Just noticed now the different lyrics between the b-side of seven seas of rhye version and some BBC version. Any word as to the fairly large difference? I'm in a band myself and with blues songs like that its easy to just riff and improv, is this a case of that?
Enchlore · Member since
The B-side, BBC and live versions all have lyrical differences. Pretty sure it really is a case of improv.
Elektra · Member since
As always Queen were different in the Studio especially the 70s to what they were in a Live situation. the Live version I agree with Enchiore its spontaneous improvisation where as to the studio version it was meant to be High Camp Glam. I suppose with 12 bar or any kind of Blues you can be Free with what you sing like a Jam Session I guess thats what Freddie did live because it was easier
tomchristie22 · Member since
Seems more like two distinct but prepared versions of the lyrics. Live and BBC are always about getting a train to Georgia which is 16 coaches long, if I'm not mistaken.
DepeX · Member since
^ Yes. And in both live and studio version the little dog who keeps on barking is always there. Take Portland 74, Rainbow 74, Tokyo 75 or Hammersmith 75 for reference.
Moreover the BBC features the 'Greyhound bus at dawn'
Enchlore · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]tomchristie22 wrote:[/b]
Seems more like two distinct but prepared versions of the lyrics. Live and BBC are always about getting a train to Georgia which is 16 coaches long, if I'm not mistaken. [/QUOTE]
Yeah, but as I understand it, there was a bit of improvisation over the prepared lyrics.
tomchristie22 · Member since
It'd be interesting to find out what led to the studio version being so different. Based on its campness, it seems like Freddie must've been instrumental in taking Brian's blues song in that direction. That then raises the question of who came up with the rewritten lyrics, Brian or Freddie...
Holly2003 · Member since
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Train
UFO covered it, as did Elvis Presley.
. · Member since
Holly2003 · Member since
Yep, we all know that because Brian has mentioned it before but the conversation here is about the lyrical improv and I was pointing out where some of that came from.
. · Member since
Ok, link removed.
tomchristie22 · Member since
Yeah, I knew of the Mystery Train lyric lift. I was thinking of the studio version as the rewritten version, since it was recorded in 74, after the other version had already been done on tour in 73. I guess we can't say for sure which was actually written first, though.
