Released 20 May 1977 Recorded 1976 | Format Vinyl record (7") Genre Glam rock, music hall | |
A-side "Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)" B-side "Tenement Funster"
"White Queen (As It Began)" | ||
"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" is the third single and the eighth track from the British rock band Queen's 1976 album A Day at the Races, written by Freddie Mercury. It was one of several British music hall-inspired songs composed by members of the band.
Contents
Background and composition
The song begins with a piano and vocal introduction by Mercury, then continues, with the bass and drums adding on, at the start of the chorus. The second verse is sung, followed by another chorus. At this point, the drums, bass and guitar drop out, which then leads into the bridge, sung by Freddie Mercury and Mike Stone. Following the Brian May guitar solo, another verse is sung, and then the chorus ends the track.
The song describes how "a good old-fashioned lover boy" will romance with an unnamed love interest, especially at night.
Live performances and other appearances
It was partially mimed by the band for the BBC and aired on Top of the Pops. The Top of the Pops version also has drummer Roger Taylor singing Mike Stone's line.
The song was also performed live from A Day at the Races Tour until the end of the News of the World Tour. It was performed in a medley after "Killer Queen", and was the first two verses, followed by the final chorus.