May pointed out more positively that the video was an ironic take, as it portrayed Mercury as a wealthy man singing about how hard life and love are, and at that point Mercury in real life possessed great wealth but was still searching for love. The video was filmed at the Arnold & Richter studio in Munich. Actors Kurt Raab and Barbara Valentin, friends of Mercury, can be seen as extras. Ingrid Mack, who is married to record producer Reinhold Mack and a friend of the band, is also featured. Track listings 7" single "It's a Hard Life" (Album Version) - 4:08 "Is This the World We Created...?" - 2:12 12" single "It's a Hard Life" (Extended Version) - 5:05 "Is This the World We Created...?" - 2:12 Personnel Freddie Mercury - lead and backing vocals, piano Brian May - electric guitar, backing vocals Roger Taylor - drums, backing vocals John Deacon - bass guitar Live recordings Live in Rio (VHS) We Are the Champions: Final Live in Japan (DVD) The song was only played on The Works Tour. On 17 Nov 2010, Tom Chaplin of Keane performed "It's a Hard Life" live with Brian May and Roger Taylor at The Prince's Trust Gala. Chart positions References External links Lyrics at Queen official website Queen (band) songs 1984 singles Songs written by Freddie Mercury Music videos directed by Tim Pope Song recordings produced by Reinhold Mack EMI Records singles Capitol Records singles Hollywood Records singles 1984 songs Songs about heartache Popular songs based on classical music