If You Can't Beat Them

Queen · The Crown Jewels [1998]

Keep your chin up when you're feelin' lonely

Don't let them get you down

Ain't no use in you sitting all alone

Hangin' around for someone to call

Ooh they won't come knockin' at all

Don't run and hide

Even if it hurts you inside

So I said

Give as good as you get - yeah



If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

You've got to do it

'Cause it makes you feel good

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

You're never gonna help yourself



Yeah, come on, go, get up, hey, sure feelin' good



Keep your fingers off my money

Don't try and pull me down

You're takin' me out to wine and dine me

Tryin' to wind me 'round and around

Invite me to your little contract ha! ha!

Rumour has it that you could play dirty

I'll tell you what I'll do about that and that oh yeah

I'm playing them at their own game - yeah!



If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

You've got to do it

'Cause it makes you feel good

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

You're never gonna help yourself



Yeah, that's good, playing dirty



If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

Oh, you've got to do it

'Cause it makes you feel good

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em



It's everyone for themselves



Move on out, hey

Hey

All right, let rock 'n' roll reign

Hey whooh hoo

If You Can't Beat Them

Released on Queen's 1998 compilation album The Crown Jewels, 'If You Can't Beat Them' stands as a powerful anthem of resilience and unity. The track exemplifies the band's signature fusion of hard rock and theatrical flair, driven by Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals and Brian May's iconic guitar work. Thematically, the song addresses the human capacity to stand together against adversity, a message that resonates across generations. As part of the band's extensive discography, it reinforces their legacy as pioneers of progressive rock and arena rock, known for blending complex musical structures with emotionally charged performances. The recording captures the raw energy and theatricality that defined their live shows and studio output during the late 1970s and early 1980s.