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

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

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

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.