1992 · Back To The Light - Brian May

Compact Disc · U.K · Parlophone · 0777 7 80400 2 6.

 Back cover.

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 Booklet.

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 Matrix.

Album Lyrics:

The Dark.

(May)

Little baby sweetly sleep 

Do not stir 

We will bring a coat of fur

We will rock you rock you rock you 

We will rock you rock you rock you

See the fur to keep you warm 

Softly round your tiny form.

Back To The Light.

(May)

Far, far from the light 

Hear the night creatures call 

With the cold breath they howl 

All the hollow hours they’re calling you 

I’ll be there 

No matter what you’re going through 

In the dark I care 

I’m holding on, I’m hoping on 

It’s still the same old me inside

Back to the light 

Back to the streets that are paved with gold 

Back to the light 

Back to the land where the sunshine heals my soul

Deep, deep in the night 

When the world fills with tears 

And the wind blows, colder and colder it grows 

And the fire dims with the same old fears 

I’ll be there 

Though maybe you don’t hear me babe 

I still care 

No matter when I’ll still be there 

When you make it to the other side

I’m going back – Back to the light 

Back to the light 

Back to the streets that are paved with gold 

Back to the light 

Going back to the land where the sunshine heals my soul – yeah

On and on 

Searching for a clearer view 

Winning and losing an inner war 

Wonder what we do it for 

Though the road seems never ending 

Hold on to the hope I’m sending through – yeah

No matter where you’re going to 

In the dark I care 

I’m holding on – believe it 

We’ll be walking in the light 

‘Cos there’ll be no place left to hide

Back to the light 

Back to the streets that are paved with gold 

Back to the light -yeah 

I’m going back to the land where the sunshine heals my soul 

I hear you babe

Back to the light (back to the light) 

Back to the light (back to the light) 

Back to the light 

Back to the light – yeah 

Coming back with me

Yeah yeah.

Love Token.

(May)

Mama’s in love, Papa’s in love 

It’s such a shame they don’t love each other. 

Papa’s in a jam, Mama’s throwin’ pans 

The game’s up – it’s time to run for cover

Everybody’s cryin’ but they can’t stop hopin’ 

Everybody’s lookin’ for the door that’s open 

Mama’s makin heat to keep the old fire smokin’ 

Papa’s hangin’ on to his old love token

You got love but you ain’t got style 

You want your freedom but in a while 

You’re lost children but you know for sure 

You gotta find out who your love is for

Oh baby life ain’t what it used to be 

You’re tellin’ me – not since you’ve been hangin’ round here

Mama what you screamin’ for actin’ like a demon for 

And hey mama quit wavin’ them hands in the air 

Don’t talk to me that way 

Well I don’t see no reason to raise your voice to me 

You put fat in the fire you got shit for brains 

Well you don’t give me comfort and a man’s gotta get it somewhere 

Ooh that’s a shame 

Yeah, well… 

Mama’s hangin’ on to every word that’s spoken 

But Papa’s hangin’ on to his old love token

That’s what it is 

Here it comes babe

Oh I don’t wanna leave you Mama 

Oh I don’t wanna leave you Papa

Long haired women gonna turn you to stone 

You can’t beat ’em – cos you need ’em 

You gotta live – you gotta love 

You’re love token’s gotta fit like a glove

Listen to the story ’bout the dream that’s broken 

You gotta keep a hold of your old love token

Oh I don’t wanna leave you Mama 

Oh I don’t wanna leave you Papa 

No I don’t wanna leave you alone 

But I’m gonna have to babe.

Resurrection.

(May/Cozy Powell/Jamie Page)

There’s a pain in my brain 

Confusion in my heart 

My blood’s fit for bursting my body apart 

I’m gonna ride – ride the night into the morning sun

Yeah I’m gonna make my resurrection 

No more of this crap 

Got a whole new direction 

Ain’t no turning back 

Resurrection is a-gonna come

My spirit is weeping 

For freedom it cries 

Been scraping my living 

In the valley of lies 

Gonna ride the night into the morning sun

Yeah I’m a victim of a victim 

Of a conspiracy 

From a corpum derelictum 

Gonna fly and be free 

Resurrection is a-gonna come – yeah

Clear the vision 

Heal the system 

Sins forgiven 

Rise

Flee the prison 

Break the system 

Sins forgiven 

Rise

Ride the night 

Yes I know I’m still alive 

Gotta ride the night – yeah 

I’m gonna ride 

Rise again in the morning light

There’s no sense in my counting 

The price of those years 

There’s too many heartaches 

And too many tears 

Ride the night into the morning sun

Yes I thought I was dreaming 

But the east is ablaze 

With the promise of the future 

Those Heavenly days 

Ride the night into the morning sun 

Ride the night into the morning sun 

Cos the resurrection is a-gonna come.

Too Much Love Will Kill You.

(May/Frank Musker/Elizabeth Lamers)

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 

About 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 

Too much love will kill you – 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 it’s impossible to choose 

No there’s no making sense of it 

Every way I go I have to lose

Oh 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

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 

Too much love will kill you 

In the end 

In the end.

Driven By You.

(May)

Oh – everything I do I do for you

Oh yeah 

We touch and you’re afraid of me and 

We burn and now I’m at your feet 

High speed, but you know you’re in safe hands 

In the dark we make a brighter light 

From one spark to the horizon wide 

We trust and together we tame the land – yeah

You’d be forgiven if you think you’re dreaming 

But we’re working night and day to make a dream come true – yeah 

Everything I do is driven by you

Oh – come on babe

Oh well it’s tough to make a journey through 

The right stuff is dead ahead of you and me 

And you know we’ve still got time 

Hold on tight to the driving wheel 

This ride is really out of line 

Raw deal, but there’s no other that’s worth a dime

You know I love you but you drive me crazy 

‘Cos you’re saying all the things I want to say to you 

You say 

Everything I do is driven by you

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do is driven by you

Inner children lost their way 

Now they know the price you pay 

I’m holding on to life with you 

‘Cos life without you just won’t do

Driven by you

You know I’m never going to know who’s dreaming 

But we’re working night and day to make a dream come true – yeah 

Everything I do is driven by you

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do 

Everything we do is driven by 

Driven by 

Driven by you

Oh – everything I do I do for you.

Nothin’ But Blue.

(May/Cozy Powell)

I look at your picture 

I’m nothin’ but blue 

I’m hearing you whisper 

The way you used to do 

And I can’t stop wondering 

Just how things might have been 

No I’m nothin’ but blue

My life has no rhythm 

Somehow it’s out of tune 

I keep trying to tell them 

We’ll be seeing them soon 

But the truth keeps rushing back 

Guess you know what I mean 

No I’m nothin’ but blue 

No I’m nothin’ but blue

No use in crying – that ain’t what you would do – no 

Living or dying – we’ll just keep on fighting through – yeah

No I can’t stop my wondering 

‘Bout all those things that might have been 

No I’m nothin’ but blue 

No I’m nothin’ but blue 

Nothin’ 

Nothin’ but blue 

(nothin’ nothin’ nothin’ nothin’ …) 

Nothin’ but blue.

I’m Scared.

(May)

You take me to the party 

You put me on the stand 

You’re pumpin’ up my heart 

To the beatin’ of the band 

You toss it in the air 

And you don’t care where it lands 

You take it – you break it 

You’re hurtin’ me

Because I wasn’t prepared 

I couldn’t go where you dared 

You got my whole soul bared 

I never knew that you cared (No it just ain’t fair)

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (so scared) 

I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared

You take me out to dinner 

And you swallow me whole 

You’re nothin’ but a sinner 

With a dark black soul 

I figured I could handle you 

But I’m just a toy 

You’re gettin’ bolder and bolder 

You’re just a bad bad boy

Because I wasn’t prepared (I’m scared I’m scared) 

I couldn’t go where you dared (I’m scared I’m scared) 

You got my whole soul bared (I’m so so scared) 

I never knew that you cared (yeah yeah yeah)

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (so scared) 

I’m scared (afraid) 

I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared

What you starin’ at 

You’re such a scaredy cat 

When I know that I just can’t fight it 

So what you starin’ at 

You’re such a scaredy cat 

‘Cos I’m only scared that maybe I might like it

I’m scared to move, I’m scared of standing still 

I’m scared to change, I’m scared to stay the same 

I’m so scared I want to die 

I’m scared of dying 

I’m scared of not being liked, not being loved 

I’m scared to be alone 

I’m scared of being with people 

I’m scared of disapproval 

I’m scared of life 

I’m scared to lose what I have built 

I’m scared of feeling scared 

I’m scared of being ugly, being boring, being dull 

I’m scared of my thoughts 

I’m scared of being found out 

I’m scared of Steven Berkhoff 

I’m scared to dance, I’m scared to speak, to sing 

I’m scared my body’s awkward, the wrong shape, wrong smell 

I’m scared to say what I think 

I’m scared to say no, or yes too often 

I’m scared of disappointing 

I’m scared of losing control 

I’m scared of pain 

I’m scared of hurting, being hurt 

I’m scared this will go on ’til I die 

I’m scared of losing my home, my love, my kids, my kids, my kids 

I’m scared my heart will break 

I’m scared of losing myself 

I’m scared of finding myself 

Because there might be no-one there at all 

I’m scared of the unknown future 

I’m scared to make a wrong turn 

I’m scared of the dark 

I’m scared of failing 

I’m scared it may all be for nothing

You take me to the limit 

You take me to the brink 

You left me with the blues 

When you found me in the pink 

You know just what you’re saying 

But your metaphors stink 

I gotta lick it, or stick it 

Or this is the end

Because I wasn’t prepared (because) 

I couldn’t go where you dared (cos I’m) 

You got my whole soul bared (because I’m so) 

I never knew that you cared (I’m scared)

(I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

So scared (I’m scared) 

So scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared (I’m scared) 

I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared I’m scared 

I’m scared 

I’m scared 

I’m scared.

Last Horizon.

(May)

Instrumental.

Let Your Heart Rule Your Head.

(May)

If you’ve got time to stay and listen to my story 

Just a moment of your life is all I need 

Don’t say we should be parted 

Because we only just got started 

Let your heart rule your head tonight

There’s a full moon shinin’ on the water 

There’s a warm breeze blowin’ off the sea 

And when my pulse starts a racin’ 

I know life is for the tastin’ 

Let your heart rule your head tonight

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head tonight 

When your whole world is sinkin’ 

Come to my way of thinkin’ 

Let your heart rule your head tonight

It’s been so long since I put my arms around you 

And I don’t know if it’s real or it’s a dream 

But don’t pussy-foot about it 

Shout it 

Just can’t live without it 

Let your heart rule your head tonight (everybody)

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head tonight 

When your whole world is sinkin’ 

Come to my way of thinkin’ 

Let your heart rule your head tonight

Ooh you’re starin’ at my face as though I’m crazy 

When I tell you that I need you every day 

Can’t you see that I love you pretty baby 

And ol’ time don’t ever stop tickin’ away – yeah

Well your Mama don’t mind 

And your Papa don’t mind 

But you’ll never be mine 

If you’re thinkin’ all the time 

We can work it out right 

When I’m holdin’ you tight 

We can make it tonight 

‘Cos it ain’t no crime

Don’t let the moment slip away 

Don’t think about it – do it

Well I know that we’re in a time of changes 

And in love there is danger everywhere 

But consider every portion 

When you’ve taken your precautions 

Let your heart (let your heart) 

Let your heart (let your heart) 

Let your heart (let your heart) 

Let your heart let your heart let your heart

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head tonight 

When your whole world is sinkin’ 

Come to my way of thinkin’ 

Let your heart rule your head tonight

Oh sing it with me 

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head 

Let your heart rule your head tonight 

When your whole world is sinkin’ 

Come to my way of thinkin’ 

Let your heart rule your head tonight 

Let your heart rule your head tonight.

Just One Life.

(May)

I did not know you 

Our lives never touched 

‘Til the day they gathered 

To bid you farewell 

And they painted your picture 

And as I looked around 

I felt I saw you 

In the words and the sound

Your talent came flowing 

Through the stories they tell 

And through the faces 

Of those who loved you so well 

Your life gave them a treasure 

A piece of themselves 

Something they carry 

And still serves them well

Just one life 

Just one life 

Just one life 

That is born and is and is gone 

Just one life 

And I’m so glad to know you 

As I know you now

Perhaps inside you 

You were messed up like me 

But to them you were whole and strong 

And friend in their need 

And what you left behind you 

And what swept over me 

Says that your life’s work 

Rolls on and on 

A piece of eternity

Just one life 

Just one life 

Just one life 

That is born and is and is gone 

Just one life 

Did you ever have the chance to find out 

What life is all about

I did not know you 

Our lives never touched 

‘Til the day we gathered 

To say our farewells.

Rollin’ Over.

(Steve Marriot/Ronnie Lane)

Oh yes

Yeah

Goodbye sunshine I’m on my way 

I’ll be long time gone by the break of day 

Tell everyone that I’m gonna find it 

There ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over

Save all your lovin’ till I get home 

To the sweetest lovin’ sunshine that I’ve ever known 

Tell everyone that I’m gonna find it 

There ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over

Shak-do-way 

Yeah yeah yeah 

Shak-do-way 

Yeah yeah yeah

Save all your lovin’ till I get home 

To the sweetest lovin’ sunshine that I’ve ever known 

Tell everyone that I’m gonna find it 

There ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over 

Rollin’ over – shak-do-way 

Rollin’ over – yeah yeah yeah 

Rollin’ over – shak-do-way 

Rollin’ over – yeah yeah yeah.

Liner Notes:

Dear Folks, This

is an album of songs, and

the man who finished making it today

is very different from the man who started it

five years ago. So this is not a set of ideas put down

at one moment, nor is it the story of my life; it is merely

a collection of attempts made at various times to make

sense of life’s journey. Thus you won’t find much in here

about how fab it is to be a rock star in Queen; but you may find,

in contrast, glimpses of someone quite small and insecure. I know

him well.

Music is joy ot me and living in it is sometimes the only safe

place to be. Much of what is recorded here is for fun, escapism,

music for it’s own sake, and though I mean what I say, take it with

a small pinch of salt.

In my mind, this album was always called Back To The

Light. At its beginning I felt no real hope of finding the

light; now it glimmers dimly, encouragingly, but

always intermittently in the hall of mirrors around

me. I suppose if we ever knew exactly where

the light was coming from, getting

there would be easy…..

Thanks for being with me. Enjoy the journey ! ! !

Love

Brian May

20th July 1992.

Produced by Brian May

Co-produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith

Technical Assistance by Brian Zellis

Mastered by Kevin Metcalfe

All vocals, backing vocals, guitars, keyboards and anything

else around – by Brian May unless otherwise stated.

Recorded at Allerton Hill except where stated.

Mixed at Metropolis Studios except where stated.

(Assistant engineers Noel Haris and Heidi Cannavo)

Management: Jim Beach and Julie Glover.

Tour manager: Gerry Stickells.

Sleeve design and photography by Richard Gray.

Fan Club: 46 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HN.

These performances were digitally recorded on two linked

Sony ‘3324’ 24-track machines with Apogee filters and mixed

back on to two tracks on the same machines.

The album was then digitally compiled at West Heath

Studios with Ian Sylvester.

The guitars were played mainly either through ‘Zoom’ boxes

or good old (or new) Vox AC30’s.

Extra expert programming by David Richards and Brian

Zellis.

MY THANKS TO:

Jacky Gunn, Sally Hyatt, Val Moss, Allistair McLaren, Marjie

Winter, Melanie Martin-Keady, Neal Levin, Peter Chant,

Robert Lee, Vicky Vocat, Andre Gauchat, David Richards,

Lola at Sarm, Barbara Jeffries, Penny Robinson, Crystal,

Martha, Big Martin, Ray Burdis, Dominic Anciano, Jill

Sinclair, Anita Keogh, Brenda Brooker, Spike Edney, The

Wildes of Knebworth, Pete Schwier, Richard Edwards,

Lonnie Donegan, Eddie Naughton, Gary Langan, Karen

Goodman and all at Metropolis Studios, Peter Harrison,

Maggie Winkworth, Alan Maclean, Tony (the sweet shop

man), David Mallet, Debbie Mason, Wendy Laister, Roxy

Meade, Derry Hawes, Diana Mosely, Jane Gregory,

Malcolm Hill, Jim Jenkins, Michael Eisner, Peter Paterno and

all at Hollywood Records, Gary Arnold, Rupert Perry, Tony

Wadsworth, Andrew Pryor, and all at EMI Records, Helmut

Fest, Korg UK, Ian Southwell, HHB, Audio FX, Brzenrock,

Bill Action, Ian Sylvester, Lynne Carey, Bryn Bridenthal,

Carmen Rivera, Alan Douglas, Eren Mehmed, Dave Potter,

the good folks of The Sun, Windlesham, all members of the

Queen fan club, Trip Khalaf, Jim Devenney, Patrick

Woodroffe, Peter Hince, Rudi Dolezal, Hannes Rossacher,

Stephanie Wagner, Paul Bobbins and Toby (the dog),

Malcolm Thomas, Marie Ramsden, John (Tunbridge) Wells,

Wally Gore, Ron The Dog.

For the past 20 years I have been privileged to work with

the best team in the world. Thank you Roger, John and

our dear incomparable, sorely missed, Freddie, and all

those who worked for Queen over the years, for getting

me this far.

MY SPECIAL THANKS ALSO:

To my Dad for making my guitar with me. It should just see

me out.

To Dick Denney, for designing the AC30.

To Jimmy May for keeping me clear about how cool I’m not,

Louisa May for pet care and control, and Emily May for

sunshine every day.

To my dear Mum for keeping Allerton Alive.

For persistent friendship, much appreciated, Tom Short,

Nathan East, Steve Ferrone, Rick Wakeman, Steve Vai, Paul

Rodgers, E.V.H., Elton John, Axl, Slash and hte Def Leps.

To Joe Satriani for a magnificent guitar which makes its

debut on Nothin’ But Blue.

To Justin, for hanging in there like the trooper he is and

patiently dealing with my erratic recording habits.

For support and encouragement, to Tony Iommi, Joe Elliott,

Nuno, Gary, Paul and Pat of Extreme, Neil Murray, Jack

Nelson, Mike Moran and Cozy Powell, whose contribution

to this album is inestimable.

And to my lady, Anita Dobson, for having the faith that I

could fly.

This album is dedicated to Harold May, Alfred Dobson and

Freddie Mercury. And to all those loved ones we have lost too

soon.