The meaning of 39 by Queen

Written by the lead guitarist Brian May, "39'" is a lesser-known gem from the British rock band Queen's "A Night at the Opera" album. May, who holds a PhD in astrophysics, penned the lyrics to this song with a unique blend of passion for music and interest in science.

Although it is often mistaken as a simple folk song relating to the 20th century, "39" explores complex themes of time dilation and space travel. This song demonstrates May's consistent push to blur the lines between music and science, thus creating a unique spectacle for Queen's audience.

The song opens up in a rather jubilant space, featuring May’s 12-string guitar strumming. But when one listens closely, the lyrics reveal a tale of a group of space explorers who embark on a year-long journey, only to return home and find their world drastically changed. In this context, Brian May was drawing parallels with Albert Einstein’s 'Theory of Relativity', where time moves slower for those traveling at the speed of light compared to those left at home.

The song's chorus "In the year of '39," refers to the year the explorers embarked on their journey. Yet, when they return home, they find that 100 years have passed on Earth. This stark contrast between the explorers' experience of time and the reality back home portrays a profound sadness lying beneath the song's folk-style harmony.

As aspect that often enhances the song’s appeal is that its seemingly upbeat tempo starkly contrasts its somber undertone. This juxtaposition strikes the listener, potentially nudging them to dig deeper into the lyrics and their meaning.

Toward the song's end, the narrator meets his daughter who, due to the time dilation, appears older than him. This scene is a haunting reminder of the cost of their exploration, as it shows the extreme personal sacrifice made by these astronauts, a theme commonly explored in various scientific literature.

Overall, May’s "39" offers a poignant exploration of time, love, and sacrifice, elegantly woven into an engaging acoustic track. Although it's often overlooked in Queen's discography filled with mega-hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You", "39" remains a testament to the band’s versatility, creativity and their ability to portray complex scientific concepts through captivating music.