To understand the context of this song from the actiom movie "Highlander", it's about an immortal man named Connor McCloud, who watches his wife grow old and die while he stays young. The pain of that loss shows that this supposed gift is really a curse, because it forces him to never get into relationships again.
@@SCHHHa It still is! It's definitely a product of its time, the crazy 80's where anything seemed possible. It is cheesy, the effects are at times cheesy even for that time. But the story is great, the settings are great and the cinematography is more than great. The transitions between different time eras still marvel me, it's beautifully done. And the actors are all on point! They are fully embracing the cheesiness. Christopher Lambert, a Frenchman plays a Scottish highlander and Sean Connery, a born Scotsman plays a Spaniard. Hearing them in the movie it makes no sense, but at the same time it does make sense 🤣. The relationship between Connery and Lamber's characters is great. The loneliness of Lambert's character is very palpable. His doomed relationship with Heather is heartbreaking. The secret revealed at the end fight makes it even worse. And that end fight.....the Kurgan!!! What a brilliant, fun, over the top and glorious portrayal by Clancey Brown....'I have something to say: it's better to burn out than to fade away!'. One of film's best villains ever! And his final goodbye to Rachel hurts again...a different kind of love but very sad too. And Queen's music elevates the timelessness of the movie even more and especially 'Who wants to live forever' has its place, one of THE examples where movie and film compliment each other perfectly! But on its own it's a heartbreaking song already. Queen had a knack for being featured in cheesy movies, as they did it before in another glorious 80's movie FLASH GORDON! And I love that movie too, saw it in the cinema when I was 11, having lived to that moment for months! Played the Queen song, read the black and white movie comic book again and again, with great artwork by Al Williamson....it was an insert in a weekly comic book magazine I was subscribed to. I still have it, together with the poster that was featured in the magazine.
Saw it as a kid , Heather death hit me hard. Specially when she ask him to light a candle each years for her birthday to remember her (and he did). He never stop loving Heather. Being mortal and meeting Brenda allowed him to do what humans do : to move forward and appreciated the time he has left with her. Now i'm 44 and i can't hear this music without my eyes getting watery. Nothing last forever.
He really does but he is also a very sensitive soul and just a kind of genius too (his IQ = 180 😮) Queen are really 4 incredibly talented musicians and deep souls brought together by coincidence (I strongly believe that it was really an act of the Universe).
It's amazing that Amy can describe the scenes visually so accurately just from the music. This is my favourite Queen song. I found Queen through Highlander and this was the high point to the film. Moves me to tears even in this setting.
Brian got inspiration for the song when Queen were invited to see 20 minutes clip from the movie and agreed to do music. Manager drove him home and Brian hummed a melody to his tape recorder like he did many times. He said that he was very touched by the scene where Heather, a woman that Connor loved, was dying in his arms (she was old and he was immortal) and the melody just appeared in his mind. Brian is very sensitive and he just hears music in his head (or in his dreams or waking up) and he composed mostly on the keyboards first not on his Red Special because he said his fingers fell different on the keyboard than on a 🎸.
Oh man, we better not forget to mention the quality of this video too. The way she described the music words by words.. I just love it. Yeah and you better hit those buttons now if you felt the same. This kind of arrangement between a good music and a good musician is just ridiculously INCREDIBLE! Well what the f*** did I'm saying, have a lovely time, folks!
Once one hears Queen it’s hard to limit yourself to just 50 isn’t it? They all wrote such beautiful songs! Freddie Mercury’s voice was so unique it’s addictive too! This song is amazing to hear and watch live as you can see how talented they are and how much energy Mercury is putting into his voice and pouring out! A sensitive song by Brian and the video includes a full orchestra and choir! ❤
The thing with Queen is the popular songs, great as they are are not necessarily the best songs. The Deep Cuts albums feels like Queen self acknowledged this.
I love this orchestral version but I also love it when Freddie sings it live. He sings with such passion which I find incredibly moving. You were not too far away with the sweeping vistas. This part of the film was set in the highlands of Scotland.
I think she said previously that she had enquired about meet up with Bri but no joy! Fingers crossed they can get together as I think he’ll love talking to her 🤞🏻
Queen has been my favorite band since I was a kid, but thank you for this video. I'm now seeing all kinds of things in this song I never noticed before, and that brings me so much joy. I love Queen and my respect for them and their musical abilities only grows over time.
It’s beautiful to see such passionate appreciation for my favorite Queen song. This is a song that makes me cry every single time I hear it, yet I’ve never known anyone else to feel much emotion from it. I’ve always thought that understanding it on an emotional level required one to have seen it in its proper context in the movie Highlander. But I guess not.
This song is an Absolute Masterpiece. And making justice to it, it appears in one of the most sentimental, sad, emotional, lovely, unforgettable, scene in cinema's history: " -Connor, I never really known... why you stayed". "-Because I love you as much now as the first day we met". No words.
I absolutely love this one, Freddie's powerful voice, Brian's soft voice and the orchestra. Beautiful! I don't know why but this song always makes me tear up😊 I was waiting for you to react to this one. Great reaction
I also think that Queen are the one band (so far) that managed to integrate successfully between classical and popular music. In fact it’s so seamless and convincing, very few really noticed what they achieved. They certainly never got fully credited with this.
You heard of the Beatles and ELO right?? lol 20 and 15 years before this song lol Beatles has #/ hits with rock and strings in 65 . Moody blues was all rock and orchestra songs like ELO in 1967 ELO stands for electric light Orchestra even lol
@@michaelforsythe8682 @michaelforsythe8682 I wasn't saying it hasn't been done successfully; I said "seamless and convincing," meaning truly integrating classical and popular music in a meaningful way. Take ELO, for instance. While their music is great, it essentially remains rock with a rock sensibility, albeit with classical instruments skillfully incorporated. Jeff Lynne, (and Roy Wood who deserves a mention) in my view, were primarily rock artists who cleverly blended classical instruments into rock music, its really repetitive rock "riffs" played on cellos and violins. He did it well, but most attempts to fuse these genres are far less graceful. On the other hand, Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Who Wants to Live Forever' show a much deeper understanding of classical music. The complexity of the harmonies and sophisticated use of modulation in these songs seem to show a better grasp of classical principles. The Beatles, of course, opened up an entirely new realm of music that most artists have yet to approach.
If anyone other than Amy claimed they had never seen the scene this piece was inspired by, and then so precisely described the scenery, the emotions evoked and the meditations on mortality that result from that scene, I'd be skeptical. I think we can all agree her mastery of the deeper meaning of music the subconscious language it represents is on full display here. Excellent job! The music plays a crucial role in the scene and the scene influences the entire movie. MacLeod chooses to hold on to humanity by remaining with Heather until the end, and his humanity in turn makes him see the prize as something that can benefit all of mankind. It's his faithfulness to his promise that leads to the confrontation with the Kurgan in the cathedral, and the conversation about Heather that shows us MacLeod has become the equal to the Kurgan.
This is one piece that I really wish Vlad would have had Amy watch a live performance. Without the orchestra the song takes on a different feel. Of course it’s Queen and especially Freddie, it’s just as passionate. I really like the Budapest version. Maybe because it’s 1986 and Freddie might be starting to feel the effects of his illness and the song might have a personal meaning to him. He sings it with so much passion. Oh, and although I really like Friends will be Friends I was hoping John’s bluesy One Year of Love would be included. It’s almost a counterpoint to Who Wants to Live Forever.
Beautiful! As I've said million times, it is a pure joy watching you enjoying a song. I can tell you loved this one and I was waiting for you to say that it instantly goes to the top of your favourite songs you've listened on this Virgin Rock journey, I was almost sure you'd say that, but now I don't know. I gaven't watched all your Queen reactions, but still I'm sure this one goes to the top. It is very obvious when you get enthusiastic and excited. 😊 Anyway, my point is - I loved it. 🖤 Kisses and hugs for all three of you! 🖤
Their music is from the heart and soul they have inspired so many generations and this song proves it how beautiful and how touchy this song is queen will live forever.
Probably my favorite Queen song, hits me in the feels every time. Also makes me want to go see the movie again...also one of my favorite movies of all time, perfect blend of science fiction and drama.
Sadly this was the shortenend single version. The album version has a longer orchestral postlude that has a slightly more painful undertone that is missing in the single version.
Strangely, Amy listened to the album versions when it came to 'I Want To Break Free' or 'Hammer To Fall', which are inferior compared to the single versions. I expected that she would stay with the album for this one as well. Strange version selection.
I have really enjoyed this Queen series. I would suggest doing live performances next. I went to several Queen concerts in the 70s, and they were truly great. I went to a lot of concerts back then, and Queen was the very best. They even sounded better live, because you saw the and felt their passion.
It blows me away how many times Amy has given a visual depiction of a song without realising that she is describing the music video, or (as in this case) a scene from the movie it is from. As someone who almost always sees the video before just listening to the song, the mental images I get are mostly memories of that first viewing. It's truly eye opening how visually expressive music can be all by itself.
This is a goosebumps song for me, every single time I hear it. It is perfect. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful. One of the best guitar solos ever, every note is there for a reason and are so well placed and played with different dynamics. Also it got a new meaning for what happened to Freddie in the tragic last years of his life. Also I love the Bohemian Raphsody movie and how the use this song in it is just chilling and great, especially how they use the unexpected major chord in the outro.
The film score composer Michael Kamen has worked with some of the biggest artists in music history. He is seen conducting the orchestra in the Guns N Roses video November Rain. You need to watch the film Highlander to get the real understanding of this song by Queen.
Hoping "The Show Must Go On" is on the Queen 50. Also, speaking of songs to play at a funeral, Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding" fits.
Incredible song! But one word......HIGHLANDER!!!! A must see movie that will put this song in perspective.....Aye Blossom! No matter how many times I've seen that movie....and it is MANY times.....that scene breaks me. And the Kurgan played by Clancey Brown is one of THE best (and hilarious) villains ever! Got my son, born 1998, very much into this movie too....and blew his brain telling him Kurgan/Clancey is the voice of Mr. Krabbs from Spongebob. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!
Even though I know this song was made for the film Highlander about a character that is doomed to live forever and watch his partners get old and die, I still feel it gets another meaning knowing how Freddy's life ended. 😥
Brian didn't often write on guitar, especially ballads: he'd try out ideas first (melodies, lyrics and mantras), then go to the piano and only incorporate the guitar once he had the basic framework.
The older I get, the more I believe that Brian has been touched by the divine. Which might be an odd thing to say because I don't know what his views are on the possibility of something other than the material. He taps into the essence of our humanity better than virtually any other popular music writer I can think of. When I was younger I certainly didn't appreciate this about his writing; he wrote good songs but I left it there. Only now am I starting to appreciate the talent, bravery and insight of his writing. Who Wants To Live Forever is yet another wonderful example of his work.
How powerful when Freddy's voice came in. Brian did a fine job to capture the sadness and desparity in this song. Yeah you are totally right the orchetrial choice was superb.
Excellent commentary as always, Amy. I would recommend you also listen to the longer version (5'16"), because in the final instrumental coda you will find a harmonic progression unfortunately omitted from the common version, which you will surely appreciate. It is a simple sequence of descending chords for minor thirds supported by strings, organ and french horn that begins at 3'50 with an E minor (which you have heard), but continues with C minor, A minor, F minor, D minor, B minor, G minor, and then returns to E minor. This is a solution as simple as it is ingenious, creating an exceptional gloomy and sepulchral atmosphere, where you can experience a descent into the underworld, into the realm of the dead...
I really enjoy these reaction / reviews, as someone without any musical ability myself but a deep appreciation for music in my life it's really interesting and refreshing to see someone erudite and acomplished in classical music give her opinions on some of the music I have been enjoying for so long.
You need to do another QUEEN series and do the deep cuts - especially the old stuff. You can even keep the same theme. Listening to QUEEN albums is like listening to the radio - their variety is endless.
Er, just a gentle reminder ... ...this is 'Virgin Rock'.... ....NOT 'Virgin Queen'.....!!! (...or..Elizabeth the first, if you're into English history....!!)
@@andymccabe6712 don't be ridiculous 😅. It is obvious that her reactions won't end when she finishes Queen's 50 series. Queen had 300+ songs in their catalogue (or even more if you add also Freddie's, Brian's and Roger's solo work) so it is unlikely she will stop at 50. If you don't want to listen, that is really up to you. Queen fans are enjoying every second because she feels the music.
Absolutely! If only because ‘The Prophet’s Song’ was inexplicably skipped, even though most of ‘A Night at the Opera’ was covered. I honestly still cannot understand why.
It is different for me. No auto tune and just one of the greatest voices. As a kid in the 80s i was called alot of names. Tool and Queen. Chef kiss darling
It has to be a 60 Queen series! So many great songs and piano songs are missed...My Fairy King, White Queen, The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke, Nevermore, The March Of The Black Queen, In The Lap Of The Gods ( both versions), '39, Teo Torriate...
I agree with every song you mentioned. I was gutted when those were were missed on the first pass. Hopefully now she has a taste for Queen she will get to them in the future.
@@andrewsheppard1940 Hope so...and some live videos as with Somebody To Love and some video clips for Miracle and Innuendo albums would be great! Also some of Brians, Freddies and Rogers solo albums songs...alot to react only within Queen)))
Great reaction! Such a beautiful song, and in the context of the movie, it will make you cry! Brian really found the emotion necessary for this piece - and yes, the addition of the orchestra is perfection for conveying that emotion! Michael Kamen (RIP) was on the same page as Brian here. 'Goodnight my bonny Heather'...that line says it all.
I was waiting for the day you got to this one. It’s so much more than a rock song. Thank you for sharing your first listen with us. I always love seeing people discover this band.
Thank you so much Amy! 🙌 I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction and analysis of this most epic and memorable musical masterpiece! I very much appreciate your insight, your expertise, and your keen ability to articulate the many fine and compelling musical details.
I once heard that Brian wrote this as a duet, and knowing the context, I now always imagine he is singing Heather's part of the song - just adds a little something extra - as if this song needed any more! I love this song.
✨️ If you want to see an amazingly good concert with Queen, I recommend you to see Live in Budapest 1986, full concert. At this concert they perform with Who wants to live forever.✨️
In the music video we don't hear the end as on this version, nor when played live, quite a few associated this with Freddie and his life, but again this had nothing too do with this. The music video many actually miss John, he's there playing a double bass, Sir Brian opens playing the keys as he does live, and Roger on drums, Freddie is the only one not playing anything. Sir Brian is actually sat in the orchestra while playing this part and playing his Red Special but in a very different way, and Roger has two drums
@@judimoore1678 John always appears to be forgotten, but he was a huge part of the group with his degree in electronics from university and built the Amps which Sir Brian still uses today, so a lot of the sounds came from his expertise, along with the guitar Sir Brian built with his dad around 60 years ago from items around the family home, and of course John wrote Another One Bites The Dust number one selling single which almost never made the album let alone single
This is much better - restraint and power, light and shade. A gorgeous arrangement. To me it has an element of Dire Straits in the little guitar touches, although with Brian's unmistakable tone. The shared vocals are beautifully judged too.
Under what stone did you live before? You don't look that young that this masterpiece could have missed you... Glad you finally found it and start understanding it as millions of us have before... - good luck and all the best for the rest of your long jouney... :-) I was where you are 30+ years back but I'm still coming back to it, like visiting an old good friend. All I can wish you is that you come to this same understanding of what music can achieve.... - and never forget.
Classic Queen music (their best!) was very neglected ( '70s decade). At least their first 3 albums were. Lots of good songs were put by side. Never will appear again a Rock band like them. They were unique, in this kind of music.
When I first heard it it took me a while for me to recognise that it wasn't Freddie singing. That's how well Brian took on the job. I think it's a love song
I’m so glad you chose the album version of this song because it has this beautiful, beautiful ending, instead of the single version which fades out on the chorus. Thank you for this wonderful reaction. You did the song the justice it deserves. ❤❤❤ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A magnificent piece of music deserves a magnificent review and you came through like always. I had forgotten how good this is. Thanks for being awesome and bringing enlightenment. There's something hiding, waiting in the 150 series that I am anticipating so much the only way I can describe it is it didn't just change music forever it changed the fabric of reality during a decade when it should not have been possible. Maybe they had a time machine.
I often wish that you would see the videos for the songs. I know that this is more about the music than the video, but it would still be nice. I remember that you used to do the Rammstein song "Ohne Dich" with the official video and you liked it because the song and video form a unit. Edit: Btw, there are still dozens of great Queen songs you skipped in your Queen 50 serie. So there is no shortage of them, easily you could go on a 100
Good to see somebody finallly reacting to the full version, most people react to the video edit that cuts off the outro which is a gem of rare beauty, and no many people know we need to thank Micheal Kamen for it.
I love watching your knowledgeable reactions to Queen! I've gotten invested! I'm sure your playlist is full, but I can't help suggesting some live tracks and just some ones I love; plus Freddie Live is beyond. > In the lap of the god's revisited >white queen, as it began > mother love > The video for these are the days of our lives > You take my breath away live > '39, Liar, Innuendo, Show must go on. There are just so many gems and it's hard to fully understand Queen if you don't see some live footage. There's always the 81' monteral somebody to love, but that's one already established as the best, but it wouldn't hurt to confim it.
They say that the electric guitar is one of THE most versatile and expressive instruments in the world. It can do everything from soft bell like sounds to heavy metal and everything in between. It can even sound like other instruments like a trumpet when used in a certain way. Its why rock and guitar is so popular and covers so many genres within itself and mixes with most other genres too. Its probably that versatility that has kept rock going all these years. Theres so much to discover and listen too, there is something for everyone. And when you look back at rock history and learn how it all connects with Blues, Jazz, Funk, Soul.. They all have similar roots.
As with One Vision here is the single-version. The album version is longer, with more orchestral music at the end. To me this is a missed opportunity for Amy to hear the full version which is 5:17 (single-version is 4:56). Cheers to you both.
Thanks... such a sweet song from Brian... starting on keys.. but when Freddie takes over vocals, it's stunning... (sometime I hope you see the "official" video) appreciate your reaction, as always... (of course, it IS a film score... lol)
