The Rage

Album: British Steel (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman and lyricist Rob Halford told Billboard magazine: "We've never been a social or political band, but lyrically I think there was some of that in these songs, and on this one. It's all about being denied things in life. They're very potent lyrics."
  • Listening to the first 40 seconds of this song, you would guess it's a reggae band, not Judas Priest. The island groove is something guitarist Glenn Tipton came up with; his bandmates were skeptical, but they came around. When the guitar riff finally does come it, it holds more power following the unusual intro.
  • This is part of Judas Priest's British Steel album, which they recorded in one month at Tittenhurst Park in England, once owned by John Lennon. 1980 was an inflection point for Priest and for British metal as a whole: As punk waned, metal became surprisingly trendy, and the British Steel album was on the vanguard.
  • Guitarist K.K. Downing told Billboard magazine: "I particular enjoyed doing the solo work on that song. It's just that other part of me that really likes the feel and emotion. I grew up listening to great players like Paul Kossoff and the ever-bluesy Gary Moore, so this is just me doing that style of guitar playing for a change."

Comments: 4

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA very good Judas Priest classic about being angry and a small bit of reggae style guitar playing in parts of this song.
  • Mike Ox-huge from HellProbably my favorite bassline to play at band practise.
  • James Mendola from The Bronx, NyOne of my favorite Judas Priest songs! Just want to reply to the comment below.... the lyrics are not " When we talk with other men....." The line is "When we talk without amend".
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjMy cousin, who worships this band, interpreted the lyrics as, "When we talk with other men, we see red in men," the color red standing for love/passion, though not in a gay way as you may think, but as in feeling brotherly love for your friends and buddies while togther conversing and having a good time.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.