Savage

Album: Stained Class (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by guitarist K.K. Downing and singer Rob Halford. It is written from an American Indian's perspective, and tells about the pain and misery the Europeans brought upon the Native Americans. The song suggests that the modern man is really the most primitive one, considering the methods they used and the things they committed for their own sake. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden
  • The Stained Class album, the band's fourth, took them to a new level. In the UK, they began playing theaters, and in America, they started earning airplay and creating a buzz. They also attracted groupies for the first time, which didn't do Halford any good because he was gay. He lived with the fear that if his secret was revealed, it would ruin the band, so he kept it under wraps until 1998.

Comments: 3

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA true metal classic.
  • Kieran from Brisbane, AustraliaDefinitely an influence on Iron Maidens run to the hills and Anthrax the indians.
  • Dasher from Brisbane, AustraliaI cant believe no one has commented on this song...until now...Truly awesome song,Halford at his ball-tearing, glass-shattering best.True metal!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.