When it comes to Queen’s most iconic songs, “Bohemian Rhapsody” undoubtedly sits at the pinnacle—a sprawling masterpiece that has defined the band’s legacy and etched itself into music history. Yet for Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May, the band’s career-defining anthem isn’t the only monumental track from their celebrated 1975 album A Night at the Opera. In fact, May considers another song from that very album to be the “antithesis” of “Bohemian Rhapsody”—a deep cut he believes deserves far more recognition.

The Overlooked Gem: “The Prophet’s Song”

In a revealing interview with Vulture, Brian May opened up about his love for “The Prophet’s Song,” a sprawling progressive rock epic that rarely gets the spotlight but, in his eyes, is just as significant as “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While the latter soared to unprecedented radio success and became Queen’s flagship single, “The Prophet’s Song” remains beloved mostly by die-hard fans who appreciate its depth and complexity.

“We always thought they were both major works,” May explained. “But ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ got picked up by radio, and it became the flagship song. Only a few people who are very into the depths of Queen through the years are really aware of what ‘The Prophet’s Song’ means.” To May, this track represents an “encyclopedia of Queen” on the opposite side of the album from their mega-hit.

A Bold, Lengthy Prog-Rock Experiment

“The Prophet’s Song” stands out as Queen’s longest recorded track, penned by May himself. Clocking in at over eight minutes, the song showcases the band’s fearless willingness to experiment with intricate arrangements, layered instrumentation, and rich vocal harmonies—qualities also evident in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” but delivered through a distinctly prog-rock lens.

The track opens the B-side of A Night at the Opera, juxtaposed to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which leads the A-side, highlighting the album’s dynamic range. Despite its complexity and ambition, “The Prophet’s Song” was never pushed as a single or given widespread radio play, placing it firmly in the realm of Queen deep cuts.

An Artist’s Reflection on Success and Legacy

While May passionately champions “The Prophet’s Song,” he remains gracious about the monumental success of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “Among the hits, I’m happy for them all. I’m getting all esoteric about the deep tracks of Queen. But you can’t knock having a hit,” he said. “You can’t argue with the fact that a hit gets to people, and it becomes embedded in their lives forever.”

For Queen fans who venture beyond the hits, “The Prophet’s Song” offers a rewarding dive into the band’s musical ingenuity and serves as a testament to Brian May’s creative vision. Though it may never rival the radio ubiquity of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it remains a cherished and essential piece of the Queen catalog—an anthem for those willing to explore the full breadth of the band’s artistry.