About the song
“We Will Rock You” stands as a quintessential anthem in rock history, penned by Queen’s guitarist Brian May for their 1977 album *News of the World*. Renowned for its distinctive and minimalist rhythm, the song has achieved iconic status and is celebrated for its enduring impact on both music and popular culture. It was ranked number 330 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004 and secured the 146th spot on the Songs of the Century list in 2001. In 2009, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further cementing its place in musical history.
The song is remarkable for its innovative use of rhythm and percussion. For the majority of the track, Queen employs a unique a cappella approach, relying solely on the sounds of stomping and clapping to create its powerful beat. This raw and powerful rhythm was achieved by overdubbing multiple instances of the band members stamping and clapping, with delay effects added to amplify the sound as though a large crowd were participating. The last 30 seconds of the song features an electrifying guitar solo by Brian May, which adds a dynamic finish to the otherwise percussive composition.
“We Will Rock You” was paired with “We Are the Champions” as a single, and their combined release achieved top 10 status worldwide. This pairing became a staple of Queen’s live performances, often played consecutively, creating a compelling and unifying musical experience. This dual-track arrangement became especially famous during Queen’s legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985, where the songs were the grand finale of their set.
The song’s simple yet powerful beat has made it a global stadium anthem, frequently used at sports events due to its ability to engage and rally crowds. Its rhythmic appeal has led to numerous covers, remixes, and samples by various artists and its inclusion in countless films, TV shows, and commercials.
In October 2017, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of *News of the World*, Queen released a Raw Sessions version of “We Will Rock You,” offering a fresh take on the guitar solo and featuring May’s count-in before the recording starts. This release highlights the track’s lasting influence and Queen’s ongoing commitment to revisiting and reimagining their legendary work.
The origins of “We Will Rock You” trace back to an emotional experience during Queen’s A Day at the Races Tour. After a powerful encore performance at Stafford’s Bingley Hall, the band was deeply moved by the audience’s spontaneous singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This moment of connection inspired May to create a song that captures the essence of collective engagement and emotional resonance.
Overall, “We Will Rock You” remains a seminal piece of rock music, exemplifying Queen’s innovative approach and leaving an indelible mark on music and popular culture worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Buddy, you’re a boy, make a big noise
Playing in the street, gonna be a big man someday
You got mud on your face, you big disgrace
Kicking your can all over the place, singin’
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
Buddy, you’re a young man, hard man
Shouting in the street, gonna take on the world someday
You got blood on your face, you big disgrace
Waving your banner all over the place
We will, we will rock you, sing it
We will, we will rock you
Buddy, you’re an old man, poor man
Pleading with your eyes, gonna make you some peace someday
You got mud on your face, big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place
We will, we will rock you, sing it
We will, we will rock you, everybody
We will, we will rock you, hmm
We will, we will rock you
Alright