In the Lap of the Gods… Revisited

From TheAlmightyGuru
Jump to: navigation, search
In the Lap of the Gods… Revisited
Artist Queen
Published 1974-11-08
Composer Freddie Mercury
Genre Progressive rock
Themes Breakup, Profound
Rating Rating-7.svg

In the Lap of the Gods… Revisited is a progressive rock song by Queen. The song was recorded in July-September of 1974 and was first released as track B7 on Sheer Heart Attack on 1974-11-08. The title ties the song to In the Lap of Gods on the same album, however, the two songs only seem to be related by their theme, not by their musical structure. This song was never released as a single, although there are some slightly different edits on compilation albums. The unedited studio recording still exists with a rough ending and banter at the end instead of the explosion, and there is also an early instrument demo recording, but neither have been released.

The music and lyrics were composed by Freddie Mercury. Freddie sings vocals, backing vocals, and plays piano. Brian plays electric guitar, sings backing vocals, piano, and backing vocals. Roger Taylor plays drums and sings backing vocals. John Deacon plays bass guitar. The song was produced by Queen and Roy Thomas Baker. I've read that this was Freddie's first attempt at creating a song which would entice the audience to sing along. Early in the band's life, the song was played as a set closer and the final "wo wo la la wos" were not repeated nearly as many times on the album.

I've heard various interpretations of the lyrics, the two most common being about a breakup with a girlfriend, and arguing with parents about career choice. Both of these ideas fit, but I haven't seen any evidence either way. Also, Freddie wasn't very straight forward with his song writing, so it could perhaps be a mix of these concepts, or neither. Ultimately, I think the song is about being unsure of your life, and, rather than letting others control you, just doing what you like and hoping for the best.

Personal

I first heard this song after I bought Sheer Heart Attack. I'm pretty sure I liked it right away, though I was a bit confused by the "Revisited" portion of the title. I love how the song starts with simple piano and drums and some falsetto from Freddie, and then grows to an entirely epic sound near the end. Brian kills it on the guitar adding to the scope from the second verse on. I used to really love the song, but, over time, the repetitiveness and vague lyrics have lessened my opinion a little, but I still really like it.

Lyrics

It's so easy, but I can't do it.
So risky, but I gotta chance it.
So funny there's nothing to laugh about.
My money that's all you want to talk about.
I can see what you want me to be,
But I'm no fool.

It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
I can see what you want me to be,
But I'm no fool.

No beginning, there's no ending.
There's no meaning in my pretending.
But, believe me life goes on and on and...
Forgive me when I ask you "where do I belong?"
You say "I (you can do it) can't (you can do it)
(You can go and) set you free from me,"
But that's not true.

It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
I can see what you want me to be,
But I'm no fool.
It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
Wo wo la la wo wo wooh
But that's not true.
It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
Wo wo la la wo wo wooh
But I'm no fool.
It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
Wo wo la la wo wo wooh
It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
Wo wo la la wo wo wooh
But I'm no fool.
It's in the lap of the gods.
Wo wo la la la wo
Wo wo la la wo wo wooh

Videos

Album version.
Live at the Odeon, Hammersmith, 1975-12-24.
Live at Wembley Stadium, 1986-07.

Links

Link-SongMeanings.png