Brian May - Collaborations
1967 - 1988

This page features details of Brian May's collaborations with other artists, recorded between 1967 and 1988. If you can provide further details, please email me.

 

Queen Solo Tracks
Freddie Mercury - Love Kills
Freddie Mercury - She Blows Hot And Cold (Alternative Version)
The Cross - Love Lies Bleeding

Collaborations Featuring Multiple Band Members
Eddie Howell - The Man From Manhattan
Trax - Unknown
Ian Hunter - You Nearly Did Me In
Bad News - Bohemian Rhapsody
Anita Dobson - I Dream Of Christmas and Silly Christmas

Other Collaborations
The Left Handed Marriage - Appointment, I Need Time, She Was Once My Friend, Give Me Time, Sugar Lump Girl and Yours Sincerely
Jonathan Kelly - Fork In The Road
Lonnie Donegan - Diggin' My Potatoes and I'm Just A Rolling Stone
Heavy Pettin' - Lettin' Loose (LP) - In And Out Of Love | Love On The Run | Love Times Love | Rock Me | Shout It Out
Jeffrey Osbourne - Stay With Me Tonight and Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right
Billy Squier - (Another) 1984
Chris Thompson - Shift In The Wind (parts 1 & 2)
Minako Honda - Golden Days and Crazy Nights
Ramoncin - Como En Susurro
Bad News - Bad News (LP)
Meat Loaf - A Time For Heroes
Steve Hackett - Slot Machine, Cassandra and Don't Fall In Love With Me
Phenomena - A Whole Lot Of Love and What About Love
Anita Dobson - Talking Of Love (LP)

Brian may also appear on the track 'Electric Rumba' by French artist Jose Lucas, from 1987, although this is unconfirmed (Brian himself has no memory of it).

Appointment
The Left Handed Marriage, 1967. Brian plays guitar and sings backing vocals. Song length 2:34
Written by Bill Richards. Only released in 1993 on the album 'Crazy Chain'.
Lyrics:
You come home from late night parties
Tiptoe kiss, there's nothing that you miss
Chased by all the rich at parties
Do you leave sometime at three

Now we've lost our old enjoyment
I'm your friend, I don't need an appointment
You know all the latest songs to sing
Social tramp, political land

You can talk on almost anything
But you rise in your conversation
I know I'm no great excitement
I'm your friend, I don't need an appointment

Well you try to get by
Without your friends you've left behind

Folks you meet who smile so sweet
Can be unkind to you and even let you down
Average craze, can only last nine days
This week on the sights and nights of town
Whatever next you're just out of context

Please forgive all this discouragement
I'm your friend, I don't need an appointment
But you try to get by
Without your friends you've left behind

Folks you meet who smile so sweet
Can be unkind to you and I won't help you
All avoid all that is destroyed
So before you vanish out of view
Ivory tower can you spare an hour

Life goes on but spare the sentiment
I'm your friend, I don't need an appointment

Appointment
Appointment

I Need Time
The Left Handed Marriage, 1967. Brian plays guitar and sings backing vocals. Song length 3:11
Written by Bill Richards and Brian May. Only released in 1993 on the album 'Crazy Chain'.
Lyrics:
Time never was my best friend
To the end it will try to catch me out
Even the light of sunrise hurts my eyes
I don't know what each day's about

I need time and in time I'll catch up with the rest
I'll do my best as long as I can take my
Time to work out where I've gone somehow wrong
In the life that was so good

People shall tax me so fast till I blast
I don't know a thing I should

I need time and in time I'll catch up with the rest
I'll do my best as long as I can take my
Time to recall happiness lest I lose it all

Time to start sorting my brain into lanes
Simply must break through that wall

Now on the stage spinning plates, as it takes
And he finds he has them all

I need time and in time I'll catch up with the rest
I'll do my best as long as I can take my time

Time to sit back think it out, round about
Without running everywhere
And if I get in their way they'll just say
It's your life why should we care

I need time and in time I'll catch up with the rest
I'll do my best as long as I can take my time

She Was Once My Friend
The Left Handed Marriage, 1967. Brian plays guitar and sings some backing vocals. Song length 3:12
Written by Bill Richards. Only released in 1993 on the album 'Crazy Chain'.
This track has a virtually identical guitar intro to 'Earth' by Smile.
Lyrics:
The vicar with his battered suitcase
Stops the paperboy to make sure
That it's Sunday, no-one else knows
Bicycles crash where the wind blows

In the hall of my window
Lives the silence of my teeth on edge
People stare as though I'm jumping
Do they want to help or something?

She was once my friend
Friends aren't made too fast
She was once my friend
A friend that didn't last

I was radio's noisy adverts
At my ears and spoiled my shaving
Life is hard and life is horrid
Life is sometimes not worth saving

Statement from the bank
And open letters that won't get replies
Told them all I've lost a lover and a friend
And that was some surprise

She was once my friend
Friends aren't made too fast
She was once my friend
A friend that didn't last

The day she went away
Was not a sunny day

As I pass my weary eyes
Down pages packed with cultural interest
I recall a winter of warts
And midnight jobs
And things that we liked best

I would not ask many favours
Just nice smiles and funny ways
Of songs of burning and songs of yearning
Muddled me, the bitter taste of space

She was once my friend
Friends aren't made too fast
She was once my friend
A friend that didn't last

The day she went away
Was not a sunny day

She was once my friend, my friend for life
And what a life, believe me
She was once my friend, my friend for life
And what a life, believe me

She was once my friend for life
I'm crying, for a life so dying
She was once my friend, my friend for life
And what a life

Give Me Time
Sugar Lump Girl
Yours Sincerely
The Left Handed Marriage, 1967. All remain unreleased, and feature Brian playing guitar.

Fork In The Road
Jonathan Kelly, 1968-1973 (exact date unknown). Brian plays Guitar. Currently unreleased.
Although this track is often credited to being recorded around 1990, according to the author of Jonathan Kelly's website, it was recorded around 1973, when Brian was still in Smile, alongside three other tracks. This was also confirmed by Brian (or at least, when asked, he did not deny it). However, Brian was in Queen in 1973, not Smile, which would mean the recording could have been anytime between 1968-1973.

Diggin' My Potatoes
I'm Just A Rolling Stone
Lonnie Donegan, 1977. Brian plays guitar
The original album 'Puttin' On The Style' included the track 'Diggin My Potatoes', whereas the 2007 CD reissue included both tracks.

Lettin' Loose
Heavy Pettin, 1983.
The album was produced by Brian May and Mack, and engineered by Mack.
Three singles were released:

In And Out Of Love
Heavy Pettin, 1983. Produced by Brian May and Mack. Length 3:25.
Written by Gary Moat, Gordon Bonnar & Hayman
Lyrics:
I understand your meaning
I take your point real good
You want me to sit up and beg girl
Take it as understood

I don't control the system
That makes your body sweat
Oh, I want you to love me
Every night, everywhere

(In and out of love) she told me she loved me
(But love is not enough) oh, lead me away
(In and out of love) I've gone all to pieces
She can't hear a word that I say

(Nothing that I say)
In and out of love
(Nothing that I say)
In and out of love

I only wanted your body
I only wanted to squeeze
Oh I wanna be loved girl
See some action with you

I need a woman that's right, yeah
So get down on your knees
In the middle of the night
You'll be begging me please

(In and out of love) she told me to love her
(But love is not enough) oh, lead me away
(In and out of love) I've gone all to pieces
She can't hear a word, come on, come on, come on, let it go

(In and out of love) she told me to love her
(But love is not enough) oh, lead me away
(In and out of love) I've gone all to pieces
She can't hear a word, nothing that I say

(Nothing that I say)
In and out of love, that's what I say
(Nothing that I say)
I've been in and out of love
(Nothing that I say)
She told me to love her
(Nothing that I say)
She took me in and out of love
(Nothing that I say)

Love On The Run
Heavy Pettin, 1983. Produced by Brian May and Mack. Length 4:02
Written by Punky Mendoza, Gary Moat, Hayman
Lyrics:
Sounds like it always did
But nothing ever stays the same
People trying to change my life
Hear voices inside my brain

Oh, I know the score round here
I'll tell you what you want to hear
My life in black and white
The price a 'lil can of beer

Tease me (wild horses)
Use me (won't stop me)
Gotta (keep rocking), yeah, yeah

Love them (that's easy)
Leave them (unknown lyrics)
And I say
As long as they're breathin'

I met a girl about five foot two
Long blonde hair, eyes of blue
I wanted her to be mine all mine
She said "another place in another time"

'Cos you tease me (wild horses)
Use me (won't stop me)
Gotta (keep rocking), yeah, yeah

Love them (that's easy)
Leave them (unknown lyrics)
And I say
As long as they're breathin'

Love on the run
Sure is hell, but it sure is fun
Love on the run
Can't you hear me coming like a loaded gun
Shoot out

I like my music hard and loud
I live too fast and I'm young and proud
Keep on trying to get it right
But it still turns out the same

Keep on shooting me those lines
About chasing women's a waste of time
I know you're right but in my heart
When the night time comes then the women start

Tease me (wild horses)
Use me (won't stop me)
Gotta (keep rocking), yeah, yeah

Love them (that's easy)
Leave them (unknown lyric)
And I say
As long as they're breathin', breathin'

Yeah, love on the run
Sure is hell, but it sure is fun
Love on the run
Can't you hear me coming
Like a loaded gun
Shoot me

Yeah
All right
Tease me
Use me
I gotta
(Ain't no stopping)

Love them
Leave them
And I say

Love on the run
Sure is hell, but it sure is fun
Love on the run
Can't you hear me coming

Love on the run
Sure is hell, but it sure is fun
Love on the run
Can't you hear me coming
I'm like a loaded gun

All right, yeah
Yeah
Ha, ha
One down
Ow
Ow

Love Times Love
Heavy Pettin, 1983. Produced by Brian May and Mack. Length 3:58
Written by Gary Moat & Gordon Bonnar
Lyrics:
Too much
Hey

Knocking on the door was the last thing I remember
I woke up in her arms
I want her to kiss my body the way she said I'm sorry
She took me with her charms
On a night like this I could hardly remember
Hardly remember where I'd been
On a night like this you would never believe me
Never believe what I'd seen

I said love times love (love times love)
The love you gave to me
Love times love (love times love)
Love was all you were after, look what happened to me, yeah
Look what happened to me, yeah
Oh look what happened to, ow

Sitting in a barroom trying to drown my sorrows
I found out she was gone
Then in runs a man, eh, trying to get my spunk up
When I showed him just where to get off
At a time like this who wants to pick a fight
When you feel like you should be dead
At a time like this "ain't seen it" he cried
Thinking about the good times, good times ahead

Love times love (love times love)
The love you gave to me
Love times love (love times love)
Love was all you were after, look what happened to me

And knocking on the door was the last thing I remember
Woke up in her arms
I want her to kiss my body the way she said I'm sorry
She took me with her charms
On a night like this I could hardly remember
Hardly remember where I'd been
On a night like this you would never believe me
Never believe what I'd seen

I said love times love (love times love)
The love you gave to me
Love times love, sing it (love times love)
Love was all you were after, look what happened to me

Rock Me
Heavy Pettin, 1983. Produced by Brian May and Mack. Length 3:09
Written by Gary Moat, Gordon Bonnar & Hayman
Lyrics:
Into the night
Star shining bright
Leave your crowd drawn and ready
Too late to see
If it's all meant to be
But it's too late
When the lights comes down

Into the light
On a hot summer night
Hear the crowd drawn and ready
It's there to see
And it's all meant to be
So get it right rock steady

(They've all been waiting) anticipating
(No turning back now) so get on with the show
(Just get on up now) get down and rock'n'roll

Ow, ow
Ow, ow

(Rock me) oh now, just let it go
(Rock me) get out
(Rock me) and let your feelings show
(Rock) and roll

I've got somethin' now I'm gonna give you

(They've all been waiting) anticipating
(No turning back now) so get on with the show
(Just get on up now) get down and rock'n'roll

Ow, ow

(Rock me) oh now, just let it go
(Rock me) well let your feelings show
(Rock me) I want to see some action
Baby let go
Oh, I'm gonna let it go
Now rock me

I'm never gonna stop

Shout It Out
Heavy Pettin, 1983. Produced by Brian May and Mack. Length 3:38
Written by Gary Moat, Gordon Bonnar & Hayman
Lyrics:
Ohhhh, yeah

You're trying hard to express yourself
Think you know just what it's about
Then someone tells you that you're way out of line
And you don't know what you're singing about
Well, well, well
Let me tell you something, maybe it's news to you
I'm in a rock 'n' roll band
I'm gonna growl, I'm gonna scream and shout
Maybe let it get out of hand

Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out

Back on the road again, bright lights
It's the life we all dream about
It never changes, it's still the same
It's the life I can't live without
It's another hall in another town
The people they're still the same
If they liked you once they'll like you twice
Then come back again and again

Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out
Hit it

Ohh, yeah
Ow
Ahhhhhh

You're trying hard to express yourself
Think you know just what it's about
Then someone tells you that you're way out of line
That you don't know what you're singing about
Well, well, well

Let me tell you something, maybe it's news to you
I'm in a rock 'n' roll band
Yeah you, you're gonna growl, you're gonna scream and shout
Maybe let it get out of hand
Maybe let it get out of hand

Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out
Shout it out

I said shout it out (shout it out, shout it out)
Shout it out (shout it out, shout it out)
You gotta shout it out (shout it out, shout it out)
Ha, ha, shout it out
Two, three, four

Stay With Me Tonight
Jeffrey Osbourne, 1983, from the album 'Stay With Me Tonight'. Brian plays guitar.
Released as a single, which reached no. 18 in the charts.
The lyrics below are probably for the Original version, length 5:00.
Available Versions:
1. Original Version (unknown length) (on the album and 7" single only)
2. Extended Version (unknown length) (on the first 12" single only)
3. Club (or Dub) Version (unknown length) (on the second 12" single only)
4. Froggy Mix (unknown length) (on 'You Should Be Mine' 12" single only)
Lyrics:
Another morning, you are on my mind
Takin' up my time throughout the day
I try control, every chance I see
Always you with me, that's in my dreams
You give me fever, love I can't explain
Fire uncontained, what is this, girl?
I try to fight, but I never win
Seems I just give in to your embrace

But oh, you try so hard not to say
Oh, all the things you do to me, and girl, oh
Oh, my love can't be concealed, girl, you know the deal
Baby, stay with me tonight

At my apartment, you've come to the door
Quarter after four AM, hello
We start to kiss, ooh we start to neck
You know what comes next, and you love it, girl
But oh, what we have it feels so good
Oh, and we both knew that it would, and girl
Oh, oh, the feeling is so right, please come hold me tight
Baby, stay with me tonight

'Cos you give me special joy
Oh, make me feel just like a schoolboy, girl
Oh, give me feelings of delight
Please turn out the light
Baby, stay with me tonight

'Cos I love you
You know I really do love you, girl
It's been my innermost fantasy
To share and care and to give my love to you through the night

You call me crazy, maybe that is true
But what can I do, I love you, girl
You got me movin', movin' left and right
Deep within the night, come here, my dear
You give me fever, love I can't explain
Fire uncontained, what is this, girl?
I try to fight, but I never win
Seems I just give in to your embrace

But oh, oh I pray you never leave, oh
'Cos my heart would surely grieve so, girl
Oh, and you know I would not lie, girl, you are my pride
Baby, stay with me tonight

'Cos you give me special joy
Oh, make me feel just like a schoolboy, girl, oh
Oh, the feeling is so right, please come hold me tight
Baby, stay with me tonight

Yeah, yeah
Need you by my side, baby
Oh, baby stay with me tonight

Oh, oh, ooh
Baby stay with me tonight
Oh, oh, ooh, baby

Ooh, ooh
Baby, baby, baby, yeah
I wanna run my fingers through your hair
Whisper sweet things in your ear
Oh, ooh
Stay with me tonight
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Baby, stay with me tonight

Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right
Jeffrey Osbourne, 1983, from the album 'Stay With Me Tonight'. Brian plays guitar. Length 4:45.
Lyrics:
You got mad at your man tonight
So you're out to get revenge now
You walked in and you busted him
Messing with your best friend
I saw the look that was on your face
You're so determined to make him pay
You wanna fight fire with fire
But that ain't the way, no
If you ask me girl I think you're going too far
I'm gonna give you some advice that's straight from my heart
I'm tellin' you

Two wrongs don't make a right
So don't you give up your love tonight
Take some time, talk it out (talk it out)
Before it's too late, ohh (check it out)

Things aren't always the way they seem
When you think that you've been cheated
Maybe you weren't where you should have been
To give him what he needed
Your so-called girlfriend was on the move
She made it hard for him to refuse
She offered hot love and desire
Now who do you blame, oh
Do you take it out on him, girl are you sure
That you wanna give your love away to even the score
Remember

Two wrongs don't make a right
So don't you give up your love tonight
Maybe you should think twice
Don't make a mistake, no
Two wrongs don't make a right
Don't do nothing you'll regret tonight
Take some time, talk it out (talk it out)
Before it's too late, oh (check it out)

And before you do something you'll be sorry for
Girl I think you'd better be sure
You know temptation can be great, oh yeah
It knows how to sneak it's way into your life
It's calling out to you tonight
There's still a chance that you can save
Your love before it's too late

If you ask me girl I think you're going too far
I'm gonna give you some advice that's straight from my heart
I keep trying to make you understand
You don't have to go and get revenge

'Cos two wrongs don't make a right
So don't you give up your love tonight
Maybe you should think twice
Don't make a mistake, no

Two wrongs don't make a right
Don't do nothing you'll regret tonight
Take some time, talk it out (talk it out)
Before it's too late, oh (check it out)

Two wrongs don't make a right
So don't you give up your love tonight
Maybe you should think twice
Don't make a mistake, no

Two wrongs don't make a right
Don't do nothing you'll regret tonight
Take some time talk it out

(Another) 1984
Billy Squier, 1984, from the album 'Signs Of Life'. Brian plays Guitar.
Appears on the album 'Reach For The Sky - The Anthology' and may appear on 'The Best Of Billy Squier'
'Signs Of Life' was later released as part of a double CD pack with 'Emotions In Motion'
Length 4:53
Lyrics:
From over the air comes a voice without care
Says we’re doin’ all right
But day out and day in from what he’s been sayin’
We’re in for a fight
I glance at myself and the world rushin’ by
I can see for myself and the fear comes alive
Shades of termination, we’re dyin’ to survive

1984
1984

Machine is the mind, it will rule by design
So you’re never alone
We store information without confirmation
Accept the unknown
I think to myself of the times we have tried
To be true to ourselves and to live with the lie
Avoid the contradictions, just keep yourself alive

1984
1984
1984
1984

I can’t help it (ahh, ahh)
I can’t help it (ahh, ahh)
I can’t help it
Life is your decision, we choose to do or die
Can you live with the reality of 1985?

Polite conversation ain’t no consolation
For blanks in your eyes
Amidst the confusion there lives the illusion
That love will survive
But I got a chance with myself if I try
To be sure of myself and myself choose to try
Fight for stimulation and love to stay alive

1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984
1984

Shift In The Wind (parts 1 & 2)
Chris Thompson, 1984, from the album 'Radio Voices'. Brian plays Guitar. Song length 4:19+.
Also appears on the album 'The Best Of Chris Thompson'
Lyrics:
In this world
Being me
Find ourselves
The key

With these hands
Touching songs
Reaching out
For goals

Reaching out for goals
So many times you've left untold
What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind

Children die
Every minute
The price is high
Well isn't it?

When you know
There's food for all
The time has come
The nations call

Calling out for goals
So many times you've left untold
What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind

Making a good life
Making a good life for all
Making a good life
Making a good life for all

What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind
What we need
Is a shift in the wind

Golden Days
Minako Honda, 1986, Brian wrote, produced and plays guitar. Song length 4:04.
Released as a single, b/w Crazy Nights
A Japanese version of the track was also released in Japan only.
This track may appear on the albums 'Dispa 1987', 'The Best Of Minako Honda' and 'Best Now'
Brian May remixed this track for the 2006 album 'Kokoro Wo Komete I', which was released after Minako Honda's death.
Lyrics:
Golden corn waving in the sun
Golden days unaware we run
Well I won't forget the sound
Golden dreams shattered on the ground

Oh I miss you
Golden days
Oh you'll never know
Golden days

In the sunshine of this year
I remember your face so clear
If you want, we can journey back
Find the traces of our golden days

Golden days
Golden days
How I miss you
Those golden days

Say you hear me
Say your heart beats
Say your love burns on in the rain
And I hold you
And I’ll touch you once again

Golden corn waving in the sun
Golden days unaware we run

Golden days
Golden days
How I miss you
Those golden days
Golden days
Golden days

Crazy Nights
Minako Honda, 1986, Brian wrote, produced and plays guitar. Song length 4:17.
Available as the B-side to 'Golden Days'
A Japanese version of the track was also released in Japan only.
This track may appear on the albums 'Dispa 1987', 'The Best Of Minako Honda' and 'Best Now'
Lyrics:
You wrote me a letter
You called me your friend
You made me feel better
Until you got to the end

You sounded so lazy
Never could fight
I used to be crazy baby
To let you in my life

(Crazy nights) Love leave the light on
(Crazy nights) We kiss and we fight on
(Crazy nights) Wearing the bedclothes
(Crazy nights) But I can forget those crazy nights
Got to be the best nights of our lives (crazy nights)

You took me to Venice
You took me to Rome
I beat you at tennis
So you sent me home

When you're feeding your ego
You treat me so nice
But mainly where we go baby
I'm lying there seeing your lies

(Crazy nights) Ooh got to care me
(Crazy nights) Nothing to save me
(Crazy nights) You put under pressure
(Crazy nights) Baby better guess your crazy nights
Got to be the best nights of our lives
Crazy nights, crazy nights
Crazy
One two three four one let's go

I shouldn't find your letter, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm telling no lies
I got to be dead and buried
To let you leave my life (let you leave my life)

(Crazy nights) Love leave the light on, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Crazy nights) We kiss we kiss we kiss and we fight on
(Crazy nights) You put under pressure
(Crazy nights) Baby better guess your crazy nights
Got to be the best nights of our lives

(Crazy nights) Mainiti mainiti baby
(Crazy nights) Nanikao
(Crazy nights) Nakushite
(Crazy nights)
Sagashite itamonowa
Jibun kamo shirenai

Crazy nights
Crazy nights
Crazy
Crazy, crazy, crazy

Crazy nights
Ah, ah, ah, ah
So crazy, so crazy
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy nights
So crazy, so crazy, so crazy
Ah, ah, ah, ah
So crazy, so crazy
So crazy, so crazy

So crazy
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy nights
So crazy, so crazy
Ooohh, ooh, ooooh
So crazy
Ah, ah, ah, ah
So crazy, so crazy

Como En Susurro
Ramoncin, 1986, from the album La Vida En El Filo. Brian plays guitar. Album version 5:01.
Lyrics are in Spanish. Released as a 7" single in Spain only but also available on iTunes on the album 'Coleccion Privada'
Lyrics:
Como un susurro que recorre la ciudad
Así me llega el recuerdo de ti.

Una luz que se quiebra en la oscuridad
Un gemido que rompe el silencio.
Como el aire te quiero para respirar
Sin tus ojos mi vida no brilla.

Un deseo se apaga buscándote amor
Como una piedra me dejas sin vida.
No puedo dejar de querer
No quiero cambiarte por nada.

Gritare hasta que salga el sol
Moriré si no estas a mi lado.
Quiero ver lo que tu ves
Y tocar lo que tu tocas
Acariciar toda tu piel
Y tenerte en mi boca
Como la sangre
Que no tiene por donde pasar
Así se queda mi vida sin ti.
Una luz que se quiebra en la oscuridad
Una lagrima triste no llega a caer.
A mi lado te siento siempre
Por mi espalda te noto llegar

Bad News (LP)
Bad News, 1987
Brian produced the album and three additional non-album tracks
Please click here for full details of all tracks

A Time For Heroes
Meat Loaf, 1987. Brian plays Guitar. Original Version 5:03
Written by M. Scott Sotebeer, Jon Lyons and Rik Emmett.
Released in the USA only, backed with an instrumental version by Tangerine Dream.
This was the official theme music of the 1987 International Summer Special Olympic Games.
Also available on the Germany only CD 'Back Into Hell - The Very Best Of Meat Loaf, volume 2'.
Recording Notes
Produced and arranged by Jon Lyons
Executive Producer: M. Scott Sotebeer
Associate Producer: John Van Tongreen
Mixed by Jay Rifkin and Jon Lyons at the Hit Factory, New York
Recorded at the Hit Factory (New York, USA), The Record Plant and West Lake Audio (Los Angeles, USA), and Sine Wave Studios (Birmingham, England)
Musicians
Meat Loaf (Lead vocals)
Brian May (Lead guitar)
Bob Kulick (Rhythm guitar)
John Van Tongreen (Piano and Synths)
Jon Lyons (Bass, Acoustic guitar and additional Keyboards and Synths)
Gina Ricci, Amy Goff, Elaine Goff (Backing vocals)
Lyrics:
We search for an answer
And when it appears
We can challenge the world
With our sweat and our tears

Through winning and losing
Oh, the brave never bend
And the hero keeps fighting
Standing tall in the end

And time can heal anything, it can mend any fall
It's the moment of truth that's facing us all
And it's time for the hero to stand tall

It's a time for heroes
Time to answer the call
It's a time for heroes
In us all

We carry the flame
For all to see
And the fire and the passion of what we can be

And sometimes we must fight
Oh, but we'll never, never bend
And the hero keeps fighting
Standing tall in the end

And love can change anything, it's inside of us all
To reach out a hand now, oh, whenever we fall
It's time for the hero to stand tall

It's a time for heroes
Time to answer the call
It's a time for heroes to stand tall (oh, oh, oh)

It's a time for heroes (oh, oh, oh, oh)
When our back's to the wall
It's a time for heroes in us all

It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
Deep inside of our soul (deep inside of our soul)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)

It's a time for heroes
Time to answer the call
It's a time for heroes to stand tall (wo, oh, oh)

It's a time for heroes (oh, oh, oh, oh)
When our back's to the wall
It's a time for heroes

It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)
It's a time for heroes (it's a time for heroes)

Slot Machine
Steve Hackett, 1988. Brian sings joint-lead vocals and plays guitar. Length 4:21.
This track appears on the album 'Feedback '86'.
Lead vocals are sung by Chris Thompson.
Lyrics:
Diallogue: Would the lady care to dance?
Diallogue: Oh, yes, I'd love to

Oooooh
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Gotta reach Atlantic City
I'm a winner every day
Blackjack holds no attraction
Just one game I play

Get a grip on the handle of steel
Pull slowly, watch the wheels
When you play with a slot machine
When you play with a slot machine

It's too tough don't back the anger
A black fever takes a hold on me
I play rough don't feel the danger
Won't give, baby nothing for free

I know the number I'm dreamin' of
Its just a symbol, a matter of luck

When you play with a slot machine
(Don't you know you play with my heart)
When you play with a slot machine
(You're gonna tear it apart)
When you play with a slot machine

Stay cool hold yourself together
Keep praying that your luck's gonna turn
Don't be a fool, don't stay forever
You know you're gonna get burned

When you play with a slot machine
When you play with a slot machine (oooh)
When you play with a slot machine
(Don't you know you play with my heart)
When you play with a slot machine
Oh, no, no

When you play with a slot machine
When you play with a slot machine
When you play with a slot machine

Diallogue: Drat, I've torn my dress. Oh, really, look

Cassandra
Steve Hackett, 1988. Brian sings joint-lead vocals, with Chris Thompson. Length 4:07.
This track appears on the album 'Feedback '86'.
Another version, possibly with vocals by Steve Hackett, appears on the album 'Unauthorised Biography'. I don't know whether this second version features Brian or not.
Lyrics:
Gimme a sign
You know about the future
Tell me the reason why you look oh so sad
Somewhere in time another preminition
Or is it the memory
Of what happened in the past

Cassandra - when you cry
Cassandra - a legend dies
Cassandra - stay the night
Cassandra - till sunrise

Open the door if you can brave the danger
Haven't you seen right now what lies ahead
Nobody listens till it's too late to change it
Or was it suspicion
No matter what you said

Cassandra - when you cry
Cassandra - a legend dies
Cassandra - stay the night
Cassandra - till sunrise
Cassandra - when you cry
Cassandra - a legend dies
Cassandra - stay the night
Cassandra - till sunrise
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra - ohhh
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra - wooh-ooh-ooh
Cassandra
Cassandra - ohhh
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra
Cassandra

Cassandra
Cassandra

Cassandra

Don't Fall In Love With Me
Steve Hackett, 1988. Brian plays guitar.
There are three versions of this song.
'Don't Fall In Love With Me' was the original track, and features Brian on guitar; this version is unreleased.
'Don't Fall' was recorded by Steve Hackett (without Brian) and appears on the album 'Feedback 86'.
'Dont Fall Away From Me' is an instrumental track, again by Steve Hackett without Brian, and appears on the album 'Unauthorised Biography'.

A Whole Lot Of Love
Phenomena, 1988, from the album 'Phenomena III - Inner Vision', released in 1992.
Brian plays Guitar. Length 5:39.
Written by Tom Galley and Leif Johansen
The track also appears on 'The Best Of Phenomena' and 'Phenomena - The Complete Works'.
Lyrics:
When I lost faith to carry on
You were there when all hope was gone
I was drowning in my pride
You were still by my side
When others doubted, could not see
You still believed in me
Your love was an open door
What I'd been looking for
You gave me all you had to give
A reason now to live
I know it's crazy but it's true
Oh, how I love you

Love's a word that's kicked around
Too many times it lets you down
You see, your love is safe with me

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you

I was a prisoner now of dreams
They are never all they seem
Lost in a fools paradise
Till you came into my life
All the heartache and the pain
I will face it all again
It's true
Oh God, how I love you

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you

You gave me all you had to give
A reason now to live
I'm crazy but it's true
How I love you

Love's a word that's kicked around
Too many times it lets you down
You see, your love is safe with me

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
I was born to love you (born to love you)
I know it's crazy but it's true

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
You were there when I needed you most (I was born)
Born to love you
It's a whole lotta love

A whole lotta love and tenderness
Heart and soul, all I possess
I was born
Born to love you
(Through all the heartache and the pain)

A whole lotta love and tenderness
I will face it all with you (heart and soul, all I possess)
Hey yeah (I was born)
Born to love you
I was born to love you

A whole lotta love

What About Love
Phenomena, 1988, from the album 'Phenomena III - Inner Vision', released in 1992.
Brian plays Guitar. Length 5:02
Written by Tom Galley and Leif Johansen
The track also appears on the album 'Phenomena - The Complete Works'.
Lyrics:
Something I wanna say
Got to say it, got to say it anyway
Love can you lie, spin you round
Break your heart and shoot you down

When we make love, you never speak
When passion's gone, you just wanna sleep
You dance the dance, so many times
I still can see what's on your mind

I can't take another day
Got to face it, won't go away
We can't pretend
Is this the end?

What about love? You're out of my life
What about love? No more lonely nights
What about love? No more the fool you see
What about love? I'm breaking free

You take it all, I'm in deep
What do you get, the secrets that you keep
Lost the tune, forgot the song
All yourself, can't you see something's wrong?

You've played me out, played it cool
This boy is back, I ain't playing by the rules
Love can lie, spin you round
Break your heart
Break your heart and shoot you down

I can't take another day
Got to face it, won't go away
We can't pretend
Is this the end?

What about love? You're out of my life
What about love? No more lonely nights
What about love? No more the fool you see
What about love? I'm breaking free

I can't take another day
Got to face it, won't go away
We can't pretend
Is this the end?

What about love? You're out of my life
What about love? No more lonely nights
What about love? No more the fool you see
What about love? I'm breaking free

What about love? You're out of my life
What about love? No more lonely nights
What about love? No more the fool you see
What about love? I'm breaking free

What about love?
What about love?
What about love?
What about love?
What about love?
What about love?

Talking Of Love (LP)
Anita Dobson, 1988.
Brian wrote three album tracks, produced the album, sang backing vocals and played guitar.
Please click here for full details of all tracks