Credits

• Written by: Freddie Mercury
• Produced by: Queen and Mack
• Musicians:

Freddie Mercury - lead and backing vocals, piano

Brian May - guitars, backing vocals

John Deacon - bass guitar

Roger Taylor - drums, backing vocals

• Length: 4:08

Discography

Albums:

	The Works, 1984
	Greatest Hits II, 1991

Singles:

	It's A Hard Life, 1984
	I Want To Break Free, 1988 CD Single

Alternate Versions:

• Karaoke Instrumental - Japan Toshiba EMI TOLW - 3249.50
• 12" Extended Version - 12" Collection: CDQ TEL 0001
• It’s A Hard Life vocal demo - Unreleased

Queen Talks

Brian responds to a question about the skull guitar from the 'It's A Hard Life' video.

"It's more of a prop than anything else. You can just about play it, but it was made especially for the video. But it was made more for the looks than anything else. Yes, I have played it, but you won't find it on any record I'm afraid."

Brian May - 16/11/1997, Pop On the Line

"To my mind this is one of the most beautiful songs that Freddie ever wrote. It's straight from the heart, and he really opened up during the creation of it, I sat with him for hours and hours and hours just trying pull it away and get the most out of it. It's one of his loveliest songs."

Brian May - 2003, Greatest Video Hits 2 DVD commentary

Covers

Cover Versions

Chords & Tabs

• chords

Lyrics