The Miracle by Queen

Album: The Miracle (1989)

Charted: 21

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Songfacts®:

Freddie Mercury was the principle composer of this song, though John Deacon contributed some of the chords and all four of the band members came up with lyrical ideas. It was the fifth and last single from The Miracle album.
This is a lighthearted song with simple lyrics. Freddie Mercury sings of God's magnificent creations and how beautiful they are, such as, "The Taj Mahal," "Test tube babies being born," "the Hanging Gardens of Babylon," "Captain Cook," "Cain and Abel" and "Jimi Hendrix." Many see this as not only Mercury's appreciation of life so close to his eventual death, but as a subtle nod to Jimi Hendrix, who he has often cited as being an inspiration to him, Queen, and many others.
Freddie Mercury pleads during the song for "Peace on Earth and end to war" and a day "when we can all be friends" - Mercury has suggested peace on Earth throughout his career, but this is clearly the most noticeable use of the message, as it is the central theme of the song. >>
Suggestion credit:
James - Vancouver, Canada, for all above
In Hard 'N' Heavy video magazine (1989, vol. 3), Brian May said: "We got pasted to the wall for this in England. Everybody hated it, for some reason. It's very uncool to be idealistic in Britain, I suppose, at the moment, and they said, 'How can they talk about peace,' and all that sort of stuff, then of course, China happened and everything. It seems very relevant to us."

Roger Taylor added: "In England 'idealism' is 'naivety,' which is wrong, it's not. There's nothing wrong with idealism. Nick Lowe wrote that great song, great title - 'What's so bad about peace, love and understanding,' yeah, and what is so bad about."

Comments: 9

Cribo from ManchesterDon’t get me wrong, this is a great song, both musically and (mostly) lyrically but some of the lyrics are nonsensical. It talks about human creations, like the Taj Mahal and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and then says “Mother Nature does it all for us”, but hey, since when do song lyrics have to make sense - I still love the song!
Erling from Lillehammer, Norway I wonder what the young queen-members looks like now. Great music video though!
Maristella from PhilippinesThe Miracle is a lovely song with an exceptional music video. The lyrics are wonderfully put together and really shows just how brilliant Queen is. The song is full of idealism and optimism, but hey, who doesn't want a better world for everyone? The kid versions of the band did a fantastic job! Freddie is noticeably thinner here but still his dashing self. I specially liked that tender moment he put his arm on the boy's shoulders (4:39). My admiration and respect for Queen grows every time I hear great songs like this. Queen never ceases to amaze me.
Jfv from Philadelphia, PaThe greek word for "wonder", which is "thaumata" is more literally translated as "miracle". The song's second verse references the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Mary from Rochester, MnIt has a really cool music video, too. Look-a-like kids play the four band members.
Ryan from Eaton, InThe synth-bass line that serves as an intro to the bridge is the same bass line intro to Freddie's "Let's Turn It On" from his 'Mr Bad Guy' album.
Matt from Pinetown, South AfricaThe Golden Gate they refer to, is it the bridge in San Francisco, of the Golden Gate mountain range in the Orange Free State of South Africa? (the latter is better...)
Alex from Midland, MiCool song. This was realeaed in 1989, and was first heard in a tour.
Alex from Midland, MiI like this song, it is so cool, thought princes of the unoverse from queen is better.

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