The Show Must Go On

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The Show Must Go On (Queen, 1991)
[Intro]
Bm G Em F# Em
[Verse 1]
Empty Bmspaces - what are we living for
abandoned Gplaces - I guess we know the score
Emon and on, does F#anybody know what we are Emlooking for?
Another Bmhero, another mindless crime
behind the Gcurtain, in the pantomime
Emhold the line, does F#anybody want to take it anyEmmore?
[Chorus]
The show must go Bmon, the show must go Gon, yeah,
inEmside my heart is breaking
my F#make-up may be flaking
but my smEmile still Bmstays on.
[Verse 2]
Whatever C#mhappens, I'll leave it all to chance
another hAeartache, another failed romance
F#mon and on, does G#anybody know what we are liF#mving for?
I guess I'm C#mlearning, I must be warmer now,
I'll soon be Aturning, round the corner now
outF#mside the dawn is breaking
but G#inside in the dark I'm aching F#mto be free.Em  
[Chorus]
The show must go Bmon, the show must go Gon, yeah,
inEmside my heart is breaking
my F#make-up may be flaking
but my smEmile still Bmstays on.
[Solo]
|(Bm) | Bm| G| G|
| Em| F#| Em|
[Bridge]
FMy soul is pGainted like the wEmings of butterAmfliesG  
FFairytales of Gyesterday will Emgrow but never dAmie
C#m7b5I can fly - Dmy frDsus4iends.D  
[Chorus]
N.C. Bm  G  
The show must go on, yeah, the show must go on,
I'll Emface it with a grin
I'm F#never giving in
o - Emon with the show.
[Solo]
| Bm| Bm| G| G  
[Outro]
I'll Emtop the bill, I'll overkill,
F#I have to find the will to carry oEmn.
The show must go Bmon.
All chords in this song (13)

The story behind the song

This powerful song, mainly written by Brian May, captures a profound sense of resolve in the face of immense personal struggle. The lyrics use metaphors and allusions to express a determination to continue despite physical decline, with lines like "my make-up may be flaking" and "my smile still stays on" reflecting a brave front. It evolved from a simple chord sequence into a piece that allowed the band to address difficult subjects, inspired by Freddie Mercury's insistence on keeping the title. At its heart, it's a testament to enduring spirit and the will to perform, no matter the cost.

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About The Show Must Go On Chords by Queen

Learn how to play The Show Must Go On by Queen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Show Must Go On chords”, “The Show Must Go On guitar chords”, or “Queen The Show Must Go On chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Show Must Go On chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Show Must Go On lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bm, G, Em, F#, C#m, A.

FAQ — The Show Must Go On by Queen

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Can I transpose "The Show Must Go On" to a different key?

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Can I see chord diagrams for "The Show Must Go On"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Show Must Go On" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Show Must Go On" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "The Show Must Go On" in?

The chords for "The Show Must Go On" show the original chord names (including Bm, G, Em, F#, C#m, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.