We Are the Champions

Writing of "We Are the Champions" began as early as 1975. However, at the time, Freddie Mercury deemed it unsuitable for inclusion in the band's then-current album, and the song was not recorded until 1977.{{cite AV media|people = Freddie Mercury (Songwriter)|title = Bohemian Rhapsody with audio commentary|medium = A Night At The Opera - 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition DVD|publisher = Queen|location = United Kingdom|date = 2005|quote = I remember when I was writing "Bohemian Rhapsody", I had a song called "We Are the Champions" but I just didn't feel that it fitted at the time.|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkoqoMht3Ww}} It embodies numerous elements of arena rock,{{cite journal|first= Gillian G. |last= Gaar |title= Album reviews of Queen's second box set of reissues |journal= Goldmine |url= http://www.goldminemag.com/reviews/album-reviews-of-queens-second-box-set-of-reissues |date= 4 December 2012 |access-date= 16 March 2014}}{{cite book|first= Hao |last= Huang |author-link= Hao Huang (pianist) |title= Music in the 20th century |volume= 3 |page= 508 |quote= Queen (...) proved expert at creating crowd-pleasing and long lasting anthems such as "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" — popular songs for the burgeoning stadium-rock circuit. |year= 2012 |publisher= Coda Books Ltd. |isbn= 978-1-9085-3884-0}} with Brian May stating, "We wanted to get the crowds waving and singing. It's very unifying and positive."{{cite news |title=Betty the tea lady's feet can be heard on Queen's We Will Rock You |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/10/06/betty-the-tea-lady-can-be-heard-stamping-her-feet-on-queens-we-will-rock-you-6981461/ |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Metro}}

{{Listen

|filename = Wearethechampions.ogg

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|title ="We Are the Champions"

|description =Featuring Mercury on piano, Classic FM called "We Are the Champions" a "bombastic monument of an anthem", with "its soaring, triumphant melody known at sporting events and award ceremonies the world over".

}}

Musically, it is based on Mercury's piano part, with Roger Taylor and John Deacon providing a drums and bass guitar backing. May overdubbed some guitar sections, initially subtle, but building to a "solo" played simultaneously with the last chorus. Mercury employed many jazz chords (major and minor 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th harmonies), and the choruses featured these voiced as four- and five-part vocal harmonies. The lead vocal is very demanding and strident (highest point is a C5 both belted and in falsetto), with one of Mercury's most notable performances taking place at the Live Aid concert, at Wembley Stadium, London in 1985.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11340336 "Sacha Baron Cohen to play Freddie Mercury"] BBC News Retrieved 22 January 2011

The single featured "We Will Rock You", which preceded the song on the album, as its B-side. The two songs were often played consecutively at the close of Queen concerts, and are customarily played together on radio broadcasts (in album order). Keeping with tradition, the two songs were also used to close the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert with all the show's acts joining in behind the lead vocal of Liza Minnelli.

Cash Box said that it contains "heroic lyrics and rapid changes in dynamics and emotional intensity" and praised guitarist Brian May's "dark backing lines and rippling fills."{{cite news|title=CashBox Singles Reviews|date=22 October 1977|page=23|newspaper=Cash Box|accessdate=26 December 2021|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1977/CB-1977-10-22.pdf}} Record World called it a "stately rocker well-suited to its title" and suggested that "it could serve as a sort of new wave anthem."{{cite magazine|magazine=Record World|date=22 October 1977|accessdate=16 February 2023|title=Hits of the Week|page=1|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/77/RW-1977-10-22.pdf}}

The video for "We Are the Champions" was filmed at a special video shoot with fan club members at the New London Theatre on 6 October 1977 and was directed by Derek Burbridge.{{cite book |last1=McLeod |first1=Ken |title=We are the Champions: The Politics of Sports and Popular Music: The Politics of Sports and Popular Music |date=2013 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |page=124}} Mercury performs in a trademark Harlequin outfit – a half black, half white version – in front of an enthusiastic crowd who wave Queen scarves in a manner similar to English football fans. An alternate version which starts in monochrome before blasting into colour as the drums and guitars kick in was broadcast on the BBC's Top of the Pops 2 and comprises alternate footage shot on the same day.{{cite news |title=Queen - We Are The Champions (Alternative BBC Video) |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7Nvj9UOWlg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/z7Nvj9UOWlg| archive-date=18 November 2021 | url-status=live|access-date=13 June 2021 |agency=YouTube |publisher=BBC}}{{cbignore}}

{{quote box

| quote = "In some ways the definitive Queen song, from its balladic verses to its anthemic chorus, "Champions" has an eternal lock on sports stadium playlists."

| source = —Gary Graff for Billboard magazine, January 2018.{{cite news |title=The 25 Best Queen Songs (Updated 2018) |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8092620/queen-songs-best-hits-list/ |access-date=30 June 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}

| width = 16em

| align = right

| style = padding:10px;

}}

In 2011, a team of scientific researchers concluded that "We Are the Champions" was the catchiest song in the history of pop music, despite its not reaching #1 in the charts in any major market. Dr. Daniel Mullensiefen said of the study: "Every musical hit is reliant on maths, science, engineering and technology; from the physics and frequencies of sound that determine pitch and harmony, to the hi-tech digital processors and synthesisers which can add effects to make a song catchier. We've discovered that there's a science behind the sing-along and a special combination of neuroscience, math and cognitive psychology that can produce the elusive elixir of the perfect sing-along song."[https://www.nme.com/news/music/queen-101-1274133 "Queen's 'We Are The Champions' is the catchiest song ever, say scientists"]. NME. Retrieved 13 June 2021[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/freddie-mercury-25-years-death-we-are-the-champions-vocals-lyrics-a7436346.html "Freddie Mercury's isolated vocals on 'We Are The Champions' will haunt you forever"]. The Independent. Retrieved 13 June 2021

The song is popular at sporting events, often being played after a major victory by the home team. For example, it was played at Highmark Stadium after the Buffalo Bills defeated the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL playoffs.{{Cite web |title=ByChrisMason |url=https://twitter.com/bychrismason |access-date=12 March 2023 |website=Twitter |language=en}}

In 1977–1978, "We Are the Champions" was released as a single in many countries, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. number 4 on Billboard in the US, number 3 in Canada, the top 10 in Ireland, Netherlands, and Norway, and the top 15 in Germany, Austria, and Sweden.

In 1992, 1993, and 1998, the single was re-released in France, totalling 45 weeks on the chart and peaking at #19, #14, and at #10 during the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Information is based on the album's Liner NotesQueen. News of the World (Album Notes). EMI. 1977.

• Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, piano
• Brian May – guitars, backing vocals
• Roger Taylor – drums, backing vocals
• John Deacon – bass guitar

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; 7" single (1977 release)

1. "We Are the Champions" – 3:00
2. "We Will Rock You" – 2:00

; 3" CD single (1988 release)

1. "We Are the Champions" – 3:02
2. "We Will Rock You" – 2:02
3. "Fat Bottomed Girls" – 3:23

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; CD single (1992 release)

1. "We Are the Champions" – 2:59
2. "We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions" – 5:00

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Queen|title=We Are the Champions|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1977|certyear=2024|access-date=July 8, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Queen|title=We Are The Champions|id=11329|relyear=1977|certyear=2022|access-date=23 May 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|award=Gold|artist=Queen|title=We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions |source=infodisc|certyear=1978|note=Original release}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|award=Gold|artist=Queen|title=We Are The Champions|certyear=1998|note=1998 re-release}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Queen|title=We Are The Champions|relyear=1977|certyear=2023|access-date=1 June 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|artist=Queen|title=We Are The Champions|relyear=1977|certyear=2024|access-date=5 August 2024|id=13002}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Queen|title=We Are the Champions|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=1977|certyear=2024|access-date=August 8, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|title=We Are the Champions|artist=Queen|award=Platinum|salesamount=962,000|salesref={{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/queens-bestselling-singles-on-the-official-uk-singles-chart__24760/|title=Queen's bestselling singles on the Official UK Singles Chart|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=20 November 2018|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=20 November 2018}}|relyear=1978|access-date=8 May 2020|id=8081-1614-1}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|title=We Are the Champions|artist=Queen|award=Platinum|note=1977 vinyl release|certyear=1978|access-date=27 December 2015|refname=RIAA}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|title=We Are the Champions|artist=Queen|award=Platinum|number=4|note=2003 digital release|certyear=2022|digital=true|access-date=29 August 2022|refname=RIAA1}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

In 1992, Hank Marvin recorded a version of the song featuring Brian May on guitar. Royalties from the single were donated to the Terrence Higgins Trust. The song peaked at number 66 on the UK charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/19484/hank-marvin/ | title=Hank Marvin UK Charts | work=officialcharts.com | access-date=25 June 2021}}

1. "We Are the Champions" (4:55)
2. "Moontalk" (3:13)
3. "Into the Light" (4:00)

• Tracks 1–2 performed by Hank Marvin featuring Brian May
• Track 2-3 performed by Hank Marvin

In 2004, German rock band Scorpions with Michael Kleitman released their version retitled "You Are the Champion". This special version was recorded in honour of Michael Schumacher winning his seventh F1 Formula One Championship. The song was slightly re-written, most notably changing "We" to "You" which is a direct reference to Schumacher. The song peaked at number 92 on the German Singles Chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-95814|title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts - Offizielle Deutsche Charts}} It was subsequently included on the album Stand Up for the Champion – Michael Schumacher in 2006 when he decided to retire from Formula One racing.

1. "You Are the Champion" (3:31)
2. "You Are the Champion" (Instrumental) (3:31)
3. "E Sara Perche (Spread Your Wings)" (3:12)

• Tracks 1–2 performed by Scorpions and Michael Kleitman
• Track 3 performed by Michael Kleitman

{{Infobox song

| name = We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)

| cover = Crazy_frog_champions.jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Crazy Frog

| album = Crazy Frog Presents More Crazy Hits

| released = 5 June 2006

| recorded = 2005

| studio =

| venue =

| genre = {{flatlist|

• Dance
• electronic

}}

| length = 3:03

| label = Ministry of Sound

| writer = Freddie Mercury

| producer = Erik Wernquist

| prev_title = Jingle Bells/U Can't Touch This

| prev_year = 2005

| next_title = Last Christmas

| next_year = 2006

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|S_IAqwrvEuU|"We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)"}}}}

}}

A cover version by Crazy Frog titled "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" was released as a single on 5 June 2006, to coincide with the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Vocal arrangements include a sample portion of Queen's original recording.

The music video depicts Crazy Frog in bed dreaming that he is competing in a football match against Killbots. When the music video was originally released online, it appeared as it was released. However, the current version lacks the ball being kicked and the accompanying sound effects.

After being internationally released, it was shown before the animated movie Cars.

The single had its greatest success in France. It went straight to #1 on 10 June 2006, and stayed at this position for five weeks. It remained for nine weeks in the Top 10, seventeen weeks in the top fifty, and twenty five weeks in the chart. On 30 August 2006, it was certified Gold disc two months after its release by SNEP, the French certifier, and became the fifteenth best selling single in 2006 in that country.

;CD single

1. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (radio edit) – 2:57
2. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (club mix) – 5:49

;Maxi single

1. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (radio edit) – 2:57
2. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (house mix) – 6:04
3. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (club mix) – 5:51
4. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (club mix dub) – 5:17
5. "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" (video)

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Gold|artist=Crazy Frog|title=We Are The Champions (Ding A Dang Dong)|certyear=2006|relyear=2006}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|award=Gold|artist=Crazy Frog|title=We Are The Champions|certyear=2006|source=archive}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}

{{Infobox song

| name = You Are the Champions

| cover = You Are the Champions (single).jpg

| type = single

| artist = Queen + Adam Lambert

| released = 1 May 2020{{Cite web|title=You Are the Champions|url=http://queenvault.com/youarethechampionssingle.html|website=Queen Vault|access-date=27 September 2020}}

| recorded = 2020

| genre = Rock

| length = 2:07

| label = Virgin EMI

| producer = * Brian May

• Roger Taylor

| next_title = The Show Must Go On (Live at O2 Arena, 4 July 2018)

| next_year = 2020

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|7LcLqIHzNkY|"You Are the Champions"}}}}

}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, May, Taylor and Adam Lambert released "You Are the Champions" on 1 May 2020, with proceeds going to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/you-are-the-champions-official-video-queen-adam-lambert-music-video-honoring-coronavirus-frontline-workers/|title=Queen and Adam Lambert release music video honoring "Champions" of the coronavirus fight|work=CBS News|date=30 April 2020|access-date=1 May 2020}} In 2020, "You Are the Champions" peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.{{cite magazine |title=Queen Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/queen/chart-history/ark/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=4 August 2020}} The song also debuted on the UK Singles Chart at #95 in 2020.{{cite web |title=Queen full Official Chart History |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/21275/queen/ |website=Official Charts UK |access-date=5 August 2020}} On 5 August 2020 limited edition CD and 7" vinyl versions of the single were announced with 3,000 copies each.{{cite web |title=Press Release: 'You Are The Champions' To Be Released on 7" Vinyl and CD |url=http://www.queenonline.com/news/press-release-you-are-the-champions-to-be-released-on-7-vinyl-and-cd |website=QueenOnline |access-date=29 August 2020}} The physical versions both charted on #1 in their specific UK Official Charts on 28 August 2020.{{cite web |title=Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/physical-singles-chart/20200828/1/ |website=Official Charts UK |access-date=29 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/vinyl-singles-chart/20200828/897/ |website=Official Charts UK |access-date=29 August 2020}}

• 7-inch vinyl and CD single{{Cite web|title=You Are the Champions - Limited Edition 7" vinyl|url=https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Queen/Music/You-Are-The-Champions-SOLD-OUT/6N7B0X091HV?l=en|website=Queen Online Store|access-date=28 September 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|title=You Are the Champions - Limited Edition CD single|url=https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Queen/Music/You-Are-The-Champions-SOLD-OUT/6N7C0X091HV?l=en|website=Queen Online Store|access-date=28 September 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

1. "You Are the Champions" – 2:07
2. "You Are the Champions" (Instrumental version) – 2:07

• Digital download and streaming{{Cite web|title=You Are the Champions – Single by Queen & Adam Lambert on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-are-champions-in-support-covid-19-solidarity-response/1510352459|website=Apple Music|date=30 April 2020|access-date=28 September 2020}}

1. "You Are the Champions" – 2:07

• Adam Lambert – vocals
• Brian May – electric guitar
• Roger Taylor – drums
• Neil Fairclough – bass guitar

{{Reflist}}

• Official YouTube videos: [//www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY original music video], [//www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNwu7kWPsHI Live at the Bowl], [//www.youtube.com/watch?v=68pBKxbpnSo Queen + Paul Rodgers], [//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwLoK0P-zpA at Freddie Mercury tribute concert] (with Liza Minnelli)
• {{YouTube|ym_jVTcBxSU|Queen - We Are the Champions}} (original studio audio)

{{Queen singles}}

{{Crazy Frog}}

{{Scorpions}}

{{Music of FIFA World Cup}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1977 songs

Category:1977 singles

Category:1992 singles

Category:2004 singles

Category:2006 singles

Category:2020 singles

Category:Queen (band) songs

Category:Hank Marvin songs

Category:Scorpions (band) songs

Category:Crazy Frog songs

Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients

Category:Songs written by Freddie Mercury

Category:Victory

Category:Song recordings produced by Mike Stone (record producer)

Category:FIFA World Cup songs

Category:Association football songs and chants

Category:EMI Records singles

Category:Elektra Records singles

Category:Hollywood Records singles

Category:Ministry of Sound singles

Category:Virgin EMI Records singles

Category:1994 FIFA World Cup

Category:Rock ballads

Category:1970s ballads