"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a song written by Freddie Mercury, originally recorded by the band Queen for their 1975 album A Night at the Opera. It is touted by some fans as the most popular song in the world. "Bohemian Rhapsody" did start a major trend in the music industry: following its success, it became a regular practice for record companies to produce promo videos for their artists' single releases. The song stayed at number one in the British charts for 9 weeks during 1975-1976, and returned again for another 5 weeks during 1991-1992. In the USA, the song peaked at number 9 in the 1970s, but after the death of Freddie Mercury and the popularity of the film Wayne's World, the song peaked at number two in 1992.

Whatever. Before all-computerized radio, disc jockeys loved any song that gave us 6 minutes to, well, you know, anything besides work. If you really want a lot of info on "Bo Rhap", you�ll find it at Song Facts.

Here's the original Bohemian Rhapsody video by Queen.

The staying power of this song is in the humor. The original was pretty funny in itself. A whole new generation was introduced to the song when it was featured in the movie Wayne's World. The video for the movie version is at YouTube. It became an even bigger hit the second time around, which completely ruined its charm for "serious" music critics. But no matter. The new generation of fans had computer access, real geek skills, and a sense of humor. So the parodies began. And they haven't stopped yet.

George Bush does Bo Rhap. Not all that pleasant, but impressively edited.

The version going around during the 2004 presidential election: Political Rhapsody.

The mashup with All Your Base Are Belong to Us: All Your Base Rhapsody.

This one by the Chavs is from the UK, and they are correct. I am an American, and I don't understand it.

Lord of the Rings version: Fellowship Rhapsody (audio only).

Rhapsody on the Sea: video filmed by members of the British Navy.

Standup comedians have had fun with it. Rick Miller did the song with his repetoire of celebrity impressions. Comedian Lee Evans does a comedy pantomime to the song.

A video for fans of the TV show "Lost": The Lost Rhapsody, by Weird Al Yankokvic.

Performed by the Texas Longhorn Marching Band, or if you prefer, the University of Michigan marching band.

Pictograph version, the funniest so far!

Bohemian Rhapsody in Hand Fart (via Neatorama)

The Biblical version, Bethlehemian Rhapsody by The Apologetix, retells the story of David and Goliath. The music video is followed by a “making of” documentary thats just as funny as the music video itself!

The Christian a capella group Chapter 6 have an amusing version, captured in concert.

We pause now for a word from our fine sponsor, Mountain Dew.

Gamers have a particular drive to recreate videos. I particularly enjoyed Mortal Kombat Rhapsody, only 2 minutes long.

Gamers will also enjoy Halo Rhapsody, Onyxia Rhapsody, and Titanium Rhapsody.

For vegetarians, an abridged animated version starring vegetables.

For anime fans, there’s plenty of AMVs, including Bohemian Naruto Rhapsody, Moonie Rhapsody, Neon Genesis Evangelion - Bohemian Rhapsody, and Fullmetal Rhapsody.

I found three videos using Disney clips: Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin, and one using clips from different animated movies.

If you haven't seen Dad at Comedy Barn already, you may wonder what its doing here. Bear with me, its worth the wait. And you WILL laugh!

Lots of serious performances are available on YouTube, such as this tribute concert by Queen with Elton John and Axl Rose on vocals,  this one by Susie McNeill, a reinterpretation by The Braids, Mig Ayesa on the TV show Rockstar: INXS, and Kellie Pickler and Emily Williams on American Idol.

LYRICS ONLY
Get the karioke machine out, you've got a lot of singing to do!
Harry Potter version: Chamber of Secrets Rhapsody.
Star Wars version: Imperial Rhapsody.
Geek version : Honours Rhapsody.
Mythological version: Barbarian Rhapsody.
Scientific version: Chemical Rhapsody.
Lonely version: Bachelor Rhapody.
Eating disorder version: Bulimian Rhapsody.
Rocky version: Yo Adrian Rhapsody.
Cartoon version 1: Elmer Fudian Wapsody.
Cartoon version 2: Spongebobian Rhapsody.
Cartoon version 3:Simpsonian Rhapsody.
There are lots more, but I only included the ones that are may be somewhat amusing to somebody.

I also found a guy who has collected a ton of different versions of the song. Too bad you can't just listen to them from his site.

There is a quiz involved. Which Line from Bo Rhap are you?

So, is that enough to keep you busy for a while? If you aren't a fan of this sort of thing, you might know someone who is.

Thought for today: Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me.

The original version of this post appeared on November 8, 2005. With the advent of YouTube, it has been extensively edited.

humor Bohemian Rhapsody parody Queen Wayne's World