The title track to Saxon's sixth album, "Crusader" is about the Christian soldiers who invaded Islamic lands in the 12th Century.
Growing up in England and learning its history, Byford learned of the violent struggle of its past.
"Crusader"is a song written from a young boy's point of view, watching the knights and soldiers leave for crusade, basically. And that's what it's about. It's a third-person song, and he wants to go with the knights and his father or his uncles who are going off to the crusade, and he can't because he's too young. That's the idea behind the song.
Biff Byford explains:
"England's history is full of wars and invasions. You know, the Romans, the Vikings. Our whole history revolves around combat, and I suppose as a boy, when you read about war and the Crusades and the Vikings, it all seems to be good boy scout stuff. I suppose in reality, it was absolutely brutal and bloody, and billions of people died, but when you're a boy and you're listening and reading and watching these films, it's all a bit glorified and it's all a bit marching off to war."
"It's what we used to learn at school. We used to read about the Crusades back in the day, Richard the Lionheart, and all these figures that obviously weren't as fantastic as people make out they are.
Lyrics
(Who dares battle the Saracen) Crusader, crusader, please take me with you The battle lies far to the east Crusader, crusader, don't leave me alone I want to ride out on your quest I'm waiting, I'm waiting, to stand by your side To fight with you over the sea They're calling, they're calling, I have to be there The holy land has to be free Fight the good fight Believe what is right Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Fight the good fight With all your might Crusader, the Lord of the Realm We're marching, we're marching, to a land far from home No one can say who'll return For Christendom's sake, we'll take our revenge On the pagans from out of the east We Christians are coming, with swords held on high United by faith and the cause The Saracen heathen will soon taste our steel Our standards will rise 'cross the land Fight the good fight Believe what is right Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Fight the good fight With all your might Crusader, the Lord of the Realm To battle, to battle, the Saracen hordes We follow the warrior king Onward, ride onward, into the fight We carry the sign of the cross Warlords of England, Knights of the Realm Spilling their blood in the sand Crusader, crusader, the legend is born The future will honour your deeds Fight the good fight Believe what is right Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Fight the good fight With all your might Crusader, the Lord of the Realm (Come Crusader let battle commence) Fight the good fight Believe what is right Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Fight the good fight Believe what is right Crusader, the Lord of the Realm Crusader, the Lord of the Realm
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