Sunday Sounds: August 16, 2020, “Drowse”
Samantha Colleran, August 2020
An underrated Queen classic, “Drowse” is the ninth track from the band’s fifth studio album, A Day At The Races, and features Roger on lead vocals. From the few songs that Roger does take the lead on, this is one of the slower and more easy going songs, and it’s a hidden gem in the Queen discography.
The song is about growing older (“When you’re young and your life isn’t too hard at all”), dealing with the changes that come along with it, and not wanting to just be a “boy next door”. It’s a bit nostalgic and reminiscent for the days when “your troubles are all very small”, enjoying “the nightlife, the lights and the fun”. There’s an interesting turn in the song in the third verse, where our narrator thinks back to those younger days and realizes he’s become an average person who continues to dream about what he could have been, listing the likes of Clint Eastwood and Jimi Hendrix at the end of the song.
“Drowse” feels very slow and trippy, a bit different than the usual Queen feel. It’s a bit Pink Floyd like in tempo, and Roger’s vocals and drumming are incredible. It’s also important to note Brian’s little guitar whines are impeccable. Check out the timeless Queen track below, and be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t recall ever hearing this song before. You are right, does have a Pink Floyd touch. Always love your musical insight and tremendous flair for writing!
Thank you so much!!
Cool song for a lazy Sunday afternoon.