John Deacon Collaborations song lyrics

This page features details of John Deacon's collaborations with other artists.
His only proper solo recording, 'No Turning Back', has it's own page.

Some sources suggest that John produced the self-titled debut album of the Scottish group 'Strawberry Switchblade'. While some sites suggest this is the case, they list him alongside two other producers. I have searched through interviews with the band and they discuss the recording in depth, mentioning both other producers but not John, so it seems likely that he either wasn't involved, or if he was, it was at a very early stage or his input was minimal. Some sites also list two additional collaborations - 'The Man In The Shadows' and 'Hiding In Public' - but these are simply puns on the fact that John has been very quiet away from Queen.

Pickin' Up Sounds

Man Friday & Jive Junior

, 1983. Length 5:12.
John co-wrote the track (with Robert Ahwai), played bass and produced it.
This is a rap track, with prominent bass throughout. It was released as a single but failed to chart.
The 7" and 12" singles both appear to feature a radio mix and full version, however, the lengths vary between the two releases. The lyrics below are for the full version from the 12" single.
Alternate Versions:
1. Radio Mix 1 (3:50) (on the 7" single only; this is an edit which apparently loses many of the rap vocals, but adds various sound effects and excerpts from news reports, though I haven't heard it to check)
2. Radio Mix 2 (4:51) (on the 12" single only)
3. Full Version 1 (4:10) (on the 7" single only)
4. Full Version 2 (5:12) (on the 12" single only)
Lyrics:
I see a child in the run down place
Cuts and bruises all over his face
Scrapping in the street, never take no jibes
Always one step ahead gotta stay alive
His momma asked why he don't give in
He's so proud you know he needs to win
Nobody can tell him when to stop
So he's just keeps on going till the day he drops

Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around
Get down

Bobbing and weaving at the sound of the bell
Will you stay on your feet, only time will tell
And if you get knocked down don't take no dive
Get up, only the strong survive
Taking time out in between rounds
And getting advice but only picking up sounds
Easy to say slow down take a rest
But you'll never be happy with second best

Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around

Born on a Friday when the sky turned black
It's hard to grow up straight with the devil on your back
Temptation everywhere, read a book
Take a drug, mug a man, steal a car, snatch a purse
The boys in blue getting framed walk the beat
But the law of the jungle rule my street
A different matter for us to stay alive
Cos we did not deal in no nine till five

Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
Can you take it, can you make it
Can you take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around
I can take it, I can make it
I can take it this time around

Nine to five was not our scene
We were bad, we were mad, we were tough, mean
Down at the gym learning how to fight
And taking our skills onto the streets at night
You know we got more lives than a pussy cat
More street credibility than a sewer rat
Braver than Conan, tougher than Chad
We'll put the flip in your cardiac groovogram
Stay cool everywhere, even in hell
We've got a longer life than Duracell

I met a fortune teller called Gypsy Lee
She said "going on a long journey"
I thought she was bibbling babbling bull
But then we got deported to Istanbul
I don't mind travelling on a train
But it freaks me out to fly by plane
I had no choice I had to go
So we departed from Heathrow

Sitting down in the plane seat
Listening to sounds and tapping my feet
When the captain's voice came over loud and clear
"There's a technical hitch but don't you fear
We're having trouble with engine one
But don't let that spoil your fun"
Well that's all I need is another delay
I hope I get there some time today

"We've got a little problem with engine two
But please don't let that bother you"
My God, I don't believe this rap
The Captain's coming with so much crap
"Uh oh, there goes engine three
To be frank, now it worries me"
Well the plane is flying really slow
All we need now is number four to go

John Deacon Collaborations

Unreleased Jam Session

Pickin' Up Sounds

Man Friday & Jive Junior

This Is Your Time

Errol Brown

Roulette

Minako Honda

Stutter Rap

(No Sleep Till Bedtime)

Morris Minor & The Majors

This Is The Chorus

Morris Minor & The Majors

Bushfire

Steve Gregory