Steeler

Album: British Steel (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Guitarist K.K. Downing told Billboard magazine that this song "has been one of our most successful tracks with musicians. The great Dimebag [Darrell of Pantera] and tons of musicians always cited that as being one of their favorite tracks. I never really knew why because it's fairly simplistic. I guess it's just the groove and the way it goes on at the end with wild bits of guitar and me and Glenn (Tipton) trading off."
  • This song, along with much of British Steel was written at Tittenhurst Park, in Ascot, Berkshire, England. The house was the former home of John Lennon (he recorded "Imagine" there) and Ringo was the owner at the time of the recording of the album, having purchased the residence from his fellow Beatle. Frontman and lyricist Rob Halford told Billboard: "Just some anger from me, mate. [laughs] God, where was my mind at? I was really f--king pissed... and the music we were making really made you feel that way. Jogging around the lake at Tittenhurst obviously didn't de-stress me."

Comments: 2

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA 100% true Judas Priest classic.
  • Anthony from Parsippany, NjIf you needed to introduce a Priest song to a newbie...this is the one that will get them hooked. And, it tells a story....be cognizant of people who f--k with you! "Always someone, at your back....biding their time, for attack". Or, "Check for decoys, stay sharp-edged, double crossers get your head. Carpet baggers, bluff then strike, kiss of Judas, spider-like". Great.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.