We are the Champions by Queen (1977)

                                                                  

                                                                    I've paid my dues

                                                                     Time after time.

                                                               I've done my sentence

                                                             But committed no crime.

                                                                   And bad mistakes ‒

I've made a few.

I've had my share of sand kicked in my face

But I've come through.

(And I need just go on and on, and on, and on)

We are the champions, my friends,

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.

We are the champions.

We are the champions.

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions of the world.

I've taken my bows

And my curtain calls

You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it

I thank you all

But it's been no bed of roses,

No pleasure cruise.

I consider it a challenge before the whole human race

And I ain't gonna lose.

(And I need just go on and on, and on, and on)

We are the champions, my friends,

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.

We are the champions.

We are the champions.

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions of the world.

We are the champions, my friends,

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.

We are the champions.

We are the champions.

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions.

Source: azlyrics.com

Analysis:

This is a very popular song that most people know—however, how many people really listen to the words Freddie Mercury wrote? There have been a countless number of close games I have won where this song was sang by our team immediately after. This song ties back into the theme of working hard to succeed. With each chorus, the writer announces that he and his team are the champions. However, the verses prior to each chorus talk about the hard work required to become a champion. This song really speaks to me because I spent countless hour trying to better myself, so  I could attempt to be the best. 

The writer of this song uses metaphors to describe the hard work required to become a champion. For example, I've had my share of sand kicked in my face/ But I've come through", is saying that the road wasn't always easy, and there were challenged, but the hard work pushed him down the road and to the prize. He also uses a hyperbole when he says "I consider it a challenge before the whole human race". I believe this exaggeration is used to say that he took the challenge to become the best very seriously. Notice, also, the writer refers to "we" as "friends". This is saying that the writer looked at his teammates as more than just fellow players—he looked at them as friends. Overall, this song is a song that describes the hard work required to excel at sports.