Just One Life
Brian May · Back to the Light
'Til the day they gathered, to bid you farewell
And they painted your picture and as I looked around
I felt I saw you in the words and the sound
Your talent came flowing, through the stories they tell
And through the faces of those who loved you so well
Your life gave them a treasure, a piece of themselves
Something they carry, and still serves them well
Just one life, just one life, just one life
That is born, and is, and is gone, just one life
And I'm so glad to know you, as I know you now
Perhaps inside you, you were messed up like me
But to them you were whole and strong and a friend in their need
And what you left behind you and what swept over me
Says that your life's work rolls on and on, a piece of eternity
Just one life, just one life, just one life
That is born, and is, and is gone, just one life
Did you ever have a chance to find out
What life is all about
I did not know you, our lives never touched
'Til the day we gathered, to say our farewell
Just One Life
Brian May's "Just One Life" serves as a poignant centerpiece on his 1998 solo album, Back to the Light. Following the tragic loss of his mother, May channeled his grief into this reflective rock ballad, showcasing his signature guitar work alongside a deeply personal vocal delivery. The track highlights the Queen guitarist's ability to craft intimate, emotionally resonant material distinct from his band's anthemic style. As part of a critically acclaimed record that also features "Too Much Love Will Kill You," the song underscores May's exploration of mortality and hope. It remains a significant song in his solo discography, demonstrating his continued evolution as a songwriter and performer outside the shadow of his former bandmates.