Songs Fans Didn’t Know John Deacon Wrote For Queen
via Jake Mercury / YouTube
When people talk about Queen, it’s usually Freddie Mercury’s voice that fills the room, or Brian May’s guitar solos that get the spotlight. Even Roger Taylor, with his signature falsetto and powerful drumming, tends to stand out. But one member of the legendary band has often flown under the radar—despite being behind some of their most iconic tracks.
John Deacon, the band’s quiet and reserved bassist, played a much bigger role in shaping Queen’s legacy than many fans realize. While he wasn’t the one commanding the stage or taking the mic, Deacon was the force behind the band’s most commercially successful single, and several other standout songs. His songwriting not only delivered hits but also nudged Queen’s sound into funkier, danceable territory that helped them evolve with the times.
Before joining Queen, Deacon had crossed paths with Taylor and May at a disco—a setting that would later echo in the grooves of “Another One Bites the Dust.” Though his songwriting credits are fewer in number, they carry serious weight. Beyond his solo contributions, Deacon also helped craft collaborative anthems like “Under Pressure” and “One Vision,” proving that sometimes the quietest member can make the loudest impact.
View this post on Instagram
“You’re My Best Friend” (1975)
When Queen released A Night at the Opera in 1975, much of the attention was on the massive hit “Bohemian Rhapsody.” But tucked within the same album was “You’re My Best Friend,” a heartfelt pop tune penned by bassist John Deacon. Unlike the grandiose style the band was known for, this song was intimate and direct—written by Deacon for his wife, whom he married that same year. And instead of the typical piano heard in Queen’s ballads, Deacon opted for a Wurlitzer electric piano, which he also played on the track.
The song offered a refreshing break from Queen’s usual flair, showing a softer and more grounded side of the band’s repertoire. It resonated with listeners on both sides of the Atlantic, becoming a Top 10 hit in the UK and breaking into the Top 20 in the US. Its upbeat charm and sincere lyrics made it a favorite not just among Queen fans, but also in pop culture—it’s been featured in everything from The Simpsons to Family Guy, earning a place as one of the band’s most enduring love songs.
With its catchy melody and touching lyrics, “You’re My Best Friend” became more than just a wedding dedication—it cemented Deacon’s skill as a songwriter capable of crafting timeless, feel-good tunes. It’s a reminder that behind Queen’s theatrical exterior, there was also heart and simplicity, often brought to the forefront by the band’s quietest member.
“I Want to Break Free” (1984)
On the surface, “I Want to Break Free” is a song about liberation and self-empowerment, but its impact went far beyond the music. Written entirely by John Deacon, it became one of Queen’s most iconic tracks—thanks in part to its controversial music video. Inspired by the British soap Coronation Street, the video featured the band in full drag. While the humorous parody was well-received in the UK, the United States didn’t take it lightly.
The backlash was particularly sharp during live shows, where Freddie Mercury’s stage performance—complete with wig and prosthetic chest—sometimes met with open hostility. In one infamous moment at a Rio concert, fans pelted Mercury with cans and debris. Ironically, the controversy overshadowed the song’s simple message of personal freedom, even though it came from a band that always challenged norms.
“I Want to Break Free” appeared on The Works and followed the hit single “Radio Ga Ga.” It stood out musically for its synth-driven sound, with a solo performed not by Brian May but by session player Fred Mandel on a Roland Jupiter-8. The fact that Deacon spearheaded a song so bold—both lyrically and visually—proved he wasn’t just writing soft love songs. He had a hand in pushing Queen into political, cultural, and sonic territory that still feels relevant today.
“Another One Bites the Dust” (1980)
Perhaps the most surprising credit on Deacon’s songwriting résumé is Queen’s biggest commercial hit: “Another One Bites the Dust.” Released as the second single from The Game, the track leaned heavily into funk and disco, a reflection of Deacon’s love for soul music. Its infectious bassline was directly inspired by Chic’s “Good Times,” and Brian May’s sharp guitar stabs took cues from Nile Rodgers’ rhythm playing. It wasn’t a universally loved idea at first—drummer Roger Taylor wasn’t a fan and even constructed a looped drum part as a form of passive protest.
Despite the band’s initial hesitation, Michael Jackson played a key role in convincing Freddie Mercury to embrace the song’s dance-floor potential. The gamble paid off. “Another One Bites the Dust” spent three weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and stayed in the Top 10 longer than any other single in 1980. It earned the band major awards and was nominated for a Grammy, solidifying its status as one of their most successful tracks.
The song’s legacy has only grown since. It’s a staple in sports arenas around the world and even had a brief, behind-the-scenes role in shaping Rocky III—until licensing issues pushed Sylvester Stallone to opt for Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” instead. Deacon’s fingerprint is all over this track, from its gritty street imagery to its undeniable groove, proving that his quiet demeanor belied an unmistakable influence on Queen’s evolution.
