’39

The song *’39* by Queen transports us to a narrative of space travel and the passage of time, told from the perspective of a crew embarking on a long-duration mission. Upon returning home, they discover that, despite only a few years having passed for them, a century has gone by on Earth. This idea of temporal relativity, where time dilates for those traveling at speeds close to light, is the heart of the lyrics. Musically, the piece is distinguished by its acoustic construction and vocal harmony, which give it an almost folk-like air, contrasting with the futuristic theme. The instrumentation, led by acoustic guitar, creates an intimate atmosphere that underscores the melancholy of the story.

This piece was included in Queen's fourth studio album, titled A Night at the Opera, released in 1975. The production of this record, which also contained hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and You're My Best Friend, was a collaboration between Roy Thomas Baker and the band itself. The album's name was inspired by a Marx Brothers film the group saw during the recording sessions. The sound engineering for *’39* was handled by Kris Fredriksson and Mike Stone, while the production involved the participation of Roy Thomas Baker, Brian May, Queen, and Roger Taylor. This album marked a turning point for the band, gaining international attention and consolidating their presence on the music scene.