Queen – Keep Yourself Alive

This is a song about simply staying alive. The message of the song: Staying alive is more important than being rich or famous. It boils down to “being yourself” instead of what everyone else wants you to be.

“Keep Yourself Alive” was largely ignored upon its release and failed to chart on either side of the Atlantic. In July 1975 the song was re-released in the US backed with “Lily of the Valley” and “God Save the Queen”.

Written by guitarist Brian May, it is the opening track on the band’s self-titled debut album (1973). It was released as Queen’s first single along with “Son and Daughter” as the B-side.

In live performances, Mercury would often sing the line “all you people keep yourself alive” (which is sung only two times in the studio version) in place of the more-repeated line “take you all your time and a money honey you’ll survive”.

“Keep Yourself Alive” – Single by Queen from the album Queen
B-side: “Son and Daughter”
Released: 6 July 1973 (UK); 8 October 1973 (US)
Recorded: June–November 1972 at Trident Studios
Songwriters: Brian May
Producers: John Anthony, Roy Thomas Baker, Queen

Musicians:
Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, tambourine (live performances)
Brian May – guitars, lead vocals on middle eight, backing vocals
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion, tambourine, cowbell, lead vocals on middle eight, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar