(CNN) — Never-before-seen draft lyrics of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” suggest that Freddie Mercury considered giving his mock-opera anthem a somewhat different title: “Mongolian Rhapsody.”The discovery was made following the emergence of a 15-page folio of lyrics, vocal lines and harmonies handwritten by the singer as he composed his 1975 hit.
Queen recorded “Bohemian Rhapsody” the next year.
Sotheby's auction house said the handwritten lyrics present "untold insights into other possible directions the song could have taken."
Queen pictured in 1977, two years after releasing "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images“What is ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ about?
Persons:
—, Queen’s, Freddie Mercury, there’s, I’ve, “ Galileo, ”, Belladona ”, Mercury’s, Mary Austin, “, ” —, Brian May, Freddie, Richard E, Aaron, Redferns, Sotheby’s, ” Austin
Organizations:
CNN, British Midland Airways, Tiffany, Mercury
Locations:
Sotheby’s, London