If You Can't Beat Them
Queen · The Crown Jewels [1998]
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.

