yes the song has a personal level; it is about brian's dad and his desire for brian's life and career to be more traditional. instead of finishing school and pursuing a more "conservative" field of work, brian left off school and became a rock musician! (although later in life, brian did finish his PhD and took a "real job" at university)
on another, more abstract level, the choice of words used in the lyrics evoke definite strains of british nationalism and history. Of course, Queen is THE quintessential "Hail Britannica" band; but you can really hear that symbolism in this song, One might see this song not only as a literal father to son relationship, but perhaps also the spirit of the British nation entreating its young generation.
yes the song has a personal level; it is about brian's dad and his desire for brian's life and career to be more traditional. instead of finishing school and pursuing a more "conservative" field of work, brian left off school and became a rock musician! (although later in life, brian did finish his PhD and took a "real job" at university)
on another, more abstract level, the choice of words used in the lyrics evoke definite strains of british nationalism and history. Of course, Queen is THE quintessential "Hail Britannica" band; but you can really hear that symbolism in this song, One might see this song not only as a literal father to son relationship, but perhaps also the spirit of the British nation entreating its young generation.