White Queen (As It Began)

Queen's 'White Queen (As It Began)' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of unrequited love, longing, and sorrow. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a mysterious and ethereal woman, referred to as the 'White Queen,' who seems to embody both beauty and sadness. The narrator is deeply enamored with her, yet his love remains unfulfilled, leading to a sense of melancholy that permeates the song.

The song opens with a description of the White Queen's eyes, which are both sad and smiling, suggesting a complex emotional state. This duality sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the narrator's feelings of love and sorrow are intertwined. The imagery of a 'breathless night' and a 'lightest kiss' evokes a sense of fleeting, almost dreamlike moments that the narrator cherishes but cannot hold onto.

As the song progresses, the narrator's longing becomes more palpable. He describes waiting beneath her window, loving the sound of her footsteps, and feeling his heart ache when she finally appears. Despite his deep feelings, he remains unheard and unseen by the White Queen, which adds to his sorrow. The song's climax reveals the narrator's darkest fear—that he has waited too long and that his love will remain unfulfilled forever. The final lines, 'Dear friend, goodbye / No tears in my eyes / So sad it ends / As it began,' encapsulate the cyclical nature of his sorrow and the inevitability of his unrequited love.

'White Queen (As It Began)' is a poignant exploration of love and loss, wrapped in poetic and evocative language. The song's rich imagery and emotional depth make it a standout track in Queen's discography, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of unreciprocated affection.