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A Life in Lyrics: The Official Creative Legacy of Freddie Mercury
The Definitive Biography with Unpublished Songwriting and Rare Photographs
Embark on a thrilling yet intimate journey through Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s personal creative archives—featuring never-before-seen lyrics, ideas, drawings, photos, and more, alongside exclusive stories and anecdotes from his former fiancé and longtime best friend, Mary Austin.
Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world.
But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse bands the world has ever seen. When Freddie passed away in 1991, he left to his former fiancé and dearest friend, Mary Austin, not only his house and possessions, but also a creative archive spanning almost two decades. From his earliest works before Queen was formed, right through to the end of his solo career, his notebooks and doodlings contain previously unpublished material including alternate lyrics and abandoned verses for “Bohemian Rhapsody” and multiple drafts of “Don’t Stop Me Now,” as well as entire songs that were never recorded.
Accompanied by stories, memories, and anecdotes from his lifelong companion, and illustrated with photographs from Freddie’s personal collection, many of which have never been published before, A Life in Lyrics is the definitive creative record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
Embark on a thrilling yet intimate journey through Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s personal creative archives—featuring never-before-seen lyrics, ideas, drawings, photos, and more, alongside exclusive stories and anecdotes from his former fiancé and longtime best friend, Mary Austin.
Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world.
But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse bands the world has ever seen. When Freddie passed away in 1991, he left to his former fiancé and dearest friend, Mary Austin, not only his house and possessions, but also a creative archive spanning almost two decades. From his earliest works before Queen was formed, right through to the end of his solo career, his notebooks and doodlings contain previously unpublished material including alternate lyrics and abandoned verses for “Bohemian Rhapsody” and multiple drafts of “Don’t Stop Me Now,” as well as entire songs that were never recorded.
Accompanied by stories, memories, and anecdotes from his lifelong companion, and illustrated with photographs from Freddie’s personal collection, many of which have never been published before, A Life in Lyrics is the definitive creative record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Freddie Mercury
48 books126 followersFreddie Mercury was a British musician, best known as the frontman of the rock band Queen. As a performer, he was known for his vocal prowess and flamboyant performances. As a songwriter, he composed many international hits, including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and "We Are the Champions". Fronted by Mercury, Queen went on to sell more than 300 million albums internationally.
In addition to his work with Queen, he also led a solo career and was occasionally a producer and guest musician (piano or vocals) for other artists. Mercury, who was a Parsi and grew up in India, has been referred to as "Britain's first Asian rock star." He died of bronchopneumonia induced by HIV (AIDS) on 24 November 1991, only one day after publicly acknowledging he had the disease. In 2006, Time Asia named him as one of the most influential Asian heroes of the past 60 years, and he continues to be cited as one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him number 18 on their list of the 100 greatest singers of all time.
In addition to his work with Queen, he also led a solo career and was occasionally a producer and guest musician (piano or vocals) for other artists. Mercury, who was a Parsi and grew up in India, has been referred to as "Britain's first Asian rock star." He died of bronchopneumonia induced by HIV (AIDS) on 24 November 1991, only one day after publicly acknowledging he had the disease. In 2006, Time Asia named him as one of the most influential Asian heroes of the past 60 years, and he continues to be cited as one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him number 18 on their list of the 100 greatest singers of all time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 26, 2026
FREDDIE MERCURY: A LIFE IN LYRICS was just released in September of this year.
I expected yet another overpriced coffee table pot-boiler paying tribute to a dead
music icon.
By an insider who knew him.
Adding to the unending pile of same-old.
My wife has been a life-long fan of Queen and its flamboyant front man and owns
an extensive library of books and DVDs. So when I first saw the Amazon promos
I forwarded the news. I started reading some of the early Goodreads reviews and
noticed the commonality of high marks. We agreed to await library availability.
The introduction by the author, long time friend and confidante Mary Austin, marked
this one as different from the rest. She promised the book would try to capture the
man from within his lyrics, doodles and notes. And to honor and celebrate that man
who became Freddie Mercury.
The book is organized around the 20-plusMary and Freddie spent together and
apart after they first became a couple. He was a struggling musician and she
was a simple shop girl . LYRICS never deteriorates into a tell-all. Never the cheap,
embittered tabloid expose it so easily could have become.
This is a warm and sensitive love story that is eloquent and compelling. Austin is
introspective. She tries to explain their long distance relationship (months away
on international tours), the revelation of his bisexuality, her own feelings of loss
and uncertainty and the emerging presence that Fredie Mercury became for the
rest of the world. Why she stayed even though the song lyrics from "Somebody
to Love" not too subtly announced to the world that she was not 'the one.'
She sums up both their personal relationship AND his stage presence in just a
few short but insightful words :
"He was funny, sharp, endlessly curious and already utterly himself. And he
noticed you. With him you felt seen. And when you feel seen, you start to love
very quickly."
Special note: The actual author of the book is Mary Austin, not Freddie. Whether
this is intentional misleading by the publisher to increase sales or a screw up by
an overworked Goodreads librarian remains to be seen. Freddie Passed away in
1991, so authorship should not really be a big question here.
I expected yet another overpriced coffee table pot-boiler paying tribute to a dead
music icon.
By an insider who knew him.
Adding to the unending pile of same-old.
My wife has been a life-long fan of Queen and its flamboyant front man and owns
an extensive library of books and DVDs. So when I first saw the Amazon promos
I forwarded the news. I started reading some of the early Goodreads reviews and
noticed the commonality of high marks. We agreed to await library availability.
The introduction by the author, long time friend and confidante Mary Austin, marked
this one as different from the rest. She promised the book would try to capture the
man from within his lyrics, doodles and notes. And to honor and celebrate that man
who became Freddie Mercury.
The book is organized around the 20-plusMary and Freddie spent together and
apart after they first became a couple. He was a struggling musician and she
was a simple shop girl . LYRICS never deteriorates into a tell-all. Never the cheap,
embittered tabloid expose it so easily could have become.
This is a warm and sensitive love story that is eloquent and compelling. Austin is
introspective. She tries to explain their long distance relationship (months away
on international tours), the revelation of his bisexuality, her own feelings of loss
and uncertainty and the emerging presence that Fredie Mercury became for the
rest of the world. Why she stayed even though the song lyrics from "Somebody
to Love" not too subtly announced to the world that she was not 'the one.'
She sums up both their personal relationship AND his stage presence in just a
few short but insightful words :
"He was funny, sharp, endlessly curious and already utterly himself. And he
noticed you. With him you felt seen. And when you feel seen, you start to love
very quickly."
Special note: The actual author of the book is Mary Austin, not Freddie. Whether
this is intentional misleading by the publisher to increase sales or a screw up by
an overworked Goodreads librarian remains to be seen. Freddie Passed away in
1991, so authorship should not really be a big question here.
September 9, 2026
I’m not a fan of biographies usually but I really enjoyed this book. Reading how Freddie wrote his lyrics was something I knew nothing about. Mary Austin, his lifelong friend, writes about his music beautifully. I loved the photos and the way Freddie wrote his lyrics on any pieces of paper he had.
September 2, 2026
I love that its not a tell all
At 1st you want to get all of the details of mary and Freddie's relationship But as the book goes on and you get the detailed and little Descriptions from Mary you realize that she's trying to Give us an inside look on who Farrok Bulsara was the person that was before freddie mercury It's emotional it's comforting it's a wonderful day I couldn't put it down ,I read it in a day
At 1st you want to get all of the details of mary and Freddie's relationship But as the book goes on and you get the detailed and little Descriptions from Mary you realize that she's trying to Give us an inside look on who Farrok Bulsara was the person that was before freddie mercury It's emotional it's comforting it's a wonderful day I couldn't put it down ,I read it in a day
September 24, 2026
I have studied Freddie and loved him for years. Even writing and directing a play about him whilst at Uni. I have never read any biography about him because I generally find them to be either by people who knew nothing or by people who were using him for a bit of quick cash.
However, when I realised Mary Austin had written one, I knew this would be the one to read. Or listen to in this case.
A brilliantly honest, emotional and insightful journey into the life of Freddie Mercury, told by the person who knew him best. Listening to this was brilliant too with all the audio clips.
However, when I realised Mary Austin had written one, I knew this would be the one to read. Or listen to in this case.
A brilliantly honest, emotional and insightful journey into the life of Freddie Mercury, told by the person who knew him best. Listening to this was brilliant too with all the audio clips.
September 5, 2026
Mary Austin has stirred up so many emotions in this perfectly formed memoire. Nostalgia, personal regret & embarrassment, persistent admiration, respect, enlightenment, inevitable sadness, general regret, but the memories of seeing Freddie live at Knebworth, Queen twice more without Freddie, the Highlander film on repeat and all those songs that live again. I loved this audiobook and hearing him sing again. Thank you.
September 1, 2026
Brilliant book and insight into Freddie Mercury from Mary Austen. The book has also inspired me to write and be more creative again in my own works! So I’m very thankful for the that too. For any die hard Queen/ Freddie Mercury fan, this is the book for you. Probably the most honest and insightful portrait of him as an artist more than anything, which is why I really enjoyed this read. Sometimes it’s refreshing to just talk about the music and artistic direction of the genius that was Freddie Mercury.
October 10, 2026
Als großer QUEEN Fan durfte ich das neue Buch "Freddie Mercury: Ein Leben in Songs" lesen, welches auf einen Fund in Freddies Yamaha-Flügel und seinem Nachlass, wie den Erinnerungen seiner ehemaligen Verlobten und Freundin Mary Austin beruht. Es ist ein persönlicher Blick auf Freddie und seine musikalische Arbeit.
Es ist nicht mein erstes Buch über Freddie und Queen, aber dieses enthält sehr persönliche Erinnerungen und Eindrücke seiner langjährigen und besten Freundin und Wegbegleiterin Mary. Dabei versteht sie es uns Freddie näher zu bringen, bleibt jedoch immer wertschätzend gegenüber seinen Freunden, den Bandmitgliedern oder anderen Weggefährten.
Der tolle Bildband beginnt mit dem Kennenlernen von Freddie und Mary, seinen frühesten Werken und ist gefüllt mit Bilder, handgeschriebenen Songtexten und Illustrationen. Man sieht die Anfänge vieler bekannter Songs, Streichungen, Änderungen und den finalen Aufbau. Schon im Film "Bohemian Rhapsody" habe ich die Stellen, als es um den gleichnamigen Song ging, geliebt. Auch in diesem Buch zeigt Mary Austin auf, was für ein komplexes Werk dieser Song ist und wie viel Freddie daran lag. Er war ein Musikgenie! Man erkennt, wie sehr er in seiner Musik gelebt hat und wie sein Perfektionismus ihn so lange an einem Song hat arbeiten lassen, bis er zu hundert Prozent damit zufrieden war.
Seine tiefe Freundschaft zu Mary, die er nach seinem Tod in seinem Testament bedacht hat und der gegenseitige Respekt ist auf jeder Seite zu erkennen. Mary erzählt hier keine Skandalgeschichten oder Enthüllungsstories, sondern wirft ein sehr privates Bild auf ihren langjährigen Freund Freddie - den Musiker und Künstler. Man spürt die Entwicklung seiner Persönlichkeit und erfährt, wie er von Farrokh Bulsara zu Freddie Mercury wurde. Ebenso wie seine künstlerische Seele, die ihn zu seinen Kostümen inspiriert hat oder sein Entwurf und die schlussendliche Kreation des Queen Logos.
Abgerundet mit privaten Fotografien und Erinnerungen, die uns diesen grandiosen Musiker näher bringen.
Fazit:
Danke an Mary Austin, dass sie diese Skizzen und Entwürfe ihres Freundes Freddie in diesem wunderbaren Buch öffentlich gemacht hat und uns eine Seite dieses Ausnahmetalentes zeigt, die sehr persönlich und respektvoll dargelegt wird. Für QUEEN Fans ein MUSS!
Es ist nicht mein erstes Buch über Freddie und Queen, aber dieses enthält sehr persönliche Erinnerungen und Eindrücke seiner langjährigen und besten Freundin und Wegbegleiterin Mary. Dabei versteht sie es uns Freddie näher zu bringen, bleibt jedoch immer wertschätzend gegenüber seinen Freunden, den Bandmitgliedern oder anderen Weggefährten.
Der tolle Bildband beginnt mit dem Kennenlernen von Freddie und Mary, seinen frühesten Werken und ist gefüllt mit Bilder, handgeschriebenen Songtexten und Illustrationen. Man sieht die Anfänge vieler bekannter Songs, Streichungen, Änderungen und den finalen Aufbau. Schon im Film "Bohemian Rhapsody" habe ich die Stellen, als es um den gleichnamigen Song ging, geliebt. Auch in diesem Buch zeigt Mary Austin auf, was für ein komplexes Werk dieser Song ist und wie viel Freddie daran lag. Er war ein Musikgenie! Man erkennt, wie sehr er in seiner Musik gelebt hat und wie sein Perfektionismus ihn so lange an einem Song hat arbeiten lassen, bis er zu hundert Prozent damit zufrieden war.
Seine tiefe Freundschaft zu Mary, die er nach seinem Tod in seinem Testament bedacht hat und der gegenseitige Respekt ist auf jeder Seite zu erkennen. Mary erzählt hier keine Skandalgeschichten oder Enthüllungsstories, sondern wirft ein sehr privates Bild auf ihren langjährigen Freund Freddie - den Musiker und Künstler. Man spürt die Entwicklung seiner Persönlichkeit und erfährt, wie er von Farrokh Bulsara zu Freddie Mercury wurde. Ebenso wie seine künstlerische Seele, die ihn zu seinen Kostümen inspiriert hat oder sein Entwurf und die schlussendliche Kreation des Queen Logos.
Abgerundet mit privaten Fotografien und Erinnerungen, die uns diesen grandiosen Musiker näher bringen.
Fazit:
Danke an Mary Austin, dass sie diese Skizzen und Entwürfe ihres Freundes Freddie in diesem wunderbaren Buch öffentlich gemacht hat und uns eine Seite dieses Ausnahmetalentes zeigt, die sehr persönlich und respektvoll dargelegt wird. Für QUEEN Fans ein MUSS!
September 3, 2026
Great book, and pictures, good memory lane stuff as I remembered the songs and TV performances of the 1970s and 1980s. I also enjoyed playing the tracks while reading Freddie’s lyrics and sketches.
September 16, 2026
Freddie: A Life In Lyrics
Mary Austin tells of her life beside the wonderfully exotic Freddie Mercury. They met before forming the group Queen. Mary was there when they were discussing names for the band. She and Freddie lived in a one room flat with shared kitchen and bathroom for the first many years of the groups performing in clubs locally in London. This is a remarkable tale of two lives lived together and what love and friendship become as life moves and changes! Get this book you will discover many things you never knew about the group Queen and Freddie Mercury. This book is excellently written and it is well worth the time to read and discover. Thanks for writing this Mary Austin You have revealed the character of the writer of the music of my life. Thanks for the memories 💕😘
Mary Austin tells of her life beside the wonderfully exotic Freddie Mercury. They met before forming the group Queen. Mary was there when they were discussing names for the band. She and Freddie lived in a one room flat with shared kitchen and bathroom for the first many years of the groups performing in clubs locally in London. This is a remarkable tale of two lives lived together and what love and friendship become as life moves and changes! Get this book you will discover many things you never knew about the group Queen and Freddie Mercury. This book is excellently written and it is well worth the time to read and discover. Thanks for writing this Mary Austin You have revealed the character of the writer of the music of my life. Thanks for the memories 💕😘
September 16, 2026
As a huge Queen fan, I absolutely loved this book. It’s probably the one book I’ve read that I truly felt told me about the real Freddie, from the person who knew him so well.
I listened to the audiobook, which had a chapter read by Mary. Hearing her experiences really brought the book to life.
I especially loved hearing Freddie’s lyrics and Mary’s interpretations of them, alongside her memories of what was happening in their lives at the time. It gave such a beautiful insight into the meaning behind the songs and the person behind them.
They were such a sweet couple, and although their relationship changed over the years, they became absolute best friends. That special bond really comes through in this book.
I honestly don’t think I’ll ever read another book that shows Freddie in such an honest and personal light. For me, this wasn’t just about Freddie Mercury, the legendary singer , it felt like getting to know Freddie the man. Any Queen fan who wants to feel closer to the real Freddie should read this book.
I listened to the audiobook, which had a chapter read by Mary. Hearing her experiences really brought the book to life.
I especially loved hearing Freddie’s lyrics and Mary’s interpretations of them, alongside her memories of what was happening in their lives at the time. It gave such a beautiful insight into the meaning behind the songs and the person behind them.
They were such a sweet couple, and although their relationship changed over the years, they became absolute best friends. That special bond really comes through in this book.
I honestly don’t think I’ll ever read another book that shows Freddie in such an honest and personal light. For me, this wasn’t just about Freddie Mercury, the legendary singer , it felt like getting to know Freddie the man. Any Queen fan who wants to feel closer to the real Freddie should read this book.
September 19, 2026
Phenomenal book that chronicles the life of Freddie Mercury as told by his former fiancée and lifelong friend, Mary Austin. This book is a pictorial with photos of items from Freddie’s personal collection which he bequeathed to Mary. After 40 years, Mary decides it was time to share those memories and Sothebys auctioned many of these never seen manuscripts. Songs, written and sung. The evolution of Queen. The songs written and the process which produced the iconic songs and the even more iconic man, captured in an easy to read memorable book. The love and care Mary and Freddie shares for each other through out his life is evident here. Thank you, Mary, for being courageous enough to write such a thoughtful book.
October 14, 2026
Vad man kommer tycka om den här boken tror jag handlar om med vilken inställning man börjar läsa den. Vill man ha en massa hemligheter och avslöjanden kommer man bli besviken. Men om man vill komma närmare hur Freddie Mercury var som artist är det en guldgruva eftersom boken berättas av en som var med under hela tiden, Mary Austin.
Hon berättar också så enkelt och uppriktigt om sin relation och kärlek till Freddie att det går rakt in och på sista sidan grät jag. Boken handlar främst om Freddie men utan att det är meningen säger den också väldigt mycket om henne som en partner, omtänksam och älskande.
Hon berättar också så enkelt och uppriktigt om sin relation och kärlek till Freddie att det går rakt in och på sista sidan grät jag. Boken handlar främst om Freddie men utan att det är meningen säger den också väldigt mycket om henne som en partner, omtänksam och älskande.
October 23, 2026
6/5 - The way I adore this man is unmatched. Going through this book, seeing Freddie's handwritten lyrics, and Mary's storytelling alongside them made this such an enjoyable read. I learned so much that I didn't know already and it made me feel even more connected to the man behind the microphone.
Queen and Freddie fans, this is a must read!
Queen and Freddie fans, this is a must read!
October 27, 2026
An incredibly interesting insight into the legendary music created by Freddie Mercury and Queen. I loved the memories shared by Mary and I learned so much about the songs. Now to go and relisten to the entire back catalogue...
September 20, 2026
Five stars all round in so glad Mary got to write this and share his personal collection and stories there will never be anyone else like Freddie he’s always with us
October 14, 2026
MY king of pop
September 21, 2026
I'm a Freddie diehard. Seeing his actual handwriting of the songs that have impacted my life, well, I was invested one thousand percent. It had to be incredibly hard to be in love with someone who was gay, then live in their home and feel his presence everywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2026
A beautiful, well crafted book that gives real insight into Freddie’s creativity and song writing genius. So refreshing from the typical biography. A beautiful moment in time to have read this.
October 11, 2026
A really marvellous book. Thank you to Mary Austin for being that grounding force to Freddie over his life, a deep love and friendship that was very special. The final chapter was a particularly touching piece.
September 19, 2026
This book includes photos, lyrics, drawings, and text from Mary Austin as a tribute to Freddie. It is obvious that Mary was a very special person in Freddie's life and it is a lovely tribute. The photos and documents within make Freddie seem more "human"... yet also illustrate his meticulous nature and incredible talent. I was quite moved by Mary's comments in the last few pages... My only complaint is that I found Freddie's handwriting very difficult to decipher - to peruse the hand written lyrics takes considerable effort. A must though for any Queen fan.
October 10, 2026
Mary Austin (ooit Mercury’s verloofde, later zijn beste vriendin) presenteert, nadat ze in 2023 een groot deel van zijn persoonlijke spullen liet veilen, een boek waarin zijn handgeschreven liedteksten centraal staan. Een buitengewoon ruime selectie kladversies met doorhalingen wordt getoond.
Op papier leek A Life in Lyrics voor mij gemaakt (want ik ben gek op sporen van het creatieve proces en Freddie Mercury was my one and only childhood hero), maar na het lezen van dit boek – dat overigens prachtig is uitgegeven – had ik een dubbel gevoel. De behandeling van al die snippers van de schrijftafel alsof ze uit de pianokruk van Shakespeare kwamen… nee. Die vreselijke teksten (vooral de vroege) met al die knullige fantasy-elementen… weer nee.
Naast foto’s van beschreven vellen papier – aanzetten tot liedteksten, die regelmatig omringd worden door allerlei geinig gekrabbel – staan er tekeningen en foto’s van Mercury in dit boek. Vaak staat Austin ook op die foto’s, want naast de teksten draait dit boek om haar persoonlijke herinneringen. Een ingewikkelde combinatie.
Toch vond ik die herinneringen wel de moeite waard, maar dat ze (naast FM) als enige auteur van dit boek wordt genoemd, stuitte mij tegen de borst. De vetgedrukte passages, waarin de handschriften en de wijzigingen die Mercury aanbracht nader worden besproken, zijn overduidelijk niet van haar hand. Hetzelfde geldt voor de bijschriften, waarin ze regelmatig zelf genoemd wordt (ik neem aan dat ze niet in de derde persoon over zichzelf schrijft). Voorbeeld: ‘Mary recalls arriving home from work after the shoot […].’ (p. 49) Waarom Austin in de ‘Acknowledgements’ (waarin nota bene het obligate ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ wordt aangehaald) niet transparant is over wie welke bijdrage heeft geleverd, is mij een raadsel.
Mijn dubbele gevoel kwam ook doordat ik Mercury altijd vooral had gezien als verlegen man die eenmaal op het podium een fabelachtig charisma had en een buitengewone performer was. Hier wordt hij gepresenteerd als genie met een belangrijke creatieve nalatenschap (deels opgediept uit die pianokruk). Ach, eigenlijk is de aandacht voor al die creatieve uitspattingen die je op die vellen papier kan zien best aardig. En het is ook logisch dat Austin over de grote liefde van haar leven (al was hij dan gay, waar ze overigens geen doekjes om windt) niet echt met scherpte kan schrijven.
Het zijn de sporen van speelse creativiteit in het handschrift en de droedels waar ik het meest plezier aan heb beleefd, net als aan de wandeling die ik dankzij A Life in Lyrics zelf door het oeuvre van Queen nam. Ik was gaan denken dat alles vreselijk was, maar ik kwam eigenlijk best een hoop mooie dingen tegen.
Uiteindelijk kreeg ik tijdens het lezen meer sympathie voor het uitgangspunt. Wat daar zeker bij hielp was de door Mercury getekende penis op p. 29, die door een grote O hangt en zo het streepje van de Q (van Queen) vormt. De lichte lolligheid maakt de rest verteerbaar.
Op papier leek A Life in Lyrics voor mij gemaakt (want ik ben gek op sporen van het creatieve proces en Freddie Mercury was my one and only childhood hero), maar na het lezen van dit boek – dat overigens prachtig is uitgegeven – had ik een dubbel gevoel. De behandeling van al die snippers van de schrijftafel alsof ze uit de pianokruk van Shakespeare kwamen… nee. Die vreselijke teksten (vooral de vroege) met al die knullige fantasy-elementen… weer nee.
Naast foto’s van beschreven vellen papier – aanzetten tot liedteksten, die regelmatig omringd worden door allerlei geinig gekrabbel – staan er tekeningen en foto’s van Mercury in dit boek. Vaak staat Austin ook op die foto’s, want naast de teksten draait dit boek om haar persoonlijke herinneringen. Een ingewikkelde combinatie.
Toch vond ik die herinneringen wel de moeite waard, maar dat ze (naast FM) als enige auteur van dit boek wordt genoemd, stuitte mij tegen de borst. De vetgedrukte passages, waarin de handschriften en de wijzigingen die Mercury aanbracht nader worden besproken, zijn overduidelijk niet van haar hand. Hetzelfde geldt voor de bijschriften, waarin ze regelmatig zelf genoemd wordt (ik neem aan dat ze niet in de derde persoon over zichzelf schrijft). Voorbeeld: ‘Mary recalls arriving home from work after the shoot […].’ (p. 49) Waarom Austin in de ‘Acknowledgements’ (waarin nota bene het obligate ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ wordt aangehaald) niet transparant is over wie welke bijdrage heeft geleverd, is mij een raadsel.
Mijn dubbele gevoel kwam ook doordat ik Mercury altijd vooral had gezien als verlegen man die eenmaal op het podium een fabelachtig charisma had en een buitengewone performer was. Hier wordt hij gepresenteerd als genie met een belangrijke creatieve nalatenschap (deels opgediept uit die pianokruk). Ach, eigenlijk is de aandacht voor al die creatieve uitspattingen die je op die vellen papier kan zien best aardig. En het is ook logisch dat Austin over de grote liefde van haar leven (al was hij dan gay, waar ze overigens geen doekjes om windt) niet echt met scherpte kan schrijven.
Het zijn de sporen van speelse creativiteit in het handschrift en de droedels waar ik het meest plezier aan heb beleefd, net als aan de wandeling die ik dankzij A Life in Lyrics zelf door het oeuvre van Queen nam. Ik was gaan denken dat alles vreselijk was, maar ik kwam eigenlijk best een hoop mooie dingen tegen.
Uiteindelijk kreeg ik tijdens het lezen meer sympathie voor het uitgangspunt. Wat daar zeker bij hielp was de door Mercury getekende penis op p. 29, die door een grote O hangt en zo het streepje van de Q (van Queen) vormt. De lichte lolligheid maakt de rest verteerbaar.
September 4, 2026
Queen has been my all-time favorite band since I was born. According to my family, newborn me would cry until they played Mustapha and I stopped. My musical preferences were established before I could hold my own head up.
I love many artists from completely different backgrounds, periods, and genres, but nothing has ever compared to Queen for me. So getting this extraordinarily intimate look at Freddie Mercury's creative process was an absolute pleasure.
Getting to learn how Freddie experienced his work as a musician and lyricist, how his many artistic interests fed into one another, and how ideas that eventually became incredibly familiar songs weren't born fully formed was fascinating.
There are pages where you can almost watch him thinking. Words are crossed out. Alternatives appear. Lines move. Structures change. An idea develops, gets abandoned, comes back in another form. He experiments with different words and different ways of constructing a song until he finds what works for him. Those pages were a pleasure and a privilege to read.
I also found Mary Austin's treatment of Freddie's inner world incredibly respectful. The focus always remains on Freddie as an artist and her perspective comes from someone who knew and loved him dearly. That balance was beautifully handled.
However, the editing could have been considerably better. There are several mistakes that should have been caught before publication, and sometimes the order in which photographs appear doesn't make much sense. A more deliberate editorial organization would have been better.
But I loved everything else. There's something incredibly special about knowing these songs so intimately and then being allowed to travel backwards to the handwritten notes, discarded words, and half-formed ideas that existed before we all knew them. We usually meet art when it's finished, but this book lets us meet some of Queen's music while it was still becoming. For someone who has loved Queen for literally her entire life, I don't think I could have asked for much more.
I love many artists from completely different backgrounds, periods, and genres, but nothing has ever compared to Queen for me. So getting this extraordinarily intimate look at Freddie Mercury's creative process was an absolute pleasure.
Getting to learn how Freddie experienced his work as a musician and lyricist, how his many artistic interests fed into one another, and how ideas that eventually became incredibly familiar songs weren't born fully formed was fascinating.
There are pages where you can almost watch him thinking. Words are crossed out. Alternatives appear. Lines move. Structures change. An idea develops, gets abandoned, comes back in another form. He experiments with different words and different ways of constructing a song until he finds what works for him. Those pages were a pleasure and a privilege to read.
I also found Mary Austin's treatment of Freddie's inner world incredibly respectful. The focus always remains on Freddie as an artist and her perspective comes from someone who knew and loved him dearly. That balance was beautifully handled.
However, the editing could have been considerably better. There are several mistakes that should have been caught before publication, and sometimes the order in which photographs appear doesn't make much sense. A more deliberate editorial organization would have been better.
But I loved everything else. There's something incredibly special about knowing these songs so intimately and then being allowed to travel backwards to the handwritten notes, discarded words, and half-formed ideas that existed before we all knew them. We usually meet art when it's finished, but this book lets us meet some of Queen's music while it was still becoming. For someone who has loved Queen for literally her entire life, I don't think I could have asked for much more.
October 17, 2026
Copies of Freddie's lyrics are included ... perhaps some of the ones even sold at auction. And Mary Austin's words are included. And then I'm not sure who is exactly responsible for what reads as almost AI fillers: Photo descriptions, and other explanations. I was disappointed. Nothing revealing here, maybe one or two anecdotes from perhaps his most closest confidant. But even then, Austin states that Freddie "wasn't glorifying himself" with the writing of "We are the Champions." Interesting, because Freddie has been quoted that this is the "most egotistical and arrogant song I have ever written." Also, while including a chapter on "Barcelona," Austin, according to many sources, did not want Montserrat Caballe attending Freddie's funeral.
I am probably a bitter fan, who wished that Freddie's treasures could have been housed in a museum so that many people could see them, instead of just wealthy and ruthless individual buyers. And it's not clear if charities truly received proceeds from the sale, as promised. Perhaps this book is Austin's way of dealing with the criticism, even if, according to her, Freddie did not want a "museum."
The most touching photo for me is Freddie sitting alone (almost) in his cherished Japanese room, having opened many things he purchased while in Japan (241). He had everything, but he's not here. And the music world misses him terribly.
I am probably a bitter fan, who wished that Freddie's treasures could have been housed in a museum so that many people could see them, instead of just wealthy and ruthless individual buyers. And it's not clear if charities truly received proceeds from the sale, as promised. Perhaps this book is Austin's way of dealing with the criticism, even if, according to her, Freddie did not want a "museum."
The most touching photo for me is Freddie sitting alone (almost) in his cherished Japanese room, having opened many things he purchased while in Japan (241). He had everything, but he's not here. And the music world misses him terribly.
September 28, 2026
I didn’t expect to cry. Freddie’s later years make me sad, of course, but I have not cried over him in years. I miss him, and I’ve never even met him. Our lives never overlapped: I never breathed the same air as him. But he’s played a larger role in my life than I can even begin to comprehend. He taught me to be confident in myself; to express myself as freely as I want. His music will forever be some of the greatest works of all time, and his stage presence is one I can only dream to have. There will never be another Freddie Mercury, and I don’t think there should be. His artistry, imagination, and aura was truly one of a kind and not one any human can ever recreate. My Queen tattoo will always be my favorite, and Queen will always hold such a valuable, important piece of my heart forever and always.
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October 4, 2026Mary Austin loved Freddie so much she auctioned off his belongings made a fortune then wrote this book. It just annoys me that she believes Freddie's belonging don't belong in a museum or a place to honor his memory. Instead to her they belong in the homes of the very rich who could afford the ridiculous prices.
This book is designed to make it appear as if this is an autobiography of Freddie using his lyrics. Instead it's an autobiography of Mary Austin and her life with Freddie. Her account is mixed with stories of Freddie's life and the history of Queen. I did enjoy the large photographs of from his life, the band, and the pages of handwritten lyrics. The photos were probably the best part of this book and definitely my favorite.
This book is designed to make it appear as if this is an autobiography of Freddie using his lyrics. Instead it's an autobiography of Mary Austin and her life with Freddie. Her account is mixed with stories of Freddie's life and the history of Queen. I did enjoy the large photographs of from his life, the band, and the pages of handwritten lyrics. The photos were probably the best part of this book and definitely my favorite.
September 17, 2026
This book was not what I expected. It turned out to be a look into Mary Austin’s insight into the way Freddie wrote and built his songs, it shoes pictures of how he constructed his words on paper. The book reveals some insights into their life together from lovers to friends but it’s really not what it’s about, it’s about the music and his love for it. I found this truly insightful and I would recommend listening to the audio alongside.
October 12, 2026
I recently read Freddie’s book in My Own Words and I thought this would be repetitive but it was not.
This book is so beautifully written and gives a wonderful insight into Mary’s relationship with Freddie and Freddie’s love of life and the beauty he was not only able to see but thankfully able to share with the world in such a beautiful way.
Thank you to Mary Austin for giving us this amazing gift, to Harper Collins for publishing and for all the contributors along the way.
This book is so beautifully written and gives a wonderful insight into Mary’s relationship with Freddie and Freddie’s love of life and the beauty he was not only able to see but thankfully able to share with the world in such a beautiful way.
Thank you to Mary Austin for giving us this amazing gift, to Harper Collins for publishing and for all the contributors along the way.
September 9, 2026
A life in lyrics. The official creative legacy of Freddie Mercury
Thank you Mary Austin. This was a wonderful account of your dear friend. Wish I'd known him and you! I can't get enough of his beautiful music and stories about him. I will recommend this book to everyone I know and probably gift this book to many as well as add a hard copy to my collection.
Thank you Mary Austin. This was a wonderful account of your dear friend. Wish I'd known him and you! I can't get enough of his beautiful music and stories about him. I will recommend this book to everyone I know and probably gift this book to many as well as add a hard copy to my collection.
September 10, 2026
The story of Freddie Mercury’s musical career, told through his recovered songwriting notebooks and the memories of his parter and best friend, Mary.
The audiobook is superb. It’s punctuated with the songs in from the notebooks to give an even deeper appreciation for the legend that is Freddie Mercury.
The audiobook is superb. It’s punctuated with the songs in from the notebooks to give an even deeper appreciation for the legend that is Freddie Mercury.
September 16, 2026
A MUST HAVE. A monumental piece of music history. Page after page of Freddie’s handwritten lyrics, notes, drawings and never before seen treasures, with Mary Austin’s memories bringing it all to life. Intimate, funny, emotional and deeply moving. The closest we will ever come to an autobiography in Freddie’s own hand. Absolutely priceless. 💛Thank you Mary
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