Lennon's "Mother" an influence on Bo Rhap?

Perhaps coincidence, or perhaps not, but the verse of "Mother" off John Lennon's first solo album (1970) begins in much the same way as the first verse of Bohemian Rhapsody.

While in Bo Rhap it's 'mama' rather than 'mother', the rhythm of the phrase is exactly the same. Also taking into account that a) the tempos are similar, b) both are piano-centric ballads, c) both songs deal with saying goodbye to one's mother, and d) Freddie acknowledged John Lennon as a great influence... it doesn't seem too far-fetched to propose that elements of the Lennon song seeped into Bo Rhap, consciously or otherwise on Freddie's part.

Very interesting. It's a possibility.

Anything can influence anyone, I see something but tenuous at best, maybe phrasing of the first word but that'd be all.

It's a two-syllable word - that phrasing must've been used thousands of times.

Wasn't Freddie inspired by Une Nuit a Paris by 10CC?

He could've been inspired by 20+ different pieces.

Can't see it myself.

@tomchristie22 Did you start watching "Better Things"? ;)

I'm a 10cc fan and I love Une Nuit a Paris, but the only people I've seen talking about UNaP and BR together are the guys from 10cc. Or perhaps it's been just Graham Gouldman.