United

Album: British Steel (1980)
Charted: 26
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford calls this song "an us-against-the-world anthem." It was inspired by the unpopularity of the Conservative government in the UK at the beginning of the 1980s. Halford explained to Billboard magazine: "There was a feeling of the vast population of the British public being united against a government we felt was uncaring. It was also a kind of kickback to the way we were being ignored by various elements of the press in our home country because the punk movement was dominating everything. We wanted to send a rallying call out to the metalheads, not only in the UK but everywhere."
  • This was the third single from the British heavy metal band Judas Priest's sixth album, British Steel. The album was a leap forward for the band, who became headlining arena-fillers for the first time after its release. It was their first album to make the Top 10 in the UK (#4), and their first to sell a million copies in America.

    One key change in the songwriting: All the tracks were written as a team by Halford, K.K. Downing, and Glenn Tipton. They recorded it at Tittenhurst Park, where John Lennon lived and worked. The room where Lennon wrote "Imagine" was their primary work area.

Comments: 1

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA perfect song about unity which the world really needs right now.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

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

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.