In Memory Of The Martyrs

Album: Turn of the Tide (1981)
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Songfacts®:

  • This John Lees composition has a double meaning, both of them sad. It was performed live for the first time at the band's famous open air Berlin concert of August 30, 1980, and is about those who lost their lives crossing the Berlin Wall - all from East to West. It would be another nine years before the Wall would be torn down by the people of - now United - Germany.
  • The song is dedicated to Philip John Ireland, who was killed in a road accident in Germany; he and Lees were cousins. Lees saw a parallel between his death and that of the victims of the Berlin Wall. It was intended originally to be a double A side with "Life Is For Living", but it runs to nearly eight minutes, and it was felt that a radio edit would lose its essence. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Steve from Torrance, CaThis is the greatest song the band ever did! Yes, it's better than "Hymn" and "Mockingbird"! Absolutely awe-inspiring in its almost orchestral sweep and scope! Turn of the Tide is also the band's best album!
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