About the song
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is an electrifying anthem by the legendary British rock band Queen, released on January 26, 1979, as a single from their 1978 album *Jazz*. Crafted by the band’s dynamic lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, this exuberant track epitomizes Queen’s flair for high-energy rock and theatricality. Recorded during a fruitful session at Super Bear Studios in Berre-les-Alpes, France, the song showcases Mercury’s infectious piano playing, while the rhythm section provided by bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor perfectly complements the upbeat tempo.
As one of Queen’s most exuberant tracks, “Don’t Stop Me Now” stands out for its spirited melody and Mercury’s exhilarating vocal performance. Its chorus, characterized by Queen’s signature multi-tracked harmony vocals, invites listeners to join in a euphoric celebration of life’s pleasures. Initially, the single achieved moderate success, reaching number 9 on the UK charts and number 86 in the US. Despite its relatively modest chart performance, the song’s infectious energy and timeless appeal have led it to become one of Queen’s most beloved tracks.
The track’s enduring popularity was notably rejuvenated by its inclusion in the 2004 cult classic film *Shaun of the Dead*. Over the years, it has become a staple in pop culture, featured in numerous films, commercials, and television shows. Its presence in a variety of media has solidified its status as a quintessential feel-good anthem. In 2014, Rolling Stone readers even voted it as their third-favorite Queen song, affirming its lasting impact and widespread admiration.
The song’s upbeat and hedonistic lyrics reflect Mercury’s exuberant personality and the band’s ethos of having a good time. Despite initial skepticism from some band members, particularly guitarist Brian May, who was initially apprehensive about the song’s celebration of a hedonistic lifestyle, the track has been embraced by fans around the world. May himself came to appreciate it as a joyful and celebratory anthem.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” also boasts a vibrant music video filmed at the Forest National in Brussels, further enhancing its legacy. The song’s live performances, initially sparse, have seen a resurgence with Queen’s modern incarnation featuring Adam Lambert, where it remains a crowd favorite.
In summary, “Don’t Stop Me Now” is not just a song; it’s an enduring symbol of Queen’s unbridled energy and joy. Its ability to captivate audiences decades after its release underscores its status as one of the greatest rock anthems of all time.
Video
Lyrics
Tonight
I’m gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive
And the world, I’ll turn it inside out, yeah
I’m floating around in ecstasy, so
Don’t stop me now
Don’t stop me
‘Cause I’m having a good time, having a good time
I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky like a tiger
Defying the laws of gravity
I’m a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva
I’m gonna go, go, go, there’s no stopping me
I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah
200 degrees, that’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I’m travelling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you
I’m having such a good time
I’m having a ball
(Don’t stop me now) if you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
’cause I’m having a good time
(Don’t stop me now) yes, I’m havin’ a good time
I don’t wanna stop at all, yeah
I’m a rocket ship on my way to Mars on a collision course
I am a satellite, I’m out of control
I’m a sex machine ready to reload like an atom bomb
About to whoa-oh, whoa-oh, oh, explode
I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah
200 degrees, that’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I’m travelling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic woman of you
hey-hey-hey
(Don’t stop me, don’t stop me, ooh-ooh-ooh) I like it
(Don’t stop me, don’t stop me) have a good time, good time
(Don’t stop me, don’t stop me) oh
Let loose, honey, alright
Oh, I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah
200 degrees, that’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit, hey
I’m travelling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you (hey, hey)
I’m having such a good time
I’m having a ball
(Don’t stop me now) if you wanna have a good time (ooh, alright)
Just give me a call
yes, I’m havin’ a good time
I don’t wanna stop at all
Ah, da-da-da-da- da-da-ah-ah
Ah-da-da, ah-ah-ah
Ah, da-da, da-da-da-da-ah-ah
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh