Released 10 February 1978 Genre Hard rock | Format 7" Length 4:32 | |
B-side "Sheer Heart Attack" (Europe) Recorded 1977 at Sarm West and Wessex Studios | ||
"Spread Your Wings" is a ballad by the rock band Queen, from their 1977 album News of the World. Written by bassist John Deacon, it was released as the A side of the single Spread Your Wings/Sheer Heart Attack in 1978. It features Freddie Mercury on the piano and vocals, Brian May on the electric guitar, Roger Taylor on the drums, and John Deacon on the bass guitar. A live version of the song appears in the band's 1979 album Live Killers. The song peaked at number 34 in the UK. A live BBC radio session recording features a unique speeded-up final section of the song.
Contents
The song is in 4/4 meter, and begins with a simple piano motif in D major, modulating down to D's relative key B minor in the bridge, and returning to D in the chorus.
The lyrics of the song describe a troubled young man named Sammy who works at The Emerald Bar, sweeping the floor. The narrator (Freddie Mercury) of the song encourages Sammy to pursue his dreams, telling him to "spread your wings and fly away".
"Spread Your Wings" was not released as a single in North America. It was, however, featured as a B-side to Queen's 1980 hit, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (#1 U.S.).
Personnel
Cover versions
This song was covered by German power metal band Blind Guardian on their 1992 album Somewhere Far Beyond. The same recording reappeared on their 1996 album The Forgotten Tales.