20 March 2007

Iron Maiden & G.K. Chesterton

I recently learned that Iron Maiden used lyrics from a G.K. Chesterton hymn in one of their songs. The song was "Revelations," from their 1983 Piece of Mind album.

If you've read this blog for any length of time, or read any of my Defense AT&L articles, or my books... or met me... you probably know I'm a huge admirerer of Chesterton. But did you know - the only Iron Maiden album I ever owned was "Piece of Mind" (way back in the 80's)?
Here's the first stanza of a 1983 rock anthem, compliments of everyone's favorite early 20th century British journalist.

"O God of Earth and Altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die,
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This song is simply wonderfull. G. K. Chesterton talk about Santo Tomás de Aquino too in his books. look http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A1s_de_Aquino

Anonymous said...

you have only owned one maiden album? thats weak. you should listen to them more they are very literate and historical, you'll learn some cool stuff