The Clansman by Iron Maiden

Album: Virtual XI (1998)

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This song describes the struggle of the Scottish clans to free themselves of English oppression; the ill-intentioned people who tried to see some analogies with Ku-Klux-Klan in the lyrics are sorely mistaken. This is a song about freedom and resistance against an oppressor, and there is no hint of racism in it whatsoever. >>
Suggestion credit:
Ryan - Bethany, OK

Comments: 5

Dec from Galway@Arkadin Maiden have a long history of basing songs on movies , TV shows and books, as well as historical events. Man On the Edge is based on the movie Falling Down, The Prisoner is based on the eponymous TV show, The Fugitive is based on the TV show, later made into a movie. I could go on all day. In the movie Braveheart, as William Wallace is being "quartered" to death, he yells out "FREEEEDOM!" in his last, dying breath. Given that the refrain "FREEDOM!" features prominently throughout The Clansman, I'd say it's far more likely than not that the song is directly inspired by the movie. Then there's the fact that the artwork around the song features an Eddie that bears a striking resemblance to Mel Gibson's portrayal of William Wallace.

Take it from the mouth of Steve Harris himself....

“The track started as two separate ideas which was put together – and it worked!” said Harris. “It’s got a Celtic flavour to the music which is why I wrote the lyrics about the Scottish clans. They were inspired also by the Braveheart and Rob Roy films.”
Arkadin from Bosnia@Steve from Lake Havasu City, Az Or maybe they got it from historical scottish struggle to free from oppressor, huh?
WodjaSome people have a difficult time realizing the difference between clansman and Klansman. Sheesh! To think this is a racist song... it's pretty much the exact opposite! Great track from a legendary band!
Sillyrabbit from San Antonio, TxThe song's accompanying artwork depicts the band's mascot, Eddie, dressed in a kilt and holding a Scottish Claymore sword with his face painted in the William Wallace "Braveheart" style (blue and white vertical stripes).
Steve from Lake Havasu City, AzMaybe Iron Maiden got the idea for this song from the movie Brave Heart with Mel Gibson?

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