“Who Wants to Live Forever” is a song by the British rock band Queen, released on September 15, 1986 with “Killer Queen” on the B-side. It was written by lead guitarist Brian May for the soundtrack for the film Highlander, the British-American fantasy action-adventure film directed by Russell Mulcahy. It stars Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery. The song was featured on their album A Kind of Magic. The song is one of Queen’s most powerful ballads and has become a fan favorite.
“Who Wants to Live Forever” is a haunting, orchestral ballad that contrasts Queen’s typical rock sound. The song features a sweeping arrangement with orchestration, lush strings, and a choir, which give it a dramatic and emotional feel. Brian May wrote the song and sings the first verse, with lead vocalist Freddie Mercury delivering the rest in his signature, powerful style. The song’s lyrics are deeply emotional and explore themes of mortality and the inevitability of death. It reflects on the pain of living forever and watching loved ones die, asking the poignant question, “Who wants to live forever?” The song fits perfectly within the context of the Highlander film, which deals with immortality and the emotional burden it brings.
While “Who Wants to Live Forever” was not a major chart-topping hit, it was still well-received: It reached No. 6 in the Netherlands, and No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.The song has gained enduring popularity over time and remains one of Queen’s most beloved ballads.
“Who Wants to Live Forever” is remembered as one of Queen’s most emotionally powerful songs, showcasing both Freddie Mercury’s vocal range and Brian May’s songwriting ability. The song’s orchestral arrangement and moving lyrics have made it a standout track from A Kind of Magic, and it continues to be played at Queen concerts, often as a tribute to Freddie Mercury.