"WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS"

WHO ARE THE CHAMPIONS? 

     The song “We Are the Champions” was written by the rock and roll legend Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen. The song was first released in 1977 and has been heard by millions around the world. Even though Freddie died on November 24, 1991, the world has not heard the last of this great musical talent. He was a flamboyant performer and is remembered as one of the greatest talents the world has ever known.

     Any great piece of music has multiple meanings. Therefore “We Are the Champions” has presented the world with a public debate concerning the meaning of the lyrics.  Some argue that Freddie was strictly referring to his life and the lives of the band members, whereas others believe the meaning goes much deeper. They believe he was referring to all gays as champions.

     There is no doubt he dreamed of the day when the lyrics of all his songs would be understood because he placed messages in the lyrics. Through his lyrics he addressed the struggles of gay individuals around the world. “I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I’ve come through,” he said. There is not a gay person on the planet earth who has not experienced the disrespect Freddie speaks of in his songs.

    He often spoke of the difficulties presented by living a life on the road rather than settling down to one single love affair. “It’s been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise,” he said. He chose life on the road because there he could be a greater influence to the world. He knew he had been accepted into the world’s societies because of his exception talents. But he also knew that his acceptance would make it easier for other gays who would follow.

    “We Are the Champions” was recently played by the GOP as Donald Trump made his entrance onto the stage at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The unauthorized use of the song has caused much controversy.  Since Freddie Mercury was an outspoken advocate for gay-rights, it is unlikely he would have given permission for an anti-gay American political party, particularly one that has done everything within its power to dehumanize LGBT individuals, to use his song.  There is one thing for certain Freddie—did not write this song, or any of his songs, to be used by a group of straight people to glorify themselves.  

    Many suggest that the use of this song at the anti-gay Republican Convention has caused Freddie to “turn over in his grave.” Even if this were literally true, there is a possibility that it may have had a positive affect. It is nothing less than a miracle that this song has been reintroduced to the world by an anti-gay political party. As a result, the world has gained a greater respect for the man—Freddie Mercury—and his lyrics. God does work in mysterious ways.