Say It's Not True

Album: The Cosmos Rocks (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the first Queen single to feature vocalist Paul Rodgers, who was always billed as a guest and not the replacement for Freddie Mercury - hence the use of Queen + Paul Rodgers, not just Queen. It was released for free download on December 1, 2007, which was World AIDS Day. The CD single came out on the 31st of the same month, with all proceeds going to Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity.
  • All proceeds from the CD single went to Nelson Mandela's AIDS charity 46664. The band were always heavily involved with the 46664 charity, and the song was actually debuted live way back in November 2003 with Roger Taylor on solo vocals as part of the first 46664 concert. This format for the song stayed that way through the 2005/6 Queen + Paul Rodgers tour, but when the single was recorded and in subsequent performances after this, all three members (May, Taylor and Rodgers) all performed vocals.
  • In the UK, this song reached just #90. It took a hit on the charts because it was made available as a free download from QueenOnline.com, and free downloads don't factor on the charts.

Comments: 1

  • Jfv from Philadelphia, PaSubsequent to its release as a download single in December 2007, the song was also included as track 12 on the CD "The Cosmos Rocks". Well before the studio version was released, a live version of this song appeared on "Return Of The Champions". On that version, Roger Taylor performs all of the lead vocals, whereas on the studio version, Taylor, Brian May and Paul Rodgers share the lead vocal parts. The first of the song's three choruses is the only one to begin with the line "Say it ain't true". Every other chorus starts with the song's title, "Say it's not true".
    ~ JFV, Philadelphia ~
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Gray

David GraySongwriter Interviews

David Gray explains the significance of the word "Babylon," and talks about how songs are a form of active imagination, with lyrics that reveal what's inside us.

Sam Phillips

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?