Queen Info Database
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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
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