Lord Of The Flies

Album: The X Factor (1995)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was inspired by the novel Lord Of The Flies by William Golding, which was made into two movies: one in 1963 and one in 1990 (neither were great critical successes). It's about a group of boys who are shipwrecked and begin embracing their primal side. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada
  • Lord Of The Flies is the literal translation of the Greek word Beezelbub. In the Bible, Beezelbub is the name given for Satan by Jesus (this occurs in the episode where he casts demons out of a crazy man and into a pig. There's also a line in there from which Lincoln derived his phrase about the Civil War- a house divided upon itself can not stand). While most songs dealing with Golding's novel deal with the more good guy characters in the novel - Ralph and Piggy, or with the kinda psychic kid (Simon) who actually talks to the beast, this song is unique in that it's told from the point of view of the most savage boys - Jack and his crew. It's kind of like The Rolling Stones' Sympathy For The Devil in that it's a sort of exoneration for evil behavior, and cautions that everyone is called to be evil. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jackie - Dallas, TX
  • This is the most guitar-driven song on the album.
  • The artwork on the single depicted Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie as literally a lord of the flies. He sits, dressed as a monarch, on an electric chair (serving as a throne) with a swarm of flies around him.
  • The two songs on the B-side were a cover of the Who's "My Generation" and a cover of UFO's "Doctor, Doctor." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for above 3

Comments: 6

  • Ryan from Bethany, Oki don't like blaze. this sounds better with bruce singing.
  • Billy from Otway, OhRex,That So-Called "man with the horns" Is SATAN.
  • Jon from Washington, VaPowerslave is definently not one of their crappiest albums, its prob one of their best
  • Mill from Clagary, Canadapowerslave isnt maidens best album!
  • Rex Jackson from Sleze Lans, Ma"Lord of the Flies" is also a nickname of the man with the horns
  • Kale from Newquay, EnglandGreat song from Maiden's second best album! (After Powerslave)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.