was known for creating timeless classics. However, one of their lesser-known tracks, Bicycle Race, from the 1980s, stands out as a piece that today, much to my surprise, is quite literally all but forgotten.

Origins and the Song's Lyrics

Queen’s 'Bicycle Race' was written during a period of significant social, political, and cultural change. The lyrics are rich with contemporary references, reflecting the cultural milieu of the 1980s. The track contains nods to everything from religious symbolism to pop culture phenomena, weaving in mentions of:

Religion: A line that subtly references religious imagery or texts. The Vietnam War: Direct mentions or allusions to the conflict. Watergate Scandal: References to the political scandal affecting the United States. Cocaine: Implications of the emerging drug culture. Fictional Characters: Peter Pan, Frankenstein, and Superman. Actors: John Wayne, a famous Hollywood star. Pop Culture: References to the films Jaws and Star Wars.

Brian May, the band's guitarist, has noted that the song was not an autobiographical portrait of Freddie Mercury, and that Mercury himself did not particularly enjoy the idea of bicycling. Brian himself is known for being a starry-eyed Star Wars fan, which makes his acknowledgment of this intriguing detail all the more interesting.

Composition and the Band's Inspiration

Brian May, a staunch fan of Star Wars, has mentioned that while Freddie Mercury initially had a "stern expression" regarding the song, this eventually wore off. The band's approach to songwriting was often collaborative, with each member bringing their unique perspective to the table. Mercury's interest in bicycling for the song was suggested by May, and Mercury complied, albeit with some hesitation.

The composition of 'Bicycle Race' reflects the band's ability to seamlessly blend various themes and references into a cohesive musical piece. The song's structure and melody are particularly noteworthy, making it a standout among their vast catalogue of hits.

Commercial and Cultural Impact

At the time of its release, 'Bicycle Race' had a strong commercial impact, featuring on the hit single list and contributing to the band's popularity during the 1980s. Unfortunately, over time, and perhaps due to the dense and sometimes enigmatic nature of the lyrics, the song has fallen out of mainstream consciousness. This often happens with music from a bygone era, where songs that were once popular may fade into relative obscurity.

The cultural references in 'Bicycle Race', though dated, resonate with the particular zeitgeist of the 1980s and make the song a fascinating piece of historical pop culture. It's a testament to the band's ability to blend topics from disparate genres and periods into a single song, showcasing their versatility and creativity.

Conclusion and a Call to Rediscover

In today's world, where vintage music is increasingly becoming a niche market, 'Bicycle Race' by Queen stands as a forgotten classic from the 1980s. It deserves a second look, and perhaps a revival of its status among the band's fanbase and music enthusiasts in general. Listening to this song can serve as a journey through time, revisiting the cultural and social landscape of a bygone era.

So, the next time you find yourself humming a tune by Queen, don't dismiss 'Bicycle Race'. Give it a listen, and maybe you'll find that it still holds a profound resonance with the cultural references and social commentary of the 1980s.