Queen Demos Of Released Tracks (J-P)
This page includes full details of all Queen demos and early versions of tracks that have subsequently been released on Queen or Solo projects. It includes genuine demos and early versions (as far as can be determined), other tracks which are often claimed to be demos, and also a guide to 'faked demos' which are known to exist. Details of other demo tracks can be found on page 1 and page 3.
The links at the top of this page are grouped according to the type of recording, whilst the actual details are listed alphabetically. A brief guide to the various types of recording is given below.
These pages were generated by collating a number of other sources, and from my own collection of recordings. Not much information is known about many of the tracks, so if you can provide further information or believe there to be any errors or omissions, please email me.
Jealousy
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Jazz' album page. This is demo version features piano which segues from 'Don't Stop Me Now', alhough nothing else about it is known. This is an early instrumental take of the track, which features Freddie, Roger and John. Musically it is fairly similar to normal, with heavier drums from Roger, but it is obviously missing Brian's guitar. The track is longer than normal, with the extra time coming from a couple of extra verses which feature some different elements to the rest of the track. Length 4:00.
Jesus
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen' album page. Obviously longer than the 3:45 album version, the extra time is made up through longer or new instrumental sections. Lyrically it is similar to normal, but the track has a rawer feel to it, and contains heavier guitar throughout. It is available on the 'Queen' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 5:04. It is rumoured that a different version or different mix was pressed onto a 1973 acetate, though how accurate this is and what the differences may be is unknown. It is also rumoured that a heavier version of the track was recorded at Trident Studios, though again this is just a rumour and nothing else is known. Then I saw him in the crowd
A lot of people had gathered round him
The beggars shouted
The lepers called him
The old man said nothing
He just stared about him
All going down to see the Lord Jesus (oh yeah)
All going down to see the Lord Jesus (oooh yeah)
All going down
Then came a man before his feet he fell
'Unclean' said the leper, rang his bell
Felt the palm of a hand touch his head
'Go now, go now, you're a new man instead'
All going down to see the Lord Jesus, ooh right
All going down to see the Lord Jesus
All going down
It all began with the three wise men
Followed a star took them to Bethlehem
And made it heard throughout the land
Born was the leader of man
All going down (going down, going down) to see the Lord Jesus
All going down (oooh, yes we're going down, oooh, ooh) to see the Lord Jesus
All going down
It all began with the three wise men
Followed a star took them to Bethlehem
And they made it heard throughout the land
Born was the leader of man
Yes we're
All going down to see the Lord Jesus
We're all going down to see the Lord Jesus
All going down
Keep Passing The Open Windows
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Works' album page. This demo features Freddie playing the track on the piano, and improvising/ad-libbing all the vocals. It features the basic piano melody, and has the same structure as the album version, but clearly no lyrics (not even the title) have been developed yet. Some sources suggest it was recorded in 1983. Length 2:46. This is a great demo recorded in the studio, featuring piano, bass and drums. The track has a similar structure to the album version, but the music has a different feel, is more improvised, and has great bass throughout. Some of Freddie's vocals appear to be over-dubbed in places, and whilst his verse vocals are ad-libbed, the chorus lyrics are present. This is one of the best demos available. Length 4:47. This is the only life for me
Surround myself in all my own fantasy
Got to be strong and believe in yourself
Forget all the sadness 'cos love is all you need
Just believe
Just keep passing the open windows
Just believe
Just keep passing the open windows (An ad-libbed verse) Just keep passing the open windows
Just believe
Just keep passing the open windows (An ad-libbed verse) Just believe
Just keep passing the open windows
Just believe, babe
Just keep passing the open windows
This is the only life for me, yeah
Surround myself around my own fantasy (fantasy)
You got to be strong and believe in yourself
Forget all the sadness 'cos love is all you need
All you need Freddie: Middle eight
Keep Yourself Alive
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen' album page. This demo begins with an acoustic guitar intro, then a very raw guitar solo kicks in. Roger's drum solo is also more frantic, and the whole track has a different feel. In places the guitars are very different too. It is available on the 'Queen' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 3:47. Recorded at some point between the above De Lane Lea demo and the album release, this version is notably lacking in guitar in some places, but the bass is much more prominent. The main drum beat also starts earlier, and the outro is noticeably different. Finally, some of the editing is a little suspect, notably just before the drum solo, so it may be a mixture of different takes. Length 3:49. This track was recorded in January 1975 for a potential US single, which never materialised, and is described by Brian May as "a complete remake of 'Keep Yourself Alive'. This version never surfaced anywhere. It contains many new ideas and quirks, as well as reproductions of some of the old ones". It is a reworked version, with a new intro, and some different percussion, vocals and guitar. It has officially been released on the US remaster of the 'Queen' album, and on the 'A Night At The Opera' 2011 double disc reissue. An edited version lasting 3:29 also appears on an acetate. Full details are available on the 'Queen' album page. Length 4:02. Apparently, in addition to above, there are at least eight alternate versions of the track, and a completed backing track, originating from 1972. It is not known how different these are compared to the eventual album version. The bootleg 'Golden Demos' claims to have a demo (which is called 'Keep Your Yourselves Alive' on the sleeve) but this has the same lyrics as the album version. It does have a slightly different sound but it is only minor. This is most noticeable at the start when Brian's solo guitar kicks in; the album is a much more balanced sound whereas here it is much more dominating, probably the result of tampering with the stereo balance. It also runs slower (compared to the 3:47 album version). Length 3:53. I was told a million times of all the people in my way
And how I have to keep on trying just get better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers, and I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started, bread and butter for a smile
Well, I sold a million mirrors in a shop in alley way
But I never saw my face in any window any day
Now they say your folks are telling you to be a superstar
But I tell you just be satisfied and stay right where you are
Keep yourself alive, yeah, keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Well I loved a million women in a belladonic haze
And I ate a million dinners brought to me on silver trays
Give me everything I need to feed my body and my soul
And I'll grow a little bigger, then that can be my goal
I was told a million times of all the troubles in my way
How I had to keep on trying and get better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers, and I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started, same as when I'd started
Keep yourself alive, yeah, keep yourself alive
Take you all your time and money
Honey you'll survive (unknown lyrics)
Roger: Wooh-hoo
(Roger screams) Oh
Keep yourself alive, keep yourself alive, oh
Take you all your time and money
To keep me satisfied
Do you think you're better every day
No, I just think I'm two steps nearer to my grave, yeah
Keep yourself alive, come on, keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive, yes you've gotta keep yourself alive
All you pretty people keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive, ooh, keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive, yes, yes, yes
Keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive I was told a million times of all the troubles in my way
How I had to keep on trying and get better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers, and I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started, bread and butter for a smile
Well, I sold a million mirrors in a shop in alley way
But I never saw my face in any window any day
Well they say your folks are telling you be a superstar
But I tell you just be satisfied, and stay right where you are
Keep yourself alive, come on, keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Well I loved a million women in a belladonic haze
And I ate a million dinners brought to me on silver trays
Give me everything I need to feed my body and my soul
And I'll grow a little bigger, maybe that can be my goal
I was told a million times of all the people in my way
How I had to keep on trying and get better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers, and I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started, same as when I'd started
Keep yourself alive, keep on, keep yourself alive
Ooh, take you all your time and a money
Honey you'll survive
Yeah, ow, ow (A scream and laughter) Keep yourself alive, yeah, keep yourself alive, oh
Take you all your time and a money
To keep me satisfied
Do you think you're better every day
No, I just think I'm two steps nearer to my grave
Keep yourself alive, come on, keep yourself alive
Ooh, all you pretty people, ooh (keep yourself alive)
Keep yourself alive, keep yourself alive
All you people keep yourself alive
Keep yourself alive, come on, come on, keep yourself alive
Take you all your time and a money keep me satisfied
Keep yourself alive, ooh, keep yourself alive
Ooh, take you all your time and a money
And honey you'll survive
Take you all your time and money, honey, ooh
Ooh, keep me satisfied
Khashoggi's Ship
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Miracle' album page. This is a standalone demo of the track (rather than segueing from 'Party'). Musically it is very similar to the final album version. However the lyrics are fairly under-developed (although in places they are the same), and many are multi-tracked or ad-libbed and so difficult to make out. This demo was recorded in the same week in November 1988 as the demos for 'Rain Must Fall' and 'Face It Alone'. Length 3:21. Who said that my party was all over, huh, huh
I'm in pretty good shape
The best years of my life (unknown lyrics) Huh, huh, I'm in pretty good shape
I said now
Everybody drank my wine (unknown lyrics) Then we took a holiday on Khashoggi's ship (Rest of the verse is undecipherable)
(Entire verse of undecipherable lyrics) No-one loves my party
No-one loves my party
No-one loves my party
No-one, no-one, no-one loves my party (Rest of verse is undecipherable)
(Two verses of 'bop, bop, ba, ba, bop' vocals) Oh yeah (Undecipherable lyrics) Party to the left
Party to the right
Play my little game I
Do it all night, all night
Party to the left
Party to the right
Play my little game I
Do it all night, all night
Oh, left, right
Doing it from the middle
Do it all night
Yeah, hey, hey, huh
Left
Right
Left
Right
Right
Left - right
Left - right
Left - right
Ahhhhh (Unknown lyric) is alright
It's a super glow
I do it on my own
I want a Martini
To left, to the right, to the left, to the right, to the left and the right
I want to party all over, ah, ah
I want to party all over, huh, huh, huh
Killer Queen
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Sheer Heart Attack' album page. This track features one of Freddie's vocal takes, lasting around 40 seconds, eight seconds of the piano intro, then a full take of the backing track, lasting 2:59, which features Freddie, Roger and John. The excerpts are very close to the album version, but are missing some of Freddie's vocals, all the backing vocals, and all of Brian's guitar, which gives the track a much more basic feel. The track also has a proper ending rather than a fade out, followed by a small amount of studio dialogue. Length 4:10, though it includes a fair bit of silence. Available on a 7" acetate, this track is identical to the normal album version but adds around 9 seconds of extra fingerclicks at the start. As alternate versions or demos go, it could hardly be less interesting. This is the full album version, running noticeably faster than normal, and Brian's additional guitar only really begins on the 'to avoid complications' verse. The track doesn't include any dialogue at all, and most of the additional guitar is in keeping with the existing guitar, apart from the outro. Length 2:46. This track runs slightly slower than normal (the album version lasts 2:59), and the only noticeable differences are that backing vocals are lost around the lines 'guaranteed to blow your mind' and 'absolutely drive you wild'. Length 3:06. She keeps a Moet Et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
'Let them eat cake' she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Kruschev and Kennedy
At anytime an invitation you can't decline
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Ooh, recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite Freddie: One, two, three, four, one, two, three
Freddie: One, two, three, four, one, two, three She keeps a Moet Et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
'Let them eat cake' she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Kruschev and Kennedy
At anytime an invitation you can't decline
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Ooh, recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
To avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minah
Then again incidentally
If you're that way inclined
Perfume came naturally from Paris
For cars she couldn't care less
Fastidious and precise
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Drop of a hat she's as willing as
Playful as a pussy cat
Then momentarily out of action
Temporarily out of gas
To absolutely drive
She's out to get you
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Oooh, recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
You wanna try Roger: Not bad
Freddie: What?
Roger: What's it like Roy?
Las Palabras De Amor
(The Words Of Love)
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Hot Space' album page. This demo is quite similar to normal, but seems a more basic mix. It also loses the 10 second build-up to the song, replacing it with a short drum intro, and contains several lyric changes. Length 4:20. This mix is very similar to the album version, although it seems a more basic mix, with the drums and guitar further into the background, and a couple of new elements. Lyrically it is very similar to the album version, just with a few different 'ooh' and 'aah's in places. The track fades out earlier than the album version, and omits the first ten seconds of build-up, starting with the drums. Length 3:54. A different version or mix of the track was apparently pressed onto a 10" acetate, though how this differs from the album version or above mixes is unknown. Roger: Three, four Ah
Oooooh-oooh-ooh, ah, ah, ah, ah
Don't touch me now
Don't hold me now
Don't break the spell darling
I'm begging you
This is the hour
We're waiting for
We'll make one day last a
Lifetime or two
Las palabras de amor
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Love me slow
One foolish world, so many souls
Senselessly hurled through the never ending cold
And all for fear, and all for greed
Speak any tongue but for God's sakes we need
Las palabras de amor
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Let me know, this night and evermore
Ah
Ahh Brian: Oohh, evermore
Freddie: Ahh, las palabras... de amor This room is bare
This night is cold
We're far apart and I'm
Growing old
But while we live
We'll meet again
So then my love
We may whisper once more
Now I adore you
Las palabras de amor (las palabras de amor)
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Touch me now, ahhhh
Las palabras de amor
Let us share the words of love
Ooh, evermore
Ooh, evermore
Ooh, evermore Oooooh-oooh-ahhh
Don't touch me now
Don't hold me now
Don't break the spell darling
Now you are near
Look in my eyes
And speak to me
Those special promises
I long to hear
Las palabras de amor
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Love me slow and gently
One foolish world, so many souls
Senselessly hurled through the never ending cold
And all for fear, and all for greed
Speak any tongue but for God's sake we need
Las palabras de amor
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Let me know, this night and evermore Brian: Oohh, evermore This room is bare
This night is cold
We're far apart and I'm
Growing old
But while we live
We'll meet again
So then my love
We may whisper once more
It's you I adore
Las palabras de amor, ahh
Let me hear the words of love
Despacito mi amor
Touch me now, ahhhh
Las palabras de amor
Let us share the words of love
For evermore
For evermore
Ooh, oooh
Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Night At The Opera' album page. This is an earlier mix of the album track, which was either intended to appear on a US promo cassette, or actually appeared but was later withdrawn. It is identical to the album version but one line of backing vocals ('there he goes again') is missing. Length 1:07. This track runs slightly slower than normal, and the noticeable changes are that Freddie's verse vocals are more prominent than normal, and the 'there he goes again' backing vocals are lost. These changes are achieved by simply removing the left stereo channel. Length 1:09.
Let Me Entertain You
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Jazz' album page. This version is almost identical to the album version, the only changes are that it has a 'live' drum track, and an alternative ending. Where the normal version ends, this track continues with more undecipherable dialogue, then a singalong chorus of 'we are the champions, we are the champions, no time for losers 'cos we are the champions', which extends the track by approximately 19 seconds. Length 3:20.
Let Me In Your Heart Again
Details of Anita Dobson's released version can be found on the Brian May Collaborations page. This track was written by Brian and originally intended for 'The Works', an early promo cassette of which lists it on the sleeve, as 'Your Heart Again'. The track first turned up in 1988 on Anita Dobson's album 'Talking Of Love', which was produced by Brian and features him on guitar and backing vocals. The Queen version was later released on the 2014 album 'Forever', with some additional guitars from Brian and backing vocals from him and Roger.
Let Me Live
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Made In Heaven' album page. According to an interview with Freddie, published in the book 'A Life... In His Own Words', this track originates from 1983 and features Rod Stewart on vocals. It is believed to have been recorded in Los Angeles, in September 1983, and also features Jeff Beck on guitar. It is highly likely that not much was recorded and/or useable, as only a verse and chorus from Freddie were used for the 'Made In Heaven' version. An eight second excerpt appears in the 'The Great Pretender' documentary, with one line by Freddie and one by Rod. Although it's only a short excerpt, it shows the song was obviously a duet (rather than Freddie singing a verse, then Rod the next) and Freddie and Rod's vocals complement each other well. This version is quite similar to normal but in places features additional backing vocals of 'take another little piece of my heart now baby' etc, which had to be removed after legal action by the estate of Janis Joplin, because the song was judged to be very similar to her 1969 song 'Piece Of My Heart'. Some sources state that the additional vocals are only at the start of the track, but there are also plenty towards the end. The track is available on a 'Made In Heaven' US promo cassette, as well as early Mexican and Dutch pressings of the album. Length 4:46. Freddie: All I do is give Rod Stewart: All you do is take Three, four
Ooooh (take another little piece of my heart now baby) take a piece of my heart
Ooooh (take another little piece of my soul now baby) take a piece of my soul
(Take another little piece of my life now baby)
Ooooh, let me live, oh yeah, ooooh
Why don't you take another little piece of my heart
Why don't you take it and break it
And tear it all apart
All I do is give
And all you do is take
Baby why don't you give me
A brand new start
So let me live (so let me live)
Let me live (leave me alone)
Let me live, ooooh, oh baby
And make a brand new start
Why don't you take another little piece of my soul
Why don't you shape it and shake it
'Til your really in control
All you do is take
And all I do is give
All that I'm asking
Is a chance to live
(So let me live) - so let me live
(Leave me alone) - let me live, let me live, yeah
(Why don't you let me make a brand new start)
Yeah, and it's a
Long hard struggle (yeah, yeah)
But you can always depend on me
And if you're ever in trouble - hey
You know where I will be
Why don't you take another little piece of my life
Why don't you twist it and turn it
And cut it like a knife
All you do is live
All I do is die
Why can't we just be friends
Stop livin' a lie
So let me live (so let me live)
Let me live (leave me alone)
Please let me live
(Why don't you live a little), oh yeah baby
(Why don't you give a little love), go for it baby
Let me live
Please let me live
Oh yeah baby, let me live
And make a brand new start
Take another little piece of my heart now baby
Ooooh, let me live (let me live)
Take another little piece of my heart now baby
Ooooh, ooh yeah (let me live)
Take another little piece of my soul now baby
Ooooh, come on (let me live)
Take another little piece of my life now baby
Ooooh, in your heart, oh baby
Take another piece, take another piece, take another piece, take another piece
Please let me live
Take another piece, take another piece, take another piece, take another piece
Why don't you take another piece, take another little piece of my, piece of my heart
Oh yeah baby
Take another little piece of my heart now baby
Make a brand new start, oh baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby please
All you do is take
Let me live
Take another little piece of my heart now baby
Ooooh, let me live
Oh yeah now, yeah now
Let me live
Liar
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen' album page.
This track originates from 1972 and is an instrumental out-take, which presumably features the band trying to record the backing track over several takes. As such it is unlikely to feature Freddie and just comprise guitar, drums, and bass.
This performance is noticeably longer than normal, partly due to a longer instrumental intro and a longer guitar solo. It has some different lyrics, Freddie's vocals are rawer, the drums sound different, and there is additional guitar at various places throughout the song. It is available on the 'Queen' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 7:52.
Oh
I have sinned dear father
Father I have sinned
Try and help me father
Won't you let me in
Liar, oh nobody believes me
Liar, why don't you leave me alone
Sire, I have stolen
Stolen many times
Raised my voice in anger
When I know I never should
Liar, oh, why don't you believe me
Liar, why don't you leave me alone
Liar, I have sailed the seas
Liar, from Mars to Mercury
Liar, I have drunk the wine
Liar, time after time
Liar, you're lying to me
Liar, yes, you're lying to me
Darling, please forgive me
You know you'll never leave me
Please will you direct me
In the right way
Liar, liar, liar, liar
Liar, that's what they keep calling me
Liar, oh, every day every night
Liar, all the time, yes
Liar, ooohh, that's what they keep calling me, oooh
Listen
Oh, you gonna listen, yeah
Master I'm gonna be your slave (all day long), yeah
Mama I'm gonna try behave (all day long)
Mama I'm gonna be your slave (all day long)
I'm gonna serve you till your dying day (all day long)
I'm gonna keep you till your dying day (all day long)
I'm gonna serve you till your dying day (all day long)
I'm gonna kneel down by your side and pray (all day long)
All day long (all day long)
All day long (all day long)
All day long, that's what I'm gonna (all day long)
(All day long), all day long
(All day long), all day long
(All day long) by your side and pray
(All day long) by your side and pray
(All day long) ooh, pray
(All day long) ow, pray, keep on
I'm gonna pray, yeah, (unknown lyrics)
Oh, I'm gonna pray
I'm gonna kneel down by your side and pray, oh yes
All day long, all day long, all day long
Liar, liar, why don't they let me in
Liar, liar, why don't they let me in
Liar, now they don't believe me
Liar, no they never believe me, hear
Oh, yes, why don't you, why don't you take me home
Life Is Real
(Song For Lennon)
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Hot Space' album page. This version begins with a cymbal intro and count-in, and is very similar to normal but the piano seems slightly more prominent. Lyrically, it is almost identical to the album version, but it loses the two 'life is real' backing vocals at about 1:35. The only other change is just before the 'success' verse, where Freddie sings 'life is real, so real' rather than 'life is real, oh yeah' which he sings on the album. Length 3:30. Roger: One, two, three, four Guilt stains on my pillow
Blood on my terraces
Torsos in my closet
Shadows from my past
Life is real
Life is real
Life is real, so real
Sleeping is my leisure
Waking up in a minefield
Dream is just a pleasure dome
Love is a roulette wheel
Life is real
Life is real
Life is real, so real
Success is my breathing space
I brought it on myself
I will price it
I will cash it
I can take it or leave it
Loneliness is my hiding place
Breastfeeding myself
What more can I say
I have swallowed the bitter pill
I can taste it, I can taste it
Life is real
Life is real
Life is real
Music will be my mistress
Loving like a whore
Lennon is a genius
Living in every pore
Life is real
Life is real
Life is real, so real
Life is cruel
Life is a bitch
Life is real - so real
Life is real
Life is real, yeah
Life is real
Long Away
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Day At The Races' album page. This track was played at one of the fan club conventions, and is an instrumental take which it is very similar to the album version. The played version had an early fade out, reducing the time to 2:48, but presumably a full version without the fade exists in the vaults.
Lost Opportunity
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Innuendo' album page. This track is believed to originate during sessions for the 1980 'The Game' album. As with many of the tracks on these pages this may just be a rumour as nothing has been officially confirmed.
Love Kills
Details of Freddie's released version can be found on the Freddie Mercury Miscellaneous Songs page. As with 'Man Made Paradise' and 'There Must Be More To Life Than This', this solo track was originally recorded by Queen, and intended for 'The Works'. As such, Brian's guitar, Roger's drums and John's bass all made it onto Freddie's version. The track was later reworked into a ballad by Brian for the 2014 album 'Forever', but the demo is unreleased.
Love Makin' Love
Details of the released version can be found on the Freddie Mercury Miscellaneous Songs page. This track was originally recorded in 1984 as a demo for Freddie's 'Mr Bad Guy' album, but was ultimately not released until the 'Solo' boxed set in 2000. The track was later attempted by Queen during the 'A Kind Of Magic' sessions in 1986, so it is very likely that one or more demo versions may exist in the vaults.
Machines
(or Back To Humans)
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Works' album page. This demo is more like an alternative instrumental intro, and contains various elements which were later present in the song, but it is quite hard to describe. The track cuts off abruptly at the end, just as it sounds like it would get more interesting, so it is possibly an excerpt of a full length demo. Length 1:23.
Magic Is Loose
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Fun In Space' album page. This track is rumoured to have been recorded by Queen for 'The Game' in 1980, but eventually turned up on Roger's 'Fun In Space' solo album a year later. In an interview Roger stated that he would have liked to hear Freddie sing the song, which implies that if it was indeed recorded that Roger was the only vocalist.
Man Made Paradise
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Mr Bad Guy' album page, while a possible Freddie demo can be found on the Freddie Mercury Unreleased Songs & Demos page. This solo track from Freddie was originally recorded by Queen in 1982 or 1983 for either 'Hot Space' or 'The Works'. Under a minute of the track was played at one of the fan club conventions, but it has yet to be circulated so it is unknown how close it is to Freddie's solo version, or whether a complete version exists. A demo or early version of the track appears in the 'Freddie Mercury - The Untold Story' documentary, but this is probably a Freddie demo, rather than a Queen one.
Man On Fire
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Strange Frontier' album page. This track is believed to have been recorded by Queen during 'The Works' sessions in 1984, before it was released on Roger's solo album 'Strange Frontier' the same year. An early promo cassette for 'The Works' features a very different track listing, which includes this track. Nothing else is known about the track, or whether a complete version exists.
Misfire
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Sheer Heart Attack' album page. Running slightly slower than normal, this version uses loses the right stereo channel to make some of Freddie's vocals very faint. However, it does retain all the choruses, but with a bit more trickery they could have made a nearly completely instrumental version, as the verse vocals come through the left channel and the chorus vocals come through the right. Length 1:54. Don't you misfire
Fill me up
With the desire
To carry on
Ooh, don't you misfire
Fill me up
With the desire
To carry on
Don't you misfire
Fill me up
With the desire
To carry on
Come on take a shot
Fire me higher
Don't you miss this time
Please don't misfire
Mother Love
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Made In Heaven' album page. This track was originally recorded in 1991, before being completed and released on 'Made In Heaven'. It has been confirmed that demos exist featuring Brian and even Roger singing lead vocals. According to Brian, the album version features vocals from his demo. This is a bizarre track, obviously derived from the album version. It has been edited to produce a short instrumental version, and then adds additional vocals from Freddie, from a number of different sources, and is probably the worst faked demo I've ever heard. Length 1:42. This version is very similar to the normal album version and has identical vocals to normal from both Freddie and Brian. There are some additional elements in places, but they have been added in from other sources, rather than being anything new. Towards the end of the track, some of Brian's guitar from the 'Eye' version is included, and as the track fades out there is a new synthesiser type outro with some badly placed vocals. Altogether nothing new, quite clumsy in places, and definitely not a genuine demo. Length 5:52.
Mustapha
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Jazz' album page. Apparently this 'demo' is lacking the vocal intro and the majority of Brian's guitar parts. This will almost certainly be a fake, as this effect can be obtained by removing the right stereo channel; as a result most of the vocals (apart from 'mustapha') will be lost during the louder parts of the track.
My Baby Loves Me
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Miracle' album page. This is the original demo and title for 'My Baby Does Me'. This track is musically almost identical to normal, but has an additional verse, and does not include Brian's guitar solo. The lyrics to the track are very similar to the album version, just jumbled up rather than different. The track ends suddenly with 'alright'. Length 3:24. This version is identical to the above demo, but part of the final verse is repeated, extending the length to 3:35. Uh, ooh
My baby, my baby loves
My baby loves, me good
My baby loves
My baby loves
My baby loves me good
Uh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby tells me that she cares
My baby tells me she really loves me
She really loves me
My lady
Understands
She understands me right
She understands
She understands
She understands me right
Yeah, yeah, yeah
My baby cares
She really cares
So good, she really knows what's good
She understands me
She understands what's right
She knows what I'm doing day and night, yeah
Really cares
Take it
Uh-oh, ah
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby tells me that she cares
My baby tells me she really loves me My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby loves me
My baby tells me that she cares
My baby tells me she really loves me She really loves me
Alright
My Boy
Details of the released version can be found on the Brian May Miscellaneous Songs page. This track, which was later released on a multiple artist compilation album called 'Lullabies With A Difference', is believed to have been recorded by Brian during the 'Hot Space' sessions in 1982. Some sources suggest that the released version is identical to the 1982 version, without any changes, but as the original version hasn't been circulated it's all guesswork really.
My Fairy King
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen' album page. It is rumoured that a demo version of the track may exist which features Freddie alone on piano and vocals. Nothing else about it is known. As with most faked demos, this 'demo' runs slower than the normal 4:07, and uses stereo effects to lose certain vocals. The most noticeable differences are that most of the proper vocals for the 'someone, someone' verse are lost or quieter, and the backing vocal for 'mother Mercury' is more prominent than normal. Length 4:16.
My Melancholy Blues
Details of the released version can be found on the 'News Of The World' album page. Apparently, a demo version of the track, which may feature just Freddie, was pressed onto an acetate ahead of the album release. How the track differs to the album version is unknown, since the rest of the band's contribution to the album track was minimal.
Nevermore
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen II' album page. This instrumental take features Freddie and John, and while it is similar to the album version, it features an additional verse, and a couple of slightly different elements from Freddie. It is a standalone take, which doesn't segue into other tracks. Two versions appear to be available, a full version, or a 1:14 edit which starts abruptly into the track. The track contains 7 seconds of music, then 17 seconds of Greg Brooks, before the track resumes for 1:17. Length 1:42.
New Dark Ages
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Blue Rock' album page. This track is believed to have been recorded during Queen sessions for 'Inneundo' in 1990, before being recorded by The Cross for their 1991 album 'Blue Rock'. How much truth there is in this rumour is unknown, but a Queen version of the track could be outstanding.
New York, New York
Details of the film version can be found on the 'A Kind Of Magic' album page. A 36 second version of this track appears in the film 'Highlander', which prompted long lasting rumours of a complete recording of the track. However, these rumours have been officially denied, and it does seem unlikely that a full version would exist, outside the context of the film.
Ogre Battle
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen II' album page. It is rumoured that Queen recorded this track for their debut album 'Queen' in 1973. While this is only a rumour, it does seem plausible given that the track was performed extensively at early Queen concerts, pre-dating the 'Queen II' version by two years.
One Vision
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Kind Of Magic' album page.
The lyrical similarities between this track and 'A Kind Of Magic' are because the tracks started off as the same song, but were split into two separate songs during the development process. One of these early versions, titled 'A Kind Of Vision', appears on the 'A Kind Of Magic' 2011 double-disc reissue. This is quite an interesting version which shows how the track developed. It starts with the slow keyboard section, which was originally the start of the track, then the main guitar begins. Musically this is fairly similar to normal, but with a lot more guitar. Some of the lyrics are present, but some are missing, as they were taken out of the track during mixing and used elsewhere. Length 1:44. This short excerpt features the percussion section from the track, with very raw chants of 'One Vision' over the top. The track starts and ends abruptly. Length 0:34. One vision
One man, one goal, one true religion
One voice, one hope, one real decision
One worldwide vision
One man, one goal, one true religion
One race, one hope, one real decision One vision
One vision
One vision, hey
One vision
One vision, haa
One vision
One vision, oh yeah
One man, one goal, one true-
One Year Of Love
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Kind Of Magic' album page. Nothing is known about this demo, other than the fact that it was recorded on 25 January 1986 and may be a piano version of the track. This is an early version of the track, which is similar to the album version, but with a different structure. The saxophone solo appears after the first verse (rather than the second), then the end of the first verse is repeated, followed by a guitar solo, the second verse, an instrumental section (in place of the "and no-one ever told me that love would hurt so much" verse), and the final verse. Freddie's vocals are quite similar to the album version, while the drums and saxophone differ. The guitar solo is completely different, and clearly not played on the Red Special; some sources suggest it may have been performed by John, which is credible, as it sounds nothing like Brian's usual style. The track has a similar feel to the Highlander version, but is definitely different. Length 4:52. Just one year of love
Is better than a lifetime alone
One sentimental moment in your arms
Is like a shooting star right through my heart
It's always a rainy day without you
I'm a prisoner of love inside you
I'm falling apart all around you, yeah
It's always a rainy day without you
I'm a prisoner of love inside you
I'm falling apart all around you, yeah
My heart cries out to your heart
I'm lonely but you can save me
My hand reaches out for your hand
I'm cold but you light the fire in me
My lips search for your lips
I'm hungry for your touch
There's so much left unspoken
And all I can do is surrender
To the moment, just surrender
Just one year of love
Is better than a lifetime alone
One sentimental moment in your arms
Is like a shooting star right through my heart
It's always a rainy day without you
I'm a prisoner of love inside you
I'm falling apart all around you, yeah
Pain Is So Close To Pleasure
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Kind Of Magic' album page. This track was played at one of the fan club conventions and apparently features a different vocal take, with some lyric changes, and extra keyboards in the backing track. However, it does not appear to have been circulated yet. This version has been claimed to be a demo, but it is simply the single remix of the track, and is instantly recognisable because of the extra percussion and remixing. However, this is not the full single version as it starts to fade out but then stops, losing the last six seconds or so of the track. Length 3:48.
Party
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Miracle' album page. This is a demo of the track, recorded in November 1988, which does not segue into 'Khashoggi's Ship' like the album version. It has been played at fan club conventions, but no copies have been circulated yet.
Play The Game
Details of the released version can be found on the 'The Game' album page. This track features Andy Gibb, brother of the Bee Gees, singing lead vocals, which is possibly limited to the first verse only. It was reported in a Queen Fan Club magazine in 1980, and later confirmed by Mack, but whether it still exists in the vaults is unknown.
Polar Bear
Details of Smile's released version can be found on the Pre-Queen Songs page. This is a Queen recording of the Smile track, recorded at some time between 1971 and 1973, almost certainly featuring John Deacon on bass and not Barry Mitchell as some sources suggest. Musically it is similar to the Smile version, but some parts are slightly different. Freddie's vocals are more powerful than Tim Staffell's, and more suited to the track. The lyrics seem more ad-libbed by Freddie, and in places don't make much sense (such as the start of the second verse), but still this performance is much better than the Smile version.
There are at least two recordings of the song available; one is 3:46 in length with an immediate start and a single guitar chord at the end before an abrupt fade out. The other is 4:29 in total and has approximately 40 seconds of dialogue at the start, a slightly longer outro and more guitar chords at the end. Some sources suggest the short version is 'Take 1' and the longer version is 'Take 2', but to me they sound identical. In addition to this, a 1:15 excerpt of the start of the song is also available. Length 3:46. Roger: We can't slow down
Freddie: Ha, ha, right, take two
Brian: I'm trying to slow it down
Roger: Well it doesn't need slowing down, it's, God, it's creeping at the moment
Freddie: Ha, ha, alright, try
(Unknown dialogue in the background, probably from Brian)
Roger: God, it was so slow, and it was getting even slower. You always try to play this like I've never
Freddie: Take two
Unknown voice: You play the fucking twelve string
Freddie: Take two, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
(Unknown dialogue in the background, probably from Brian)
Roger: Alright then, all follow you
(Some sort of 'hollering' noise in the background)
Freddie: Right, take two In a bright shop window sits a polar bear
Makes his eyes light up but I don't see him there
Among the tinsel he gives everyone a smile
See him as you'd see a star
Love her from where you are
He's not for, not for, not for sale (Unknown lyric) walks a pretty girl
Someone like you've seen or by it's hard to tell
Oooh, and when you see her light seem around the lie
And see her as you'd see a star
Love her from where you are
Not for, not for, not for sale
And when the lights light up
To warn the grasping hand
Minor contentment wears a smile
Ooohhh-wahh
Not for, not for, not for sale
Not for sale
Princes Of The Universe
Details of the released version can be found on the 'A Kind Of Magic' album page. This is an early version of the track, with the first half very similar to the album version, with a few extra guitar bursts. The music then stops, with a drone type sound and helicopter noises, as in the film (the track was written to fit in with the footage). The track then reprises, and is mostly instrumental, with Brian's solo intact (without Freddie's vocals over the top), and his guitar during the fast finale very prominent in the mix. Altogether this is a great alternate version of the track, with a few different suprising elements. Length 3:14. Here we are, born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers
Hey
And here we are, we're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings, yeah
I have no rival, no man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world
We were born to be princes of the universe
Procession
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Queen II' album page. This version has a similar structure to the album version, but the guitars have a noticeably different sound, and the music which links to 'Father To Son' is missing. There do not seem to be any significantly different parts, although in places it does seem to lose elements. If this is a fake, then it a much more sophisticated one than many of the others. However, the track is in almost perfect sound quality, which would be unlikely given it is 31 years old and from an unofficial source. The other possibility is of course that it isn't Brian playing, or that it doesn't originate from the 'Queen II' sessions. Length 1:08.
Put Out The Fire
Details of the released version can be found on the 'Hot Space' album page. This is a genuine mix which was played at one of the Queen Fan Club conventions. While similar to the album version, it features some additional percussion from Roger, including extra cymbals and maracas. The track also appears to be mixed differently, with Brian's guitar much louder, obscuring the vocals in places. Some backing vocals also appear to be missing altogether. The track cuts off abrubtly at the end. Length 2:55. This 'demo' is a bad quality recording from the 'Live In Japan' official video. Although it does sound like it could be an early version, the giveaways are the guitar at the beginning of the track (from the end of 'Now I'm Here'), and Freddie's ad-libs. The performance does not feature any audience noise, but neither does the video. Length 1:00. They called him a hero
In the land of the free
But he wouldn't shake my hand boy
He disappointed me
So I got my handgun
And I blew him away
That critter was a bad guy
I had to make him pay
You might fear for my reason
I don't care what they say
Look out baby it's the season
For the mad masquerade
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Oh, you need a bullet like a whole in the head
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Don't believe what your grand-daddy said
She was my lover
It was a shame that she died
But the constitution is right on my side
'Cos I caught my lover in my neighbour's bed
I got retribution, filled 'em all full of lead
I've been told it's the fashion
To let me on the streets again
It's nothing but a crime of passion
And I'm not to blame
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
You need a weapon like a hole in the head
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
And let your sons and your daughters
Sleep sound in their beds
You know a gun never killed nobody
You can ask anyone
People get shot by people
People with guns
Put out the fire, oh yeah
Put out the fire, wow
Put out the fire, come on
You need a gun like a whole in the head
Put out the fire, wow
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Just tell me that old fashioned gun law
Is - (Ad-libbed vocals by Freddie) Yeah
They called him a hero
In the land of the free
I wouldn't shake his hand boy
He disappointed me, yeah
So I got my handgun
And I blew him away
Critter was a bad guy
I had to make him pay
I don't care about reason
I don't care what they say
Look out baby it's the season
Mad masquerade
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
Put out the fire
You need a bullet like a whole in the head