Queen Demos Of Released Tracks (A-J)

This page includes full details of all Queen demos and early versions of tracks that have subsequently been released on Queen or Solo projects. It includes genuine demos and early versions (as far as can be determined), other tracks which are often claimed to be demos, and also a guide to 'faked demos' which are known to exist. Details of other tracks can be found on page 2 and page 3, while full details of Queen's BBC Session tracks, which are often claimed to be demos, can be found here.

The links at the top of this page are grouped according to the type of recording, whilst the actual details are listed alphabetically. A brief guide to the various types of recording is given below.

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.

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Genuine Demos, Early Versions & Alternate Mixes:
Action This Day
A Kind Of Vision
All Dead, All Dead
Back Chat
Bijou
Bohemian Rhapsody
Breakthru'
Brighton Rock
Coming Soon
Cool Cat
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Dancer
Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To....)
Delilah
Don't Stop Me Now
Don't Try So Hard
Dragon Attack
Dreamer's Ball
Driven By You
Fat Bottomed Girls
Feelings, Feelings
Fight From The Inside
Flick Of The Wrist
Football Fight
Freedom Train
Funny How Love Is
God Save The Queen
Great King Rat
Hang On In There ('A Fiddley Jam')
Headlong
Heaven For Everyone
Hijack My Heart
I Can't Live With You
I Dream Of Christmas
I Go Crazy
I'm In Love With My Car
In Charge Of My Heart
Innuendo
In The Lap Of The Gods.... Revisited
Is This The World We Created?
It's A Beautiful Day
It's A Hard Life
I Wanna Testify
I Want It All
Jealousy
Jesus

KEWB Radio Tracks:
Brighton Rock
Headlong

Faked Demos:
Bohemian Rhapsody
Father To Son
Great King Rat
Innuendo
Is This The World We Created?

Other Tracks:
Carousel ('Brighton Rock' intro music)
Coming Soon
Cool Cat
Don't Stop Me Now
Funny How Love Is
I'm Going Totally Mad
Jesus

Genuine Demos, Early Versions & Alternate Mixes:
These are genuine tracks which come from the original recording sessions, or before. A demo is classed as any track which features the base ideas of a track, but the lyrics and/or music are very under-developed. An alternate mix is classed as any track which features the same (or very similar) lyrics and music to the album version, but has minor lyric changes, some extra or missing elements, or a different balance between the instruments. Early versions fall somewhere between, when the song is obviously being developed and while instantly recognisable it features different elements, lyrics, or vocalists. Many of the earlier demos are only rumoured to exist, but fortunately many of the later tracks (from 'Hot Space' onwards) are fairly widely available in generally very good sound quality, while a handful have been released officially on the 2011 double-disc reissues. Full details and lyrics are given (where known) but due to quality issues or ad-libbing, some lyrics are unknown or inaccurate.
'KEWB' Radio Tracks
KEWB is a radio station in the USA, which Brian visited as part of a promotional tour of radio stations in 1991 to promote the "Innuendo" album. These six tracks feature Brian playing along to a number of Queen tracks and as result they sound different to the original tracks, and are often claimed to be demos. The give-away is that in most cases dialogue from Brian or the DJ can be heard. However, all of the tracks run slightly too fast, but the dialogue sounds normal, so they were clearly played too fast at the radio station (and not subsequently copied at the wrong speed). Click here for full details of the various radio sessions he performed.
Faked Demos
Many bootlegs feature tracks which are claimed to be demos, but many of these are simply the album version with slight tinkering, most often changing the speed and applying stereo effects. Whilst a few of these are quite interesting in their own right, the majority are completely unconvincing. Some bootlegs also feature excerpts from live performances or remixes, and these are also included. 'Faked Demos' is hence a broad term for anything which is claimed to be something that it isn't. As such this will never be a complete list, but will hopefully be as thorough as is possible, and provide a guide as to what is available (and equally, what to avoid).

Action This Day
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
Roger Vocal Demo
It is rumoured that a demo version exists which features Roger singing all lead vocals, without any from Freddie. While this is certainly possible, whether the track still exists in the vaults is another matter altogether.
Early Alternate Mix
This version is similar to the album version, but is a slightly more basic mix. The synthesiser solo at 2:19 is noticeably different and slightly longer, and after the horn solo the backing vocals of 'action' are missing. The lyrics are very similar but there are some changes. Length 3:40.
Lyrics:
Hey

This street honey is a mean street
Living in this street honey needs a mean streak
We've got criminals living in this street
But there's a heartbeat pulse that keeps on pumping
Like a jukebox playing the same dead record
Or a radio in the corner keeps blaring
I gotta feeling this world is using me

This town honey is a dead town
Living in this town honey is a let down
Coming to this town honey is a show down
But there's a heartbeat pulse that keeps on pumping
Some sunshine ray through a crack in the shutter
Or a sight of a light at the end of the tunnel
Still there's a feeling this world is using me

Ha
Action this day
Action this night
We've gotta learn to love to live
You can't say it ain't right

Action this day
Action this night
You've got the power
You've got the power
You've got the power to learn to love to live to love
You can't say it ain't right

Your mind honey is a bleak place
Living in your mind's living in a blank space, hah
Your mind is coming from a rat race
But there's a heartbeat pulse that keeps on pumping
Like a jukebox playing the same dead record
Or a radio in the corner keeps blaring
I gotta feeling that just won't quit, this world is using me

Action this day
Action this night
Oh we've gotta learn to love to live
You can't say it ain't right

Action this day, wow
Action this night, oh
You've got the power
You've got the power
You've got the power to learn to love to live to love
You can't say it ain't right

Hey
Alright

Hey
Action this day
Action this day, give it
Hey, hey, hey
Action this day
Living in this street, honey, living in this street, honey
Needs a mean streak, needs a mean streak, yeah babe
Action this day
Action this day
Action this day
Action this day

A Kind Of Vision
Click here for details of 'A Kind Of Magic', or here for details of 'One Vision'.
Demo Version, August 1985
This is a simple demo, which features Freddie on vocals, with a drum machine beat and synthesisers. The track features lyrics which later made their way into 'One Vision' and 'A Kind Of Magic', as the track was basically split into two seperate songs later in the recording process. This track is much closer to 'A Kind Of Magic' than 'One Vision', however. The track was released on the 'A Kind Of Magic' 2011 double-disc reissue, so it's lyrics are available here. Length 3:22.

All Dead, All Dead
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Instrumental Take
This is an early version of the song which features Brian on piano, Roger on drums and John on bass. While it is musically similar to normal, it features some different elements, most notably in Roger's drums, which are heavier than normal, and he does a couple of extra fills in places. The normal part of the track is 3:00 long, but there is then a 20 second silence, followed by a 16 second slow piano reprise, which didn't make it onto the album, and isn't reminiscent of any other track. This delay and reprise were presumably intended to feature the missing lyrics which didn't make it onto the album, but which were printed on the album sleeve. Length 3:35.

Back Chat
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
The working title for this track was 'Wooly Hat'.
Early Alternate Mix 1
This version is musically very similar to normal, the most obvious difference is that at 1:40, Roger's heavy drum solo is missing which leaves just the normal beat. The lyrics have a similar structure to the album version but many of them are completely different. Length 4:34.
Early Alternate Mix 2 Excerpt
This is a short excerpt from the end of the track. Again this is quite similar to normal, both musically and lyrically, the main difference is that the guitars in this version are much higher up in the mix. Length 1:30.
Demo Version 1 Lyrics: (click here for the lyrics to Demo Version 2)
Ooooh
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Hah
Yeah, deh, deh, dah dap

Back chat, back chat
Now that's enough of that
Hit back at it, hit back
Let's see who's gonna crack
Back chat, back chat
Can take no more of that
Hit back, hit back
Get right back on your track
Hey, yeah

Oh yeah
Back off now baby
See what you done to me

Back chat
Now that's enough of that
It's a battle to the end
Knock you down you come again
Talk back, talk back
You've got me on the rack
Twisting every word I say
Wind me up you get your way
Fat chance I have
Of making no romance
If I'm ever going to win
Have to get the last word in
Take it from there
Oh yeah
Twisting every word I say
Wind me up and let me play

(Whispered: Back chat)
Back chat
Back chat
Come on back chat me
Don't you know
That's enough babe
Don't need any more of that rabbit, no more, no more, yeah
Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, talk to me
Blow

Back chat baby
Oh get down to me

Oh yeah, yeah
Come on now

Wake up, stand up
And drag yourself on out
Get down, get ready
Scream and shout
Back off baby, be cool
And learn to change your ways
'Cos you're talking in your sleep
And you're walking in a daze

Don't push your luck with me
I'm ready to attack
'Cos when I'm trying to talk to you
All you do is just talk back
You stand so tall
You don't frighten me at all
Don't talk back, don't talk back, don't talk back
Just leave me alone, ha

Yeah
Leave me alone, baby

Back chat, back chat
Back chat, back chat
Back chat, back chat
Back chat, back chat, you know where it's at
Come on baby, hey, hit me
Go for it, go for it, go for it, baby, ha
Come on, you gotta tell me
Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, woh
Back, back, back, back chat
Oh, there she goes
Woh
Come on, come on, come on, come on baby
Yeah, ooooh, yeah
Ha
Chat

Demo Version 2 Lyrics:
Back chat
Criticising all you see
Back chat, back chat
Can't take no more of that
Back chat, back chat
And you always get your way

Yes you do, ha, yeah, yeah
Back chat, back chat
Yes you do
Come on, back chat, back chat
Back chat, back chat
You know where it's at
Come on baby
Back chat, back chat
Hit me

Back chat, back chat, baby
Back chat, back chat
Have you been giving me the runaround? Yes I have
Back chat, back chat
Criticizing me, oh yeah
Analysing me, yeah
Back chat, back chat
Yeah, yeah, merci beacoup, thank you, thank you
Back chat, back chat
Yes, let's go on down, get on down
Get on down, back chat, back chat
Get on down

Bijou
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Demo Versions:
It is rumoured that the finished album track was in fact two different songs 'stuck' together, which would imply that there were demos of the two seperate songs. How much truth there is in this is another matter, however.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Click here for details of the version on 'A Night At The Opera'.
Various out-takes of the track also appear in various documentaries, but generally feature interviews over the top, or are too short to mention individually.
Piano Out-take
This is a short 20 second excerpt of Freddie practising the piano melody around the 'little high, little low' verse. It starts with some dialogue from Roy Thomas Baker, then Freddie's piano which is similar to the album version, followed by some short dialogue between Roger and Freddie. The track ends with a brief 3 second excerpt of another take. Length 0:34.
Extended Demo Version
An extended demo version, at over 7 minutes, has long been rumoured to exist. I seem to recall some publicity material for one of the reissues of 'A Night At The Opera' mentioning this as a bonus track, but if so this sadly never materialised.
Faked Demo
This track runs slightly slower compared to the album version at 5:53. All changes are achieved through the stereo channels, most often by removing the left channel. This means that several vocals are lost or much quieter, including 'little high', 'will not let you go' and some of Freddie's 'galileo's. During the guitar solo after the rock section (between 4:55 and 5:00), only the middle repeat is heard. Length 6:06.
Piano Out-Take Dialogue:
Roy Thomas Baker: Two
Unknown voice: And Roy's announcing it aswell
Roy Thomas Baker: Take one of mark two version of Fred's thing (Unknown voice: Mark two version, take one)

Freddie: Bastard
Roger: Too, too slow
Freddie: No, that's nice, that's nice. I tell you, that is slower on there.

Breakthru'
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Demo Version
This is an instrumental demo, which apparently has a faster and heavier beat than the album version. This demo should be missing the familiar vocal and piano intro, which was originally part of the unreleased track 'A New Life Is Born'.

Brighton Rock
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
Queen II Version
Apparently several early versions of the track originate from the 'Queen II' album, though how complete they are is unknown. It is likely however that the track didn't progress very far because it didn't fit in with the feel of the rest of the album.
Demo Version
This is an early demo of the track, which features some of the album version's lyrics, but the last verse is missing, many of the vocals are ad-libbed by Freddie, and it doesn't include any backing vocals. The music is very similar to the album version, but Brian's solo in the middle is shorter, and the track begins with guitar, rather than the circus noises on the album version. The track is referred to as 'Brighton Fuck'. Length 4:06.
A-Capella Vocal Out-Takes
This track features the a-capella vocals for the entire song, and includes both Freddie's vocals and the backing vocals. Freddie's vocals could be from a different take as they sound slightly different in places, though that may just be due to the absence of the music. Length 1:49.
'Carousel'
This is an instrumental track, which comes from a library of standard sound effects, best described as circus noises. Around 20 seconds of the track were used at the start of the album version, but this track continues for longer. Some people claim this to be an unreleased Queen track, which is wrong on both counts as it doesn't actually feature Queen at all. It's definitely related but of little interest. Length 1:08.
KEWB Version
A short but good guitar solo, but this is obviously an edit as the solo is part way through when the track begins. Unlike the other KEWB tracks, this isn't Brian playing along to the album version, it's just him playing by himself. It is identifiable by some quiet laughter then a voice saying 'and it's' at the end. Length 0:35.
Demo Version Lyrics: (click here for the lyrics of the vocal out-takes)
Jimmy went away
Met his little Jenny on (ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
So good to (ad-libbed lyrics) magic in the air
I'll say farewell

Jenny will you stay - tarry with me pray
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
No I must away to my mum in disarray
If my mother should discover how I this way
(Ad-libbed lyrics) in the air
I'll say farewell

Oh, lady moon, shine down our love
Oh, lady moon, shine down little people magic if you will

One, two, three, four

(Ad-libbed lyrics)

A-Capella Vocal Out-Takes Lyrics:
Unknown dialogue: No, no, sorry about that

Happy little day, Jimmy went away
Met his little Jenny on a public holiday
A happy pair they made, so decorously laid
'Neath the gay illuminations all along the promenade
It's so good to know there's still a little magic in the air
I'll weave my spell

Jenny will you stay - tarry with me pray
Nothing 'ere need come between us tell me love, what do you say
Oh no I must away to my mum in disarray
If my mother should discover how I spend my holiday
It would be of small avail to talk of magic in the air
I'll say farewell

Oh, rock of ages, do not crumble, love is breathing still
Oh, lady moon, shine down a little people magic if you will

One, two, three, four

Jenny pines away, writes a letter everyday
We must never be together, nothing can my love erase
Oh no, I'm compromised, I must apologise
If my lady should discover how I spent my holidays

Oooh, ooh, ooh
Mmm, mmm
Oooh, ooh, ooh
(Laughter)

Coming Soon
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Instrumental Jam
This is a fast instrumental track featuring Brian, Roger and John, and is dominated by guitar throughout. It is a very good track, and with further development could have fitted in well on 'The Game'. The track is reminiscent of 'I Wanna Testify' in places, and some sources suggest this was recorded during the 'Jazz' recording sessions in 1978. However, how true this is, and whether it did evolve into 'Coming Soon' or is a completely different track altogether, is open to speculation. Some copies of the track are mislabelled as 'Dragon Attack'. Length 3:12.
Surround Sound Mix
On the 2003 DVD-Audio release of 'The Game', this track is slightly different as the opening vocals come from a different take of the track, as the original mastertapes were lost. Obviously this means that different takes or demos of the track exist in the vaults, although how complete they are is another matter.

Cool Cat
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
Early Version with David Bowie
This version is very similar to the album version but it features vocals from both Freddie and David Bowie, who sings 'bum bum' backing vocals in three parts of the song, and has a couple of lead vocals. The other noticeable difference is that the outro is slightly longer. Apparently this version appears on a test pressing of the 'Hot Space' album, so it must have come fairly close to being given a proper release. Length 3:30.
Early Version with David Bowie, Alternate Take
I haven't heard this one yet, but this is apparently a different take of the track, which features the same contribution from David Bowie, but a different lead vocal from Freddie, some alternate lyrics, and some changes to the backing track. Length 3:45.
Early Version Lyrics: (the lyrics in white are sung by Freddie, and those in red by David Bowie)
Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) oooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, ah
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) you're taking all the sunshine away
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) making out like you're the mainline - I knew that
Cos you're a cool cat
Tapping on the toe with a new hat
Ooh, just cruising, driving along with the swing king
Feeling the beat of my heart, ah-ah
Feeling the beat of my heart

Ooh, you're a cool cat
Coming on strong with all the chit-chat
Ooh, you're alright
Hanging out and stealing all the limelight
Messing with the beat of my heart
Ooh, messing with the beat of my heart, yeah
Up town beat, never seen a real life till you came into my life, came into my life (oooh)

You used to be a mean kid (mean kid)
Ooh, making such a deal of life
I used to know that (I used to know that)
Ooh, you were wishing and hoping and waiting to really hit the big time
But did it happen, happen, no
You're speeding too fast
Slow down, slow down
You'd better slow down
Slow down

Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) ah you really know how to set the mood
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) and you really get inside the groove, yeah
Cool cat
Tapping on the toe with a new hat
Oooh, just cruising
Driving along like the swing king
Feeling the beat of my heart
Feeling the beat of my heart, yeah, yeah
Feeling the beat of my heart, can you feel it
Feeling the beat of my heart, yeah, yeah
Feeling the beat of my heart

(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) oooh, ooooh, feeling
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) feeling, feeling, feeling
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) ooh, you're messing around, messing around
(Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum) oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh-ooh-ooooooh

Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Freddie Guitar Version
According to a 2008 interview, the original version of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' featured a guitar solo by Freddie, rather than Brian. However, it is not known how complete the track is, or whether a copy still exists.
Piano Demo
It is rumoured that a piano demo, presumably performed by Freddie alone, also exists, though again this is just a rumour rather than being based on any kind of evidence.

Dancer
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
'Catfight For The Rest' Demo
This is a very early demo which features synthesisers, programmed drums, and loads of guitar from Brian. The basic melody of the track is in place, but this version is a complete instrumental, with Brian's guitar replacing the vocals and more. The basic beat still has the black/disco influences but the guitar gives it a much harder edge to it, making this something of a hidden gem, and a guitar showpiece for Brian. Length 4:05.
Early Alternate Mix
This version is quite similar to the album version and is obviously a fairly late track. Some parts have a more basic feel, while the guitars seem more prominent. Freddie's vocals are very similar to the album version, although some lyrics are missing, while in places the harmonied vocals seem a lot weaker than normal. Length 4:06.
Lyrics:
Let's go

I'm not invited to the party
Been sitting here all night
I'm all alone at the party
I don't feel all right
Ain't got no black coat
Ain't got no tie
I gotta shape up now
Come on baby, you gotta know why

Come on, take off
Dancer, dancer
Dancer, dancer
Dancer, dancer

Cool
You're the life and soul of the func - tion
It took me all night
To get hold of the right introduction
Blew me out of sight
I taste your lipstick (yeah)
I look in your eyes (wow)
You feel fantastic (yeah)
My body cries (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba (what I say)

Dancer, dancer
Can't live with it, I'm gonna die without it
Dancer, dancer
Ain't no doubt about it
Dancer, dancer
Why don't you kick off your dancing shoes
And come along with me

(Ad-libbed vocals)
Hot space, let's go

Oh yeah
Wow
Ha, ha, ba, ba, yeah, yeah, yeah
Woo

Oh, oh
Woh, oh, oh, oh
Take it
Yeah, I won't be your baby
Come on

Dancer, yeah, dancer
Can't live with it, I'm gonna die without it
Dancer, dancer
Can't take you home, I gotta take you dancing
Dancer, dancer
Bring on the funk and dance the night away
Dancer, yeah, dancer
You've got to boogie, on fire

Dancer, dancer
Woooh, stop me
Dancer, dancer
Can't live with it, gonna die without it
Dancer, dancer
Yeah, yeah

Dancer, dancer, oooh, your reputation
Dancer, dancer, oh, say yeah
Dancer, dancer
Come on dance, dance, dance, dance
Oh yeah, ba, ba, ba
Female voice on telephone: Guten Morgen, Sie wunschten, geweckt zu werden (ba, ba, come give it to me)

Dancer, dancer, ooooh
Dancer, dancer
Ohh, dancer, you gotta, dancer, come on sugar
Shake on out

Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To....)
Click here for details of the version on 'A Night At The Opera'.
Demo Excerpt
This version appears on the 30th Anniversary DVD Edition of 'A Night At The Opera', on the menus. The track is similar to the first 0:16 of the album version, but the piano continues after the guitar normally starts, so this could be an excerpt from an earlier take or a demo. Nothing else about it is known, although apparently 'Psycho Legs' may have been a working title for the introduction.

Delilah
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Full Demo Version
This version is similar to the album version, but is a more basic mix, and doesn't contain any guitar. Some of the lyrics are ad-libbed, and it also has some vocal overdubs by Freddie (similar to 'Stealin'), and a longer instrumental outro. Length 4:12.
Demo Version Edit
A short edit of the demo below, it starts on the first vocals and goes up until 'when you cuddle up and go to sleep beside me'. This version has been released on the promo-only 'Hints Of Innuendo' cassette. Length 1:18.
Full Demo Version Lyrics:
Delilah
Delilah
Oh my, oh my, oh my
You're irresistible, ooh, ooh, ooh
You make me smile when I'm just about to die, ah
You bring me hope, you make me laugh you like it (you get your own way and make me laugh when I cry), uh, uh
You get away with murder so innocent
But when you throw a moody you're all claws and you bite
Huh
That's alright

Delilah, ha
Delilah
Oh my, oh my, oh my
You're unpredictable, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
You make me so very happy
When you cuddle up and go to sleep beside me (oooh-ooh)
And then you make me slightly mad
When you pee all over my (my) Chippendale suite
(Ooooh, ooooh), who
(Ooooh, ooooh) Delilah, you make me mad, makes me really mad
Delilah
Ooh (hey) ooh, ooh (hey), ooh, ooh (hey), ooh, ooh (hey)

(Ad-libbed lyrics) oh yeah
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ooooh) You take over my house and home
(Ooooh) You even try to answer my telephone
Delilah, oh, oh
You're the apple of my eye

Miaow (ad-libbed lyrics)
Miaow (ad-libbed lyrics)
Miaow, miaow (ad-libbed lyrics)
Delilah - I love you
Delilah, oh

Ooh, you make me so very happy
You give me kisses and I go out of my mind, wooh (ooh)
I love you, love you, love you, love you, Delilah (umm, umm, you're irresistible)
You can make me do anything you want (I love Delilah, yeah Delilah)
But I like it (I love you, oooh)
Yeah, I like it (ha, ha)
You make me very happy (love you, love you, love you babe)
Oooh, oooh kisses from me
Kisses from me (oh yeah)
(Oh yeah) I love your kisses
Uh
I love your kisses (you're gorgeous babe), uh
I love your kisses (I love you honey babe)
I love your kisses (I'll look after you any time, all my life)
I love your kisses (kisses for you honey)
(Oooh--oooh-oooh) I love your kisses
(Ha, ha, ha) I love your, your, your kisses
I love you baby
I love your kisses
My honey
(Some quiet undecipherable lyrics)

Don't Stop Me Now
Click here for details of the version on 'Jazz'.
Demo Version
This is a demo of the track, where the piano outro segues into 'Jealousy', but nothing else is known.
Instrumental Take
This track was played at one of the fan club conventions and is apparently a backing track consisting of drums, bass and piano, with no guitars or vocals at all.
Faked Demo
An MP3 is also circulating, which is claimed to be the above demo, however this is simply the end of the karaoke version of 'Don't Stop Me Now' (which hence loses Freddie's outro vocals), followed by the start of Jealousy. There is nothing new in this version, and there is a slight, but noticeable, increase in volume between the two tracks. Total length 1:15 (40 seconds of 'Don't Stop Me Now' and 35 seconds of 'Jealousy').

Don't Try So Hard
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Early Alternate Mix
This is an earlier version of the track, which is almost identical to the album version, with almost identical lyrics. However, towards the end, some of Freddie's vocals appear to be from a different take, while the lyrics for the 'beautiful world' verse are missing entirely, and are replaced by heavier guitar from Brian. There are also some different drums from Roger during Brian's guitar solo. Length 3:44.
Lyrics:
If you're searching out for something
Don't try so hard
If you're feeling kinda nothing
Don't try so hard
When your problems seem like mountains
Feel the need to find some answers
You can leave it for another day
Don't try so hard

But if you fall and take a tumble
It won't be far
If you fail you mustn't grumble
Thank your lucky stars
Just savour every mouthful
And treasure every moment
When the storms are raging round you
Stay right where you are

Oooh, don't try so hard
Oooh, don't take it all to heart
It's only fools they make these rules
Don't try so hard

One day you'll be a sergeant major
Oh, you'll be so proud
Screaming out your bloody orders
Hey, but not too loud
Polish all your shiny buttons
Dress as lamb instead of mutton
But you never had to try to stand out
From the crowd

Ooh, don't try so hard
Ooh, don't take it all to heart
It's only fools
They make these rules
Don't try so hard
Don't try so hard
Don't try so hard

Dragon Attack
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Early Demo
This demo was played at one of the fan club conventions and is an instrumental take, featuring bass, a drum solo, and little guitar or vocals. It may originate from the 'Jazz' sessions in 1978.

Dreamer's Ball
Click here for details of the version on 'Jazz'.
Early Acoustic Take, August 1978
This is an early take of the track, which features just Freddie, Brian and Roger. It has a very similar feel to the album track, but the music is much more simple, and it has a few occasional lyric changes. It is available on the 'Jazz' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 3:38.
Lyrics:
Roger: A one, two, three, four

I used to be your baby
Used to be your pride and joy
You used to take me dancing
Just like any other boy
But now you've found another partner
You left me like a broken toy

It's someone else you're taking
Someone else you're playing to
Honey, though I'm aching
Just know what I have to do
If I can't have you when I'm waking
Go to sleep and dream I'm with you

So take me, take me
Take me to the dreamer's ball
I'll be right on time
And I'm dress so fine
You'll love me when you see me
Won't have to worry
Take me, take me
Promise not to wake me when I'm -
And it's all been true

Mmm, yeah
Mmm, mmm, ooh-ooh-ooh

Come on and take me, take me
Take me I'm your play thing now
Make my life worthwhile
With the slightest smile
Or destroy me with the barely
Perceptible whisper
Gently take me
You know I'm only dreaming of my baby
At the dreamer's ball

Ooh, oh, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma
Woooo, yeah

Take me, hold me
Remember what you told me
You'd meet me at the dreamer's ball
I'll meet you at the dreamer's ball
Yeah

Driven By You
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'.
Queen Version
This track, which was later released on Brian's 'Back To The Light' album in 1992, was rumoured to have been recorded by Queen during the Innuendo sessions in 1990. However, in a recent interview, Brian said that he recorded the track and offered it to Freddie to sing, but Freddie said that Brian sang it well and turned it down.

Fat Bottomed Girls
Click here for details of the version on 'Jazz'.
First Take
Credited as being from 1979, apparently this is in very bad quality to the extent that it could just be the normal single version. However, it does apparently feature some different lyrics, although I haven't heard it yet to check.

Father To Son
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen II'.
Faked Demo
This fake runs noticeably slower compared to the 6:14 album version, and any effects are due to tampering with the stereo channels. At the end of the album version, there are three verses which begin 'joyful the sound, word goes around'. In this version, the first and third verses are missing and the last 'to son' of the second is also missing. The track also loses most of the 'do-do' backing vocals and some guitar in places. Length 6:25.

Feelings, Feelings
Click here for details of Take 10, later released on the 'News Of The World' 2011 double disc reissue.
Take 9
This version is similar to the released version (take 10), but has a few lyric changes. There seem to be two versions of Take 9 available - one at 1:55 in great quality with a 5 second drum intro and count in by Brian, and one at 2:03 in average quality with an 11 second drum intro, dialogue from Freddie, and no count-in. However, the actual song seems identical, at around 1:50.
Take 9 Lyrics: (the 2:03 version adds the dialogue in red, while the 1:55 version adds the dialogue in blue)
Freddie: Right
Freddie: Nine, number nine, number nine
Freddie: Start
Brian: One, two, three

Wooh
Gotta get rid of this feeling I'm feeling done
Yes, I've gotta gid rid of this feeling that's under my charm, yes
I've been waiting so long, I've just got to get ah, (unknown lyric)
Yes, got to get a, feeling, feeling babe
Yes, I feel it, I feel it, this feeling's driving me mad, I can't stand it
Now that I'm here, I've got to give you all that I ever had, sure do

Now that I'm here
I can see you so clearly
It's the way I should say it
It's not what I say it's the way that I say it
It's not how I play it's the way that I play it
Oooh, ooh, ooh, yeah, I feel
Ow

Oooh, got to get rid of this feeling I'm feeling inside, yeah
Oh, I've got to, I've got to, I've got to get rid of this feeling, the feeling is driving me mad
Oh, now that I'm here, I've got to give you all that I ever had, stop
Ooh

Fight From The Inside
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Early Version
This track was played at one of the Queen fan club conventions, and is believed to feature different vocals from Roger, with some lyric changes, and a very similar backing track.

Flick Of The Wrist
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
Instrumental Take
This is apparently an instrumental stand-alone version, which has the backing vocals intact. This possibly means it's not so much a demo, just a backing track over which Freddie sang his lead vocals.

Football Fight
Click here for details of the version on 'Flash Gordon'.
Early Version - No Synths! - February 1980
This is an early version of the track, which features some wonderful piano throughout from Freddie, instead of the usual synths. The rest of the music is very similar to normal, but as it's mixed differently, with the guitar much higher in the mix, it is hard to tell. It is only available on the 'Flash Gordon' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 1:55.
Dialogue:
Freddie: One, two, three, four

Freedom Train
Click here for details of the version on 'Happiness?'.
Queen Demo Version
This track, which later appeared on Roger's 'Happiness' album, was originally worked on during the 'Innuendo' sessions in 1990. However, no other details are known about this Queen version.

Funny How Love Is
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen II'.
Stand-alone Version
Apparently, early versions of 'Queen II' on cassette contain a stand-alone version, which does not segue from 'The March Of The Black Queen'. However, it seems nobody has heard or seen this for some time. A stand-alone version appears on the Japanese 3" CD of 'Seven Seas Of Rhye', but this is derived from the album version (losing the backing vocals from 'The March Of The Black Queen') and presumably the original stand-alone version was different in some other way.
Backing Track Takes 3-5
These are out-takes of Freddie, Roger and John recording the backing track, and it includes three short attempts (takes 2-4), another short version where Freddie gives Roger and John the pace of the track, followed by a complete take (take 5), with some dialogue between. Lengths 0:06 (take 2), 0:22 (take 3), 0:04 (take 4), 0:09 (pace guide), 2:35 (take 5), or 4:15 for the full track.
The original recording features Queen archivist Greg Brooks saying 'property of Queen productions throughout', so a 'remastered' version of take 5 was also produced by a fan, which edits this out by repeating some parts of the song.
Backing Track Dialogue:
Freddie: OK, let's take it.
Unknown voice: Take two
Freddie: One, two, a three, a four.
Freddie: Eh? (Unknown dialogue, possibly Brian) But I can't see when I play. One, two, a three, two, erm
Unknown voice: Take four
Freddie: A one, three, um
Unknown voice: Four
Freddie: One, two, three, four
Freddie: Lost pace. Hang on, this is the pace
Unknown voice: Five
Freddie: This is the pace, I'm gonna give you the pace before. Right. One, two, three, four

God Save The Queen
Click here for details of the version on 'A Night At The Opera'.
'Sheer Heart Attack' Version
This track was played from tape at the end of concerts on Queen's 1974 'Sheer Heart Attack' tour, so the track was obviously recorded in the studio prior to this. Whether this track is different to the version on 'A Night At The Opera' is unknown.
Piano Demo Version
On 'The Making Of 'A Night At The Opera'', one of the special features is about the track, and it includes a full length demo. The demo is a very rough outline of the track, played by Brian on the piano, with a slower, alternate finale. This seems to be the complete demo of the track, as all elements are present, although other demos may exist. Length 0:57

Great King Rat
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen'.
In summary the full length tracks (the album take, De Lane Lea Demo and BBC version) can be identified as follows. On the album version, the vocals 'this evil man will fight, I told you once before, and that's no lie, ooh here with me', corresponds to 'the man is evil and that is right, I told you, told you once before, and that's no lie, come on, show me' on the demo and 'this evil man will fight, I told you once before, and that's no lie, take it' on the BBC version.
Take 1
This is obviously a very early take, some of the verses are complete, but many are improvised. The music is fairly similar to the album version. As the lyrics are so under-developed in places, it is possible that this demo pre-dates the De Lane Lea sessions by some time. Length 3:36.
Take 4 AKA Version 2
This version was played at one of the Queen conventions, and is far more developed than some of the other demos. It sounds quite similar to the album version, but Freddie's vocals are quite quiet compared to the music, so it is hard to tell. This version starts abruptly, and ends mid-track. Length 3:30.
De Lane Lea Demo Version
This version is similar to the album version, but has an overall rawer and less produced feel. It is available on the 'Queen' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 6:07.
Other Demos
As well as the versions below there are rumoured to be a number of other demo versions and out-takes recorded between 1971 and 1973, which is entirely likely as the track was obviously evolving for quite some time before they were happy with it.
Faked Demo
As with most other faked demos, this runs slower than the album version's 5:42. Stereo trickery means that from 1:34 and 4:17, a lot of Brian's harder guitar is lost. However, there do not seem to be many other changes. Length 5:54.
Take 1 Lyrics: (click here for the De Lane Lea demo lyrics, or here for Take 4 / Version 2 lyrics)
Freddie: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten

Great king rat died today
Born on the twenty-first of May
Died syphilis forty-four on his birthday
Every second word he swore
Yes, he was the son of a whore
Always wanted by the law

A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
Great king rat was a dirty old man
Would you like to see?
Yeah

Where will I be tomorrow
Will I beggar or will I borrow
I don't care anyway
Come on, come on, the time is right
The man is evil and that is right
I told you once before
And that's no lie

(Unknown lyrics)
Oh now people
(Unknown lyrics)
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
Now listen all you people
Would you like to see?
Show me
Oh yeah

(Two verses of ad-libbed vocals)

Now listen all you people
Now listen all you people
A wouldn't you like to know
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
Now what did I tell you
Would you like to see?

Now listen all you people
Put out the good and keep the bad
Never (unknown lyric)
Sinners get in line
Far behind
And very soon you're gonna be his

Two, three, four
Two, three, four

(Unknown lyrics)

One, two, three, four
One, two, three, four
One, two, three, four
One, two, three

De Lane Lea Demo Version Lyrics:
Great king rat died today
Born on the twenty-first of May
Died syphilis forty-four on his birthday
Every second word he swore
Yes, he was the son of a whore
Always wanted by the law

A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
What did I tell you (ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh)
Would you like to see?

Listen
Where will I be tomorrow
Will I beggar or will I borrow
I don't care anyway
Come on, come on, the time is right
The man is evil and that is right
I told you, ah yes, I told you
And that's no lie, oh no

A wouldn't you like to know
Now wouldn't you like to know, people (people)
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
What did I tell you (ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh)
Would you like to see?
Keep it cool

(Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh)

Now
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know, people, people
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
Now what did I tell you (ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh)
Would you like to see?

Hit it

Now listen all you people
Put out the good and keep the bad
Don't believe all you read in the bible
You sinners get in line
Saints you leave far behind
Very soon you're gonna be his disciple

Don't listen to what mama says
No not a word, not a word mama says
Or else you'll find yourself being the rival, sure
The great Lord before he died
Knelt sinners by his side
And said 'you're going to realise tomorrow'

No, I'm not gonna tell you
What you already know
Time and time again
The old man said it all a long time ago
Come on, come on the time is right
The man is evil and that is right
I told you, told you once before (and that's no lie)
Come on
Show me
Show me, one more time
Wow

Ooh
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know people
Now great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he, yeah
Now what did I tell you (ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh)
Would you like to see

Take 4 / Version 2 Lyrics:
Great king rat died today
Born on the twenty-first of May
Died syphilis forty-four on his birthday
Every second word he swore
Yes, he was the son of a whore
Always wanted by the law

A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
What did I tell you
Would you like to see?

Listen
Where will I be tomorrow
Will I beggar or will I borrow
I don't care anyway
Come on, come on, the time is right
The man is evil and that is right
I told you, I told you
And that's no lie, oh no

A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
People, people
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
What did I tell you
Would you like to see?
Keep lookin'

Now listen
A wouldn't you like to know
A wouldn't you like to know
People, people
Great king rat was a dirty old man
And a dirty old man was he
Now what did I tell you
Would you like to see?

Hit it
Now listen all you people
Put out the good and keep the bad
Don't believe all you read in the bible
You sinners get in line
Saints you leave far behind
Very soon you're gonna be his disciple

Don't listen to what mama says
No not a word, not a word mama says

Hang On In There (A Fiddley Jam)
Click here for details of the version released as the B-Side to 'I Want It All'.
Demo Version
Rather than being a full demo, this seems to be an edit of the demo, equivalent to the normal version from approx 2:30 onwards, carrying on when it normally fades out. Although it is derived from a genuine demo, this has been edited slightly because the 'make it a whole, a whole' verse is heard twice. This track is rougher and slightly heavier, and features additional keyboards in places. The lyrics are very early, and virtually all are improvised. The demo originally appeared after 'I Guess We're Falling Out', and includes parts of it towards the end. Length 2:59.
Lyrics:
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on there
And now let's go, go
Na, na, na
Na, na, na
Na, na, na
Hey
Na, na, na
Na, na, na
Now

Ba da, bop, be dop bop, bop, bop
Be bop, de bop, de bop, bop, hey
And let's go, let's go
OK, now do the change now

Yeah, hang in there
Yeah, hang on in there
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
Yeah

(Ad-libbed lyrics) hey
Make it a whole, a whole, a hey
(Ad-libbed lyrics) yeah
On, and on, and on babe
Ohhh

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a
Falling out
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ad-libbed lyrics) falling out

Hey
Make it a whole, a whole, a hey
(Ad-libbed lyrics) yeah
On, and on, and on babe
Ohhh
Yeah, yeah it's a

Hey

Headlong
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
In addition to the Queen demos below, there may also be a solo demo from Brian, as the track was originally planned for 'Back To The Light'.
Embryo With Guide Vocal
This version features Brian on vocals throughout, and features very similar lyrics, but some verses are missing altogether. The music is very similar to the finished album version, but has minor changes in places. It is available on the 'Innuendo' 2011 double-disc reissue. Length 4:42.
Demo Version
This is a full length demo, which features vocals from both Freddie and Brian. It is a very simple track containing only vocals, heavy drums, and very prominent bass. The lyrics are very similar to the album version, but the music is totally different. Some verses are sung jointly by Freddie and Brian, Freddie sings some alone, and one is sung solo by Brian. On one of the verses, Freddie sings lead vocals, while Brian adds quieter vocals underneath which are impossible to make out. Many of Freddie's vocals are almost identical to those found on the album version, so much so that they could actually be the same. The track ends with a short bass solo. Length 3:04.
Early Version
This version appears on the cassette 'Hints Of Innuendo', and is similar to the album version, but has a rougher feel, with no backing vocals. As this has been released on a promo, lyrics are found on the 'Innuendo' page. Length 1:04.
KEWB Radio
This is the full version of the track, played slightly too fast, with additional guitar throughout by Brian, and a bell sound at 2:13. The extra guitar works really well, and it improves on the album take. Length 4:24.
Embryo with Guide Vocal Lyrics (the Demo Version lyrics can be found here)
And you're rushing headlong got a new goal
And you're rushing headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping and there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can do, no there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can, nothing you can, nothing you can do about it

You're rushing headlong you've got a new goal
And you're rushing headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping no there's nothing
You can do about it

He used to be a man with a stick in his hand
Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do
She used to be a woman with a hotdog stand
Hoop, diddy, diddy, a hoop, diddy, do
Now you've got soup in the laundry bag
Now you've got strings, you're gonna lose your rag
You're getting in a fight then it ain't so groovy
When you're screaming in the night let me out of this cheap B movie

Headlong down the highway and you're rushing
Headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping and you can't stop rocking
And there's nothing you can, nothing you can, nothing you can do about it

Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do
Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do

Headlong
You're rushing headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping
And there's nothing you, nothing you
Nothing you can do about it at all

Headlong
Headlong
So strong

Headlong

Demo Version Lyrics:
And you're rushing headlong you've got a new goal
And you're rushing headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping and there's nothing you can do about it
Nothing you can do, no there's nothing you can do about it
No there's nothing you can, nothing you can, nothing you can do about it

And you're rushing headlong you've got a new goal
And you're rushing headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping no there's nothing
You can do about it, yeah

Hey, he used to be a man with a stick in his hand
Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do
She used to be a woman with a hotdog stand
Hoop, diddy, diddy, wow, hoop, diddy, do
Now you've got soup in the laundry bag
Now you've got strings, you're gonna lose your rag
You're getting in a fight then it ain't so groovy
When you're screaming in the night let me out of this cheap B movie

Headlong down the highway and you're rushing
Headlong out of control
And you think you're so strong
But there ain't no stopping and you can't stop rocking
And there's nothing you can, nothing you can, nothing you can do about it

There's nothing you can do about it
No, there's nothing you can do
There's nothing you can, nothing you can do about it
Nothing you can, nothing

When a red hot man meets a white hot lady
Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do, ho
Soon the fire starts a raging gets them more than half crazy
Hoop, diddy, diddy, hoop, diddy, do
Ooh, now they start freaking every way you turn
You can't start walking 'cos your feet got burned
It ain't no time to figure wrong from right
'Cos reason's out the window
Better hold on tight

You're rushing headlong
You're rushing headlong out of control, yeah
You think you're so strong (so strong)
But there ain't no stopping
And there's nothing you, nothing you, nothing you can do about it at all

Heaven For Everyone
Click here for details of the version on 'Made In Heaven' or here for the version on 'Shove It'.
Demo Version
There are rumours that this track was recorded during sessions either for the 'Highlander' soundtrack, or for the 'A Kind Of Magic' album. As with many of these demos, it is unknown how true this, and how close it is to the versions which later appeared on 'Shove It' and 'Made In Heaven'.

Hijack My Heart
Click here for details of the version released as the B-Side of 'The Invisible Man'.
Early Version
This 1988 demo begins with a short drum intro, and whilst it is similar to normal, it features additional percussion throughout (possibly maracas) which works really well, has more prominent guitar from Brian, and at the end the track adds some great piano, which then stops to leave just the drum beat before ending. The track is noticeably shorter than normal, losing about half of the lyrics. Roger sings lead vocals but they are less prominent than normal, and due to the extra percussion they are quite difficult to make out in places. Overall, this is a great demo. Length 3:23.
Lyrics:
Um

Just walking down the street
One cloudless sunny day
Just minding my business
Thinking my thoughts - nothing much to say
When suddenly I got hit
Imagine my surprise
Your smile came up and zapped me
Right between the eyes
I'd never seen anything to compare
With your smile
I'd never seen anything
That came within miles
My heart got hijacked by you

Stuck in the traffic
Stuck at the lights
What do I see
Some stupid bimbo
In a fast car next to me
She takes off
(Inaudible lyric, probably 'imagine my surprise')
Like a bat outta hell
(Inaudible lyric, possibly 'get to eat her dust')
I've never seen anything
That compares with your smile
I've never seen anything
That na, na, na, na
My heart got hijacked by you
Come on (???)

Hijack my heart
Hijack my heart (hijack my heart)
Stolen my heart
Steal my heart
(Unknown lyric/dialogue)

Uh

I Can't Live With You
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Roger Demo Version
A demo version is rumoured to exist, which features Roger singing lead vocals as a guide for Freddie.

I Dream Of Christmas
Click here for details of the Anita Dobson version of the track.
Queen Demo Version
When Queen wanted to write a Christmas single in 1984, Roger wrote the basics of 'Thank God It's Christmas' while Brian wrote 'I Dream Of Christmas'. The group then had to choose between the two, and opted for 'Thank God It's Christmas', which Brian and Roger then wrote together. It is rumoured that 'I Dream Of Christmas' was recorded by the band, though nothing has ever been confirmed. Brian later worked on 'I Dream Of Christmas' with his future wife Anita Dobson, which was released as a single in 1988 and also features John Deacon.

I Go Crazy
Click here for details of the version released as the B-side to 'Radio Ga Ga'.
Instrumental Demo Version
This track was recorded during the 'Hot Space' sessions, and is a straightforward instrumental demo. Musically it is very similar to the final version, but the guitars are less prominent which gives it a different feel. The working title of the track may have been 'Whipping Boy'. Length 3:06.

I'm Going Totally Mad
Click here for details of 'I'm Going Slightly Mad' on the 'Innuendo' album.
Convention Track
This track was recorded by Freddie as a short message for the 1991 fan club convention, and was played alongside messages from the rest of the band. It is similar to 'I'm Going Slightly Mad', but features very basic music on a synthesiser. The lyrics are almost completely different to the album version, hence it's name, and it is also known as 'I'm Going Slightly Mad (Totally Bonkers)'. Length 0:47.
Lyrics:
I'm going totally mad
I'm going completely mad
Totally bonkers
Absolutely bonkers, oh yes
Totally bonkers, bonkers
I'm totally mad
Mad
Mad
Mad
So there
So what do you think folks? I think I'm half way there. Have fun, lots of fun. This is Frederick Mercury signing off. Bye bye.

I'm In Love With My Car
Click here for details of the version on 'A Night At The Opera'.
Demo Versions
At least two demo versions are known to exist, one is an early version featuring Roger on guitar and vocals, and the other features alternate lyrics. Not much else is known, but it is likely that elements of the first demo were used for the 'Guitar And Vocal Mix' which appeared on the 2011 'A Night At The Opera' double-disc reissue, as it featured some different elements to the album version.

In Charge Of My Heart
Click here for details of the version released as a B-side to 'Liar'.
Queen Demo
This track is rumoured to have been recorded by Queen for 'The Miracle' in 1989, but it eventually ended up as a B-side on the 'Liar' single by The Cross in Germany in 1990. Whilst it would be great to hear a Queen version of this track, I personally think this rumour just stems from the lyrical similarity to the latter part of 'Stealin'.

Innuendo
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
1989 Mix
This mix was apparently recorded during the album sessions in 1989, and was played at one of the fan club conventions. Musically it is very similar to the album version, but it lacks the backing vocals and features a different vocal take from Freddie. It is an excerpt from the start of the track and fades out at the end, when the 'while we live according to race, colour or creed' verse would normally start. One line of lyrics is obscured by dialogue, which states that the middle part of the track is missing. Length 1:42.
Roger Vocal Demo
Greg Brooks has confirmed that a demo version of the track also exists, which features Roger singing lead vocals as a guide vocal for Freddie.
Faked Instrumental Version
This track has been circulating recently and isn't a genuine instrumental version at all. Instead it combines parts of the album version, which are instrumental anyway, with bits from various 'Tribute' albums. The result isn't a bad effort, but some of the changes in volume, style and speed give the track away, especially the 'you can be anything you want to be' part of the song. Sadly though, for the time being at least, this is the nearest thing there is to an instrumental version of the track. Length 6:39.
1989 Mix Lyrics:
Oooh, oooh

While the sun hangs in the sky and the desert has sand
While the waves crash in the sea and meet the land
Till mountains crumble into the rainbow
(Unknown lyrics)
Ooh, yes we'll keep on trying
Tread that fine line
Ooh, we'll keep on trying, yeah
Just passing our time

In The Lap Of The Gods.... Revisited
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
Instrumental Take
This is an instrumental take featuring Freddie, Roger and John, which is similar to the album version, but features some slightly different piano and drum parts. This version has a proper ending, unlike the album version which ends with an explosion. The track was recorded at one of the Queen Fan Club conventions, and features a lot of unpleasant noise just after a minute, when the microphone appears to be moved. Length 2:58.

Is This The World We Created?
Click here for details of the version on 'The Works'.
Full Band Version
This is rumoured to be a full band recording of the track, originating from 1983. As interesting as this would be, sadly it seems unlikely, as the album version is such a stripped-down and simple mix.
Piano Version
This track originally featured piano as well as acoustic guitar, but the piano track was dropped for the version which closes 'The Works'. Apparently this piano version has been erased from the vaults.
Faked Demo
This track features the familiar album version, with piano played over the top. At the start of the track the piano seems rather clumsy, but after this it fits quite well. The result is a fairly good version, which adds intrigue to the genuine demo. The genuine demo is very rare so any demos in circulation will almost certainly be this fake. Length 2:09

It's A Beautiful Day
Click here for details of the version on 'Made In Heaven'.
Original Spontaneous Idea, April 1980
This is a short demo featuring just Freddie on the piano and vocals, which is identical to that later used for the 'Made In Heaven' track. Brian, Roger and John added bass, guitars and background music, but Freddie's core piano and vocal performance is identical to this version. The track also features a very short amount of studio dialogue at the start and end, and a false start from Freddie. It is only available on 'The Game' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 1:28, although the actual song is 1:20.
Lyrics:
Unknown voice: Yep
Freddie: Shit

It's a beautiful day
The sun is shining
I feel good
And no-one's gonna stop me now, oh yeah

It's a beautiful day
I feel good, I feel right
And no-one, no-one's gonna stop me now, mama

Sometimes I feel so sad, so sad, so bad
But no-one's gonna stop me now, no-one
It's hopeless, so hopeless, to even try

Freddie: Go, go on the, yeah

It's A Hard Life
Click here for details of the version on 'The Works'.
Early Version
This demo features the start of the track upto the 'I try to mend the broken pieces' verse. Musically it is very similar to the album version, the main difference is that this has early lyrics, with typical ad-libbing from Freddie. The harmonied vocals are mostly present, but in some cases different. The track ends mid-verse so this is obviously an edit of a longer demo. Length 1:40 (which includes 15 seconds of drum/bass warm up and count-in at the start).
Lyrics:
Freddie: Alright. One, two, three, four

(Ahhhhh)
(Oooh) there's no reason for (living)
With a broken heart

This is a tricky situation
I've only got myself to blame
It's just a simple fact of life
It could happen to anyone

You win, you lose
(Unknown lyrics)
Ooh yeah, I fell in love
Now you say it's over (unknown lyric)

(Ohhh) ohhh
It's a hard life
Be two lovers together
Love and live forever (unknown lyric)

It's a long hard fight
Feel strength in one another
(Unknown lyrics)
(Unknown lyrics)

I try and mend the broken -

I Wanna Testify
Click here for details of Roger's version, released as a single in 1977.
Queen Version
It is rumoured that this track was recorded by Queen for the 'News Of The World' album. Roger's version of the track would fit in well with the other tracks on the album, so this seems plausible, though how much truth there is in this rumour is anybody's guess.

I Want It All
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Instrumental Demo
This is an instrumental demo, which is similar to the album version but has a rawer feel and there are some changes, including a longer acoustic intro and losing some of Brian's lead guitar. Just as the Brian's solo normally starts, there are a few extra drums, and then 'Chinese Torture' begins for about 13 seconds. 'Chinese Torture' appears to be the normal version, but cuts off abruptly. Length 3:37, of which 'I Want It All' is 3:27 to the last drum crash.
Early Version
Musically very similar to normal, this begins with the 'listen all you people' verse and fades out during the 'one track mind' verse. Lyrically the most important difference is during this 'one track mind' verse, where most of it is ad-libbed but you can definitely make out 'and I know I love you baby' as it fades to silence. Length 1:21.
Demo Version Lyrics:
Listen all you people, come gather round
I gotta get me a game plan, gotta shake you to the ground
But just give me, what I know is mine
People do you hear me, just give me the sign

It ain't much I'm asking, if you want the truth
Here's to the future, for the dreams of youth, hey
I want it all (hear it all, I want it all), I want it all, hey, I want it all and I want it now
I want it all, I want it all, I want it all and I want it now

Brian: (Ad-libbed vocals)
Brian: And I know I love you baby

Jealousy
Click here for details of the version on 'Jazz'.
Demo Version
This is demo version features piano which segues from 'Don't Stop Me Now', alhough nothing else about it is known.
Instrumental Take
This is an early instrumental take of the track, which features Freddie, Roger and John. Musically it is fairly similar to normal, with heavier drums from Roger, but it is obviously missing Brian's guitar. The track is longer than normal, with the extra time coming from a couple of extra verses which feature some different elements to the rest of the track. Length 4:00.

Jesus
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen'.
De Lane Lea Demo Version
Obviously longer than the 3:45 album version, the extra time is made up through longer or new instrumental sections. Lyrically it is similar to normal, but the track has a rawer feel to it, and contains heavier guitar throughout. It is available on the 'Queen' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 5:04.
Acetate Version:
It is rumoured that a different version or different mix was pressed onto a 1973 acetate, though how accurate this is and what the differences may be is unknown.
Heavy Trident Version:
It is also rumoured that a heavier version of the track was recorded at Trident Studios, though again this is just a rumour and nothing else is known.
De Lane Lea Demo Lyrics:
Then I saw him in the crowd
A lot of people had gathered round him
The beggars shouted
The lepers called him
The old man said nothing
He just stared about him

All going down to see the Lord Jesus (oh yeah)
All going down to see the Lord Jesus (oooh yeah)
All going down

Then came a man before his feet he fell
'Unclean' said the leper, rang his bell
Felt the palm of a hand touch his head
'Go now, go now, you're a new man instead'

All going down to see the Lord Jesus, ooh right
All going down to see the Lord Jesus
All going down

It all began with the three wise men
Followed a star took them to Bethlehem
And made it heard throughout the land
Born was the leader of man

All going down (going down, going down) to see the Lord Jesus
All going down (oooh, yes we're going down, oooh, ooh) to see the Lord Jesus
All going down

It all began with the three wise men
Followed a star took them to Bethlehem
And they made it heard throughout the land
Born was the leader of man

Yes we're
All going down to see the Lord Jesus
We're all going down to see the Lord Jesus
All going down

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