Solo Demos Of Released Tracks

Solo Demos Of Released Tracks

This page includes full details of all solo demos of tracks that have subsequently been released on Queen or Solo projects. It includes both genuine demos (as far as can be determined), and other tracks which are often claimed to be demos. Details of Queen demos are split over two pages, tracks A-L and tracks M-Z.

The links at the top of this page are grouped according to the type of recording, whilst the actual details are listed alphabetically. This page excludes all of Freddie's demos which have been officially released in the 'Freddie Mercury - Solo' boxed set.

These pages were generated by collating a number of other sources, and from my own collection of recordings. Not much information is known about many of the tracks, so if you can provide further information or believe there to be any errors or omissions, please email me.

Cyborg
Click here for details of the version on 'Another World'
Rise Of The Robots Theme
This track was originally released on the 'Rise 2 - Resurrection' computer game, and was later remixed for 'Another World'. As such, there are a number of shorter versions available, which are often described as demos. This version is similar to the album version, fading out over 'time is up for the cyborg', but there are changes. The guitar at the start of the track is replaced by a synthesiser, there are a few slightly longer instrumental sections, some of the drums sound slightly different, and there are a few undecipherable lyrics just before the main lyrics start. Length 1:43.
Lyrics:
Welcome to my world
Oh
Fight
Hey
Come and play with me, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
I'm waiting
(Undecipherable lyrics)

I play their fantasy and
I live their pain
My heart and soul locked up in a cold steel frame
A strange creature's crawling
And it's calling out my name
I don't want to
I don't need to
But I must fight again

Let me out
Set me free

Calling out for the Cyborg
Gonna rub you out
Time is up for the Cyborg

Dear Mr Murdoch
Click here for details of the version on 'Happiness?'
The Cross Demo
This Roger solo track was originally recorded by The Cross, before turning up on 'Happiness' a few years later. Presumably it was recorded for the follow up album to 'Blue Rock', but nobody knows how similar it is to Roger's version.

Fooling Around
Click here for details of the version on 'Mr Bad Guy'
Demo Version Edit
This demo is actually identical to the version in the boxed set, it just omits the first three seconds and cuts off abruptly. However the track is in very poor quality, so this copy was probably available before the boxed set was released in 2000. Length 0:57.

Going Back
Click here for details of the version released as the B-Side to 'I Can Hear Music'
Demo Version
Apparently a demo version of this Larry Lurex track is believed to exist, although nothing else about it is known.

Green
Click here for details of the version released in the 'Freddie Mercury: Solo' boxed set.
The version in the boxed set is a 3:13 edit, and was derived from a 10 minute rehearsal tape of this track. At least three MP3's are available which feature different excerpts from the tape, all in fairly poor quality.
Version 1
This version adds a new section to the start of the track - basically, the first 18 seconds of dialogue in the boxed set has been replaced by a 1:25 section which is completely different to the rest of the track, so much so that it could actually be a different song. The rest of the track sounds identical to the released version. Length 4:18
Version 2
This version features essentially the same parts as the released version but in far inferior quality. It begins with about 12 seconds of various parts of the track, during which the tape cuts badly a couple of times. It then features the end of the track ("I'm losing sense of rhythm" onwards), which is from a different recording to the released version, as it includes slightly different dialogue. When this version finishes, there is a bit of silence and then the normal "released" version is heard in its entirety, omitting the dialogue at the start and the end (from approx 0:18 to 3:09). Length 3:30.
Version 3
This version is by far the most interesting, it has the same structure as version 1, but the 'normal' part of the track must be from an alternate take, as it contains minor lyric changes which are not present in the released version. Length 4:19.

In summary:
The Boxed Set version includes some intro dialogue, the main song and then outro dialogue
Version 1 includes the new verses, the main song and then outro dialogue
Version 2 contains the end of a different take, then the main song
Version 3 includes the new verses, and then an alternate take of the song

The 'alternate take' in version 2 is different to version 3; in total these versions include excerpts from at least three different takes. The 'new verses' in version 1 and 3 are from the same take.

The lyrics to this track are divided into 4 sections - 3 sets of introductory lyrics/dialogue and then the "main song".
Boxed Set Version : Introductory Dialogue
Unknown voice: No, we'll pick it up
Freddie: Yeah, so don't, listen, don't forget, when, when you, after the, after the two verses, if you're doing the same thing like you did, like you'll be going de dum de dum de dum de dum. Then you'll be going
Unknown voice: OK, look, let's get on with it 'cos I want to sing, right?

Version 2 : Introductory Lyrics
Freddie ad-libs
Losing sense of rhythm
[tape cuts]
Reaching
[tape cuts]
Unknown dialogue
Losing sense of rhythm
I'm losing sense of rhythm
I completely turn to a brand new system

Freddie: That's right. Oh, beautiful
Unknown voice: One, two, three, four
Ahh

Versions 1 & 3 : Additional Lyrics
There's a place I have been
And a face I have seen
Today
The secrets of the dungeon
(Unknown lyrics)

But I've said all my prayers
Never asked it, never get
At all

I see a shadow looking there
It's trying to lead me to the wall
Ohh, that I'm looking for

Never living, never living anymore, ahhh
Cannot live without you
Unknown voice: Seven, eight

Freddie (version 3 only): Wait a minute

Main Song Lyrics: (Version 3 adds the lyrics in red but loses those in blue)
Then she started changing me
My enemy bursting inside of me
Tomorrow, I'm I am going to see
The last of the blue skies above me

And I'm ready
And I'm going away
There's nothing you can do to stop me
Myself a life is at an end
I'm going to start again Come back again
Wonderful voice screaming me on now leaving the earth now

I believe my time has come
Any moment
I'll be drifting to the sun
And I'm trying, waiting for the tide to turn me on
To the flower that is, that is beckoning me on

And I'm ready
And I know I'm going away
There's nothing you can do to stop me
Myself a license up to heaven
I'm going back again
Wonderful voice leaving the earth now

Unknown voice: Still playing those gaps in the (unknown dialogue, continuing throughout verse)
Green
Turning green
Rapidly changing to a place I've never seen
Green
Turning green
Contaminated soul breathing fire to a boy

Green
Turning green green, green, green, green, aah
Ooh, soles of my feet are expanding due to heat 'cos I
I'm losing sense of rhythm
Losing sense of rhythm
I'm completely turning to I completely change into a brand new system

Unknown voice: Ow
Ahh
Unknown voice: Very, very good

(Freddie, boxed set and version 1 only): No
(Unknown voice, boxed set and version 1 only): It's not that fast is it, well (????)

I Can Hear Music
Click here for details of the version released as a single
Demo Version
Like 'Going Back', a demo of this Larry Lurex track is believed to exist, but nothing else about it is known.

Il Colosso
Click here for details of the version later released on the 'Pinocchio' soundtrack.
Brian's Vocal Demo
This demo is similar to the soundtrack version, but it contains 'straight' vocals from Brian, whereas the final release contains his vocals speeded up to sound like a boy. If you play this demo about 10% faster than normal, then the vocals sound like the soundtrack version. This demo has been edited quite drastically and so it loses many of the more operatic parts. Length 3:37.
Lyrics:
I will

Now all the world is waiting (all)
The maiden I must save (the world is)
Don't wait, no hesitating (waiting)
If only I were brave (and now is the hour)

This time I must be the hero
It's my call, that's my fate
It's everything or nothing
Look out he's coming through

I'll save you princess
Puny peasants
No

Behold the giant
He stands out proud, defiant
The princess shall be mine
She will be mine
Who next?

Hey you up there, with the b-b-beard

Oh, I was made of freedom
Nobody pulls my strings
A knight can equal any man
In all the grown up things

Oh, I was made of mischief
They tell me I must learn
But nothing is coincidence
Whichever way I turn

And I will do or die
For I know one thing after all
The bigger any giant comes
The harder he may fall

What are we made of
Can we know what we will be
What are the chances
I can find a better path
A better life
A better me

What are we made of
Is it written in the sand
Where are we sailing
To a strange and distant land
Take my hand and sail with me

What are we made of
If you think you know the answer
Turn around, think again

I was made of
So I was made of
I am made of

What are we made of
Just for this moment take your life into your hands
You will decide
What you are made of
What it is that I can be
Think again, my friend
Turn around, think again

I'm Scared
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'
Demo Version
Not much is known about this demo, except that it was probably recorded in 1988.

It's In Every One Of Us
Live Version
This is a live recording featuring Freddie and Cliff Richard, taken from the world premiere of the 'Time' musical in 1988, and features an introduction presumably from Dave Clarke. Length 3:36 approx (although it seems edited)
Lyrics:
Dave Clarke (?) : Ladies and gentlemen, friends, Cliff Richard and Freddie Mercury

It's in every one of us to be wise
Find your heart
And open up both your eyes
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why
It's in every one of us by and by

It's in every one of us to be wise
Find your heart
And open up both your eyes
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why
It's in every one of us by and by
It's in every one of us by and by, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

It's in every one of us by and by, yeah, yeah, yeah

I Was Born To Love You
Click here for details of the version on 'Mr Bad Guy'
Demo Version
This isn't a demo, but features various sound excerpts at an early stage, which ultimately made up the album version. The track begins with a drum intro, then the beat of the track, a synthesiser solo, keyboards, more synths, disco effects, then a-capella vocals which cut into the album version, before cutting out very abruptly. Length 1:41.
Lyrics:
An amazing feeling - coming through

I was born to love you
With every single beat of my heart
Yes, I was born to take care of you, ha
Every single day of my life

Love Kills
Click here for details of the version later released as a single by Freddie.
Film Version
This version is often claimed to be a demo, because it is so short, features slightly different music and features some different lyrics. However, it is not a demo, just an earlier version of the track which is part of the soundtrack to 'Metropolis'. Length 1:40.
Demo Version
There is also apparently a genuine demo which exists, although nothing else is known. Apart from this, the track was also originally recorded by Queen.

Man Made Paradise
Click here for details of the version on 'Mr Bad Guy'
Unreleased Version
This version is very similar to the album version, but features additional harmonied vocals. It is probably a Freddie demo, but there is a chance it is a Queen demo.
This track appears in 'Freddie Mercury: The Untold Story', but has interviews over the top. Length 0:35.
Lyrics:
Come into my life, to my life
It's a man made paradise
Come into my life, to my life
It's a man made paradise
Come into my life, to my life
It's a man made paradise
Come into my life, to my life
It's a man made paradise, paradise

New York
Click here for details of the version which appears in 'Freddie Mercury: Solo'
Second Demo Version
Although a demo of this track has already been released, in the 'Freddie Mercury: Solo' boxed set, there is apparently also a home recording of the track, of length 2:30, which presumably features a typical ad-lib/improvisation from Freddie.

Nothin' But Blue
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'
'Somewhere In Time'
Like 'Resurrection', this track originally appeared on Cozy Powell's 1992 album 'The Drums Are Back', in instrumental form and under a different name. This version is actually the same as the 'Guitar Version' of the track which appeared on the 'Back To The Light' single. Length 3:50.

On My Way Up
Click here for details of the version on 'Another World'
Title Music, Frank Stubbs Promotes, Series 2
This is basically the same as the album version, but only has the first two verses. After the line 'I've got positivism to give 'em', Brian sings 'hit em', and then the track ends abruptly. This isn't a demo, but is best described as an 'earlier' version. Length 0:46.
Lyrics:
Hey, I'm on my way up (oooh)
Can't put me down (oooh)
Business is tough (oooh)
I ain't gonna get pushed around
I'm on my way (oooh)
Gonna take this town (ooh, ooh)
It's gonna be mine all mine
It's my time (ooh, ooh)

I'm on my way (on my way up)
Straight to the top (I'm telling myself)
I'm telling myself (I'm totally sussed)
I'm putting my name around (on my way up)
Oooh hoo (on my way up)
Gonna get that rhythm
I got positivism to give 'em
Hit 'em (oooh)

Resurrection
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'
Demo Version
Apparently an early version exists, with Jamie Page (not Jimmy Page) on lead vocals.
'Ride To Win'
Before appearing on the album, this was originally an instrumental track called 'Ride To Win', which appeared on Cozy Powell's 1992 album 'The Drums Are Back'. There are some differences between it and Brian's final version (apart from the lack of vocals), and 'Ride To Win' is sometimes claimed to be a demo of the track. Length 3:45.

Step On Me
Click here for details of the version later released on 'Gettin' Smile' and 'Ghost Of A Smile'
Thames Television Studios Demos
These are two demos recorded in 1967 at Thames Television, little else is known about the circumstances of the recordings. Musically and lyrically they are almost identical to the final Smile version, but on both tracks the vocals are weaker. The only lyric change is that on both, on the second, third and fourth verses, the lyric is "my, why, why could I never ever see she'd step on me" whereas the album version just has "my, why, could I....". They both include a short count in at the start, Take 2 also includes a very short burst of guitar warm up and a short drum-roll at the end. Lengths: Take 1: 3:09, Take 2: 3:20.

The Business
Click here for details of the version on 'Another World'
Title Music, Frank Stubbs Promotes, Series 1
This track was used in the TV series, as both the title theme and as incidental music. As a result there are a number of versions available, ranging in length, all created from various excerpts. They are all similar to the finished version, but in some places seem less heavy. The lyrics below refer to a version lasting 2:09, which is very disjointed.
Lyrics:
It's a hard business

I've got nothing and no-one in my life
So how can I lose again
Got my feet in muddy water
But I'm gonna find that road again
So I'll be taking care of business
'Cos I know what I'm looking for
Ooh, I've been working every hour God gives to man
But I still see the same closed door, yeah

It's a hard business

So don't leave me Mama
Don't make me go on alone
'Cos its a hard business
Yes it's a hard business
Wooh, ooh
Tell me it's a hard business
Being on my own

The Dark
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'
Demo Version
This track was begun in 1980, and this demo was played to some of Brian's friends in 1988 as a preview of the album. It is believed to be fairly close to the album version.

There Must Be More To Life Than This
Click here for details of the version on 'Mr Bad Guy', or click here for further details of these two versions.
Demo Version with Michael Jackson
This duet was recorded in 1983 and remains unreleased. It is very similar to the version that appears on 'Mr Bad Guy' but Michael Jackson sings some lead vocals. Length 3:07.
Rehearsal with Michael Jackson
This track, again from 1983, features Michael Jackson singing the song, and features dialogue from Freddie, talking about the song. This track features only piano accompaniment, and when the vocals end at approximately 1:56, the piano continues until the end. Length 2:32.

Too Much Love Kill You
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light', or here for details of Queen demos of this track.
Demo Piano Version
This version was apparently performed by Brian, and features additional piano throughout as a guide for the vocals. Length 4:40.
Demo "Extended" Version or Alternate Take
This version loses the vocal intro, and is musically very similar to the album version, but Brian's vocals are weaker, probably intended as a guide. Length 4:56.
Duet Demo Version with Elizabeth Lamers
Musically, this version is very similar to the album version, but it loses the vocal intro to the song and features vocals by both Brian and co-writer Elizabeth Lamers. Length 4:53.

In summary, when the album version has the lyric 'no there's no making sense of it, every way I go I have to lose', the duet version has 'there's no making sense of it, either way I go I'm gonna lose' whilst the extended version has 'there's no making sense of it, every way I go I'm bound to lose'

Demo "Extended" Version Lyrics: (Click here for the Duet Demo lyrics)
Oooh
Oooh
(Unknown background dialogue)

I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be
Too many bitter tears are raining down on me
I'm far away from home
And I've been facing this alone for much too long

I feel like no-one ever told the truth to me
'Bout growing up and what a struggle it would be
In my tangled state of mind
I've been looking back to find where I went wrong

Too much love will kill you
If you can't make up your mind
Torn between the lover
And the love you leave behind
You're headed for disaster
'Cos you never read the signs
Yes, too much love will kill you - every time
Every time

I'm just the shadow of the man I used to be
And it seems like there's no way out of this for me
I used to bring you sunshine
Now all I ever do is bring you down

How would it be if you were standing in my shoes
Can't you see that it's impossible to choose
There's no making sense of it
Every way I go I'm bound to lose

Too much love will kill you
Just as sure as none at all
It'll drain the power that's in you
Make you plead and scream and crawl
And the pain will make you crazy
You're the victim of your crime
Too much love will kill you - every time

Ummm
(Numerous ad-libbed 'oooh's)

Too much love will kill you
It'll make your life a lie
Yes, too much love will kill you
And you won't understand why
You'd give your life
You'd sell your soul
But here it comes again, yeah
Too much love will kill you
In the end
In the end

Oh, too much love will kill you in the end
Ooh, you know I'll get you in the end
Oh, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know, you know
Yeah, in the end
You know, you know, you know, you know, you know
Ooooh, yeah

Duet Demo Version Lyrics: (lyrics in Red are sung by Brian, lyrics in Blue sung by Elizabeth and lyrics in Black are sung as a duet)
Oohh, ohhhhh
Oooh, ooohhh

I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be
Too many bitter tears are raining down on me
Far away from home
I've been fighting this alone for much too long

I feel like no-one ever told the truth to me
About growing up and what a struggle it would be
In my tangled state of mind
I look back to find the point where I went wrong

Too much love will kill you
If you can't make up your mind
Torn between the lover
And the love you leave behind
You're headed for disaster
'Cos you never read the signs
Too much love will kill you - every time

I'm just the shadow of the man I used to be
And it seems there's no way out of this for me
I used to bring you sunshine
Now all I ever do is bring you down

How would it be if you were standing in my shoes
Can't you see that it's impossible to choose
There's no making sense of it
Either way I go I'm gonna lose

Yeah, too much love will kill you
Just as sure as none at all
It'll drain the power that's in you
Make you plead and scream and crawl
And the pain will drive you crazy
You're the victim of your crime
Yeah, too much love will kill you - every time (everytime)
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Ooh, ooh, oooh

Oohh
Too much love will kill you
It'll make your life a lie
Too much love will kill you
And you won't understand why
You'd give your life
You'd sell your soul
But here it comes again
Yeah, too much love will kill you
In the end
In the end
Too much will kill you in the end
Kill, kill you in the end
Oooh, kill you in the end

Oooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Oooh