Who wrote the song "The Show Must Go On"?

Brian May wrote Queen’s song “The Show Must Go On.” Although the song is officially credited to Queen, May was its main writer and primary composer.

The song developed from a chord sequence played by John Deacon and Roger Taylor. May then worked with Freddie Mercury on the theme and initial lyrics, completed the melody and remaining words, and added a bridge influenced by the harmonic movement of Pachelbel’s Canon. Mercury reportedly insisted that the title remain unchanged even though May considered it predictable.

Queen recorded the song in 1990 for the album Innuendo. Mercury’s health had seriously deteriorated, and May initially doubted whether he could perform the demanding vocal. Mercury nevertheless recorded the part with remarkable intensity. The lyrics’ imagery of continuing through pain and weakness became especially poignant because Mercury’s HIV diagnosis had not yet been publicly confirmed.

Released as a single in October 1991, it was the final Queen single issued before Mercury’s death on 24 November 1991. The song is sometimes attributed solely to Mercury because of his vocal performance, but the songwriting credit and composition are associated primarily with Brian May.