Steeler
Judas Priest Lyrics


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Catch the play now, eye to eye
Don't let chances pass you by
Always someone at your back
Biding their time for attack

Check for decoys, stay sharp edged
Double-crossers get your head
Carpet-baggers bluff and strike
Kiss of Judas, spider like

Waiting like jackals to sneak up and trick you
Wolves in sheep's clothing, so deft in consoling
Lurking in shadows, they pounce least expected
When you come to, they'll have gone right through you

Tricksters, jilters, play their game
Sleight of handers, all the same




Masquerader in his lair
Wants to tangle in your hair

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Judas Priest's song Steeler are a warning to listeners about the dangers of being too trusting and vulnerable. The song opens with a call to action - to not let chances pass you by and to keep your eyes open at all times. The line "always someone at your back, biding their time for attack" is a reflection of how there are always those waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of someone who is not paying attention. The lyrics go on to warn against double-crossers and carpet-baggers who bluff and strike when you least expect it. The "Kiss of Judas, spider like" is a biblical reference to Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus with a kiss. In this context, it is a warning that those who appear friendly could actually be plotting against you.


The chorus describes those who are waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting - waiting like jackals to sneak up and trick you, wolves in sheep's clothing, lurking in shadows and pouncing when least expected. The song also warns against the tricksters, jilters, sleight-of-handers and masqueraders who want to tangle in your hair. These lyrics are a warning to be careful and not let your guard down - there are those who will take advantage of you if given the chance.


Overall, "Steeler" is a cautionary tale about the importance of being vigilant and not trusting those who may seem friendly but have hidden intentions. It is a warning against being naive and highlights the importance of always being aware of your surroundings.


Line by Line Meaning

Catch the play now, eye to eye
Be aware of what is happening; don't look away


Don't let chances pass you by
Take advantage of opportunities as they arise


Always someone at your back
There are always those who would try to take advantage of you


Biding their time for attack
Waiting for the right moment to strike


Check for decoys, stay sharp edged
Be vigilant for distractions and stay focused


Double-crossers get your head
Be wary of those who would deceive you


Carpet-baggers bluff and strike
Watch out for those who pretend to be on your side but are really your enemy


Kiss of Judas, spider like
A reference to betrayal and deception, likening it to a venomous spider bite


Waiting like jackals to sneak up and trick you
The enemy is waiting for an opportunity to deceive you


Wolves in sheeps clothing, slow death in consoling
Those who appear to be kind and helpful may actually be leading you to your doom


Lurking in shadows, they pounce least expected
The enemy is hidden, waiting for a moment of vulnerability to strike


When you come to, they'll have gone right through you
By the time you realize what has happened, it will be too late


Tricksters, jilters play their game
Those who deceive and betray others are playing a dangerous game


Sleight-of-handers, all the same
All deceivers are alike in their methods


Masquerader in his lair
The enemy is hiding, pretending to be something he is not


Wants to tangle in your hair
The enemy wants to ensnare you




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kenneth Downing, Robert Halford, Glenn Raymond Tipton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

HinjuRock

Dave Holland's drums sound like cannons on this album, and he plays with machine-like power and precision, but with groove - he's my favorite metal drummer ever.

Bobby Blenio

Blasting the Cannons thru each Man of this Earth💥🦾

HinjuRock

@Bobby Blenio

Definitely. Rapid Fire is one of my favorite Priest songs too.

Keith Holbrook

Pretty sure that's Les Binks on drums.

HinjuRock

@Keith Holbrook

Nope. British Steel was Dave's first album with Judas Priest.

Mr. Timebomb Man

Nope

5 More Replies...

Dave A

How can there be so many great songs on one album?!

JSchneider

It's Judas Priest.

thewhiteelephant

Same with all Roth era Van Halen

The Reverend Craig J. Davies

It's called talent my good boy...talent.

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