Charlotte the Harlot by Iron Maiden

Album: Iron Maiden (1980)

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"Charlotte The Harlot" is the first of a series of Iron Maiden songs concerning a sophisticated prostitute. Others include "22 Acacia Avenue" and "From Here To Eternity." Maiden fans refer to these songs as "the Charlotte saga."
Charlotte is an upper-class hooker who is very ignorant. For instance, she tries to have genuine relationships with clients, and doesn't realize that prostitution is illegal.
This is one of the few Iron Maiden songs written by their guitarist Dave Murray. Maiden bass player Steve Harris said: "This is really Dave's song. I would have been proud to say that I'd written it. I like playing it live because it was something different than I would write."
Released on Iron Maiden's debut album, "Charlotte The Harlot" has a lead vocal by Paul Di'Anno, their frontman for their first two albums. Di'Anno was very popular with fans but didn't gel with the rest of the band, particularly Steve Harris, who questioned his commitment. They parted ways in 1981, when Bruce Dickinson became lead singer.
A re-recorded version was used as the B-side to the 1988 single of "The Evil That Men Do."
In the first level of the 1999 Iron Maiden computer game Ed Hunter, the band's mascot, Eddie, visits Acacia Avenue, and Charlotte can be seen in a window.

Comments: 17

Stratplayer from Nova ScotiaActually, "Hooks in You" is about Charlotte as is "Twilight Zone"...it's mentioned in old bios.
That Guy from FloridaAlthough Hooks in You mentions "the keys to view at number 22" it's actually about a house that Bruce and his wife were viewing ,as they were considering buying it. The house had big hooks hanging from the ceiling in the basement that Bruce imagined/assumed were used in some type of s&m.
Uptheirons from Los AngelesDave Murray said himself he didn’t write this song. You can find a recording from 1977 of this song on YouTube. Steve Harris clearly gave credit to the wrong guy.
Karl from UkOh yes, and being a pimp is illegal. That's called living off immoral earnings.
Karl from UkActually prostitution isn't illegal in England. Soliciting is, so is running a brothel. But prostitution, no.
Luke from Manchester, UkI stand corrected.
Emarkm from Cheshire, United KingdomI always think it's sad that, when asked, Dave can't actually remember writing the song - too many years, too many tours and maybe a couple of beers got in the way!
Ryan from Bethany, OkThere are 4 songs in the Charlotte Saga: Charlotte the Harlot, 22 Acacia Avenue, Hooks In You, and From Here To Eternity.
Scott from Edmonton, AbI like the intro to this song- as usual, Maiden know how to make AWESOME intros!
Paul from Tucson, Azactually the saga is charlotte the harlot, 22 acacia avenue, hooks in you, and from her to eternity.
Aggelos from Thessaloninki, GreeceEven though Dave Murray isn't a frequent songwritter like Harris,Dickinson,Smith & Gers,he wrote excellent Maiden classic tracks such as this one,Still life,Deja vu,Only the good die young,Brave New World,Rain maker.
Leah from Brooklyn, NyThere is a famous historical folksong by this name that was popular among the Cowpokes, back in the late 1800's. The chorus went "Charlotte the Harlot, the gal we adore, the Pride of the Prairie, the Cowpuncher's Whore."
Luke from Manchester, EnglandThere are only 3 songs in the Charlotte Saga: Charlotte The Harlotte, 22 Accacia Avenue and From Here To Eternity
Heather from Holbrook, NyIron Maiden used to play small clubs during their tours as "Charlotte and the Harlots."
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScNice little rhyming scheme there in the title. Isn't is?
Brian from Bellingham, Waas for the info about somewhere in time, she or 22 acacia avenue is in in tons of album art (Killers, The Early Days, and more)
IngÃ?lfur from ReykjavÃ?k, IcelandIsn't Hooks In You also a part of the Charlotte Saga ( I got the keys of wiew of number 22 ) ?

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