I Want to Break Free | ||
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Song by Queen | ||
Released | 2 April 1984 | |
Recorded | 1983 | |
Length | 3:20 (album version) 4:24 (single version) 7:21 (12" mix) | |
Genre | Pop rock | |
Label | EMI / Capitol | |
Writer | John Deacon | |
Musicians | Freddie Mercury (Vocals), Brian May (Guitar), John Deacon (Bass), Roger Taylor (Drums) | |
Producer(s) | Queen and Mack | |
Lyrics |
I Want to Break Free is a 1984 single by Queen.
Single Chronology | |
Last single | Radio Ga Ga 1984 |
This single | I Want to Break Free 1984 |
Next single | It's A Hard Life 1984 |
Chronology | |
Last track | Machines (Or 'Back to Humans') |
This track | I Want to Break Free |
Next track | Keep Passing the Open Windows |
The sixth song and second single from The Works, "I Want to Break Free" was written by John Deacon. This pop song is known for its video, featuring all four Queen members dressed up as women, in a parody of the British soap opera Coronation Street. The idea for the clip was Taylor's. Mercury commented that 'Everybody ran into their frocks'. Deacon, the song's author, insisted he didn't want a guitar solo on the track so a synth solo was played by Mandel – live, however, May played the solo on guitar. The version used for the single and the promotional video includes an opening and instrumental bridge (after the synth solo) not part of the original mix.
Video[]
The now-iconic video was filmed at Limehouse Studios in London. It was banned by MTV in the USA for 7 years. In Canada however, it gained heavy rotation on MuchMusic.
Charts[]
Chart (1984) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (Kent Music Report) | 8 |
Austria (Ö3 Top 40) | 1 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50) | 1 |
Canada (RPM) | 26 |
France (SNEP) | 9 |
Ireland (IRMA) | 2 |
Israel (IBA) | 1 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 1 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 6 |
Portugal (AFP) | 1 |
South Africa (Springbok Radio) | 1 |
Spain (AFYVE) | 5 |
Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade) | 2 |
United Kingdom (Official Charts Company) | 3 |
United States (Billboard Hot 100) | 45 |
West Germany (Official German Charts) | 4 |