The band's membership has seen much turnover, including a revolving cast of drummers in the 1970s and the departure of singer Rob Halford in 1992. Tim "Ripper" Owens, formerly of Winter's Bane, replaced Halford in 1996 and recorded two albums with Judas Priest, before Halford returned to the band in 2003. The current line-up consists of Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis. The band's best-selling album is 1982's Screaming for Vengeance, with their most commercially successful line-up featuring Ian Hill, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, guitarist K. K. Downing, and drummer Dave Holland. Tipton and Hill are the only two members of the band to appear on every album.
Halford's operatic vocal style and the twin guitar sound of Downing and Tipton have been a major influence on heavy metal bands. Judas Priest's image of leather, spikes, and other taboo articles of clothing were widely influential during the glam metal era of the 1980s. The Guardian referred to British Steel as the record that defines heavy metal. Despite a decline in exposure during the mid-1990s, the band has once again seen a resurgence, including worldwide tours, being inaugural inductees into the VH1 Rock Honors in 2006, receiving a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2010, and having their songs featured in video games such as Guitar Hero and the Rock Band series. In 2022, Judas Priest were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Priest
Studio albums
Rocka Rolla (1974)
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Sin After Sin (1977)
Stained Class (1978)
Killing Machine (1978)
British Steel (1980)
Point of Entry (1981)
Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
Defenders of the Faith (1984)
Turbo (1986)
Ram It Down (1988)
Painkiller (1990)
Jugulator (1997)
Demolition (2001)
Angel of Retribution (2005)
Nostradamus (2008)
Redeemer of Souls (2014)
Firepower (2018)
Invincible Shield (2024)
Alone
Judas Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We say look at you
Long ago
We were just a few
Still say we don't need you
[Chorus]
We don't wanna belong
We just wanna be, left alone
We don't wanna belong
We said all along
We just wanna be, left alone
Think that we must have lost our way
Running form the blaze
You were wrong
We chose our course
Counted up the days
Enduring in a rage
We got strong
[Chorus]
You denied everything that's good
Reacting as you would
With your shame
So we turned
And left you all behind
We don't need your kind
You're to blame
[Chorus]
In years to come
You'll hear my name
When darkness falls
On Judgment Day
They say we are fools
We say look at you
Long ago we were just a few
Still say, we don't need you
Think we have lost our way
Running form the blaze
You were wrong
We chose our course
Counted up the days
Enduring in a rage
We got strong
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of Judas Priest's song "Alone" express a desire for independence and self-determination, in the face of criticism and opposition from others. The song is addressed to those who have doubted or criticized the singer's choices or beliefs, and emphasizes the singer's determination to remain true to themselves and their vision. The opening lines of the song directly challenge those who would judge or dismiss the singer, declaring "they say we are fools / we say look at you," and reinforcing the idea that the singer's perspective and values are just as valid as anyone else's. The chorus of the song makes this explicit, repeating the phrase "we don't wanna belong / we said all along / we just wanna be, left alone" as a statement of the singer's desire for autonomy and freedom.
The verses of the song present a more detailed account of the singer's journey toward this sense of self-determination. They describe a struggle against an external force, symbolized by the image of a blaze or fire that the singer is running from. Despite the challenges and obstacles they face, the singer remains committed to their own path, counting up the days and enduring in a rage until they ultimately emerge stronger and more assured than before. The lyrics suggest that this strength and resilience comes from a deep sense of conviction and purpose, as well as a willingness to stand up for oneself and refuse to be cowed by the opinions or expectations of others.
Overall, "Alone" is a powerful statement of individualism and independence, with a defiant and unapologetic tone that captures the spirit of heavy metal at its finest.
Line by Line Meaning
They say we are fools
Others underestimate us and think we are foolish.
We say look at you
We point out that those who criticize us are not any better than us.
Long ago
In the past
We were just a few
We started out as a small group or minority.
Still say we don't need you
Despite opposition, we maintain that we do not require the approval of others.
[Chorus]
Refrain on chorus
We don't wanna belong
We do not desire to fit in or conform.
We said all along
From the beginning, we have been consistent in our stance.
We just wanna be, left alone
All we want is to be able to exist without interference or criticism.
Think that we must have lost our way
Others may question the direction or purpose of our actions.
Running from the blaze
We may have had to overcome difficult obstacles or challenges along the way.
You were wrong
Those who doubted us made a mistake in their judgement.
We chose our course
We have made a definite decision to follow a particular path or take a certain direction.
Counted up the days
We have experienced setbacks or suffering, but have persisted and kept track of our progress.
Enduring in a rage
We have endured hardship and maintained our passion or determination despite obstacles.
We got strong
We have become resilient and powerful as a result of our struggle.
[Chorus: x2]
Refrain on chorus x2
You denied everything that's good
Those who opposed us failed to recognize or acknowledge our positive qualities or actions.
Reacting as you would
Their negative reaction was expected and typical.
With your shame
Their disapproval or criticism reflects poorly on themselves.
So we turned
We have chosen to move on or ignore their negativity.
And left you all behind
We have put distance between ourselves and those who do not support us.
We don't need your kind
We do not require the continued support or validation of others.
You're to blame
Those who opposed us are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
In years to come
In the future
You'll hear my name
Our legacy or impact will be remembered or recognized.
When darkness falls
In difficult times or moments of hardship.
On Judgment Day
On a day of reckoning or accountability.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOWNING K.K., GLENN TIPTON, GLENN RAYMOND TIPTON, KENNETH DOWNING, ROBERT HALFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind