Lionheart

Album: Lionheart (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • '"Lionheart" took a lot of work, said Saxon frontman Biff Byford in his memoir Never Surrender... That is no understatement; it was eight months before it was completed, although to be fair it is not clear if he is referring to the song or to the entire album.

    It is clear though that a lot of thought went into it. Richard the Lionheart is a heavy historical figure, he said, and if you're going to write a song about him it has to be one that's moving, almost like a hymn or a psalm; an anthemic kind of song certainly, a call to arms even.
  • The title track of Saxon's 2004 album is a group composition; running to 6 minutes 4 seconds, it is Track 4.
  • Although Richard Coeur de Lion (1157-99) is best remembered as King of England, he was also a songwriter, his most famous composition was "Ja Nuis Om Pres." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

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.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

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.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.