Run To The Hills
KITCHEN - Iron Maiden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He brought us pain and misery
He killed our tribes, he killed our creed
He took our game for his own need
We fought him hard, we fought him well
Out on the plains we gave him hell
But many came, too much for Cree
Riding through dust clouds and barren wastes
Galloping hard on the plains
Chasing the redskins back to their holes
Fighting them at their own game
Murder for freedom the stab in the back
Women and children are cowards, attack
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Soldier blue in the barren wastes
Hunting and killing's a game
Raping the women and wasting the men
The only good Indians are tame
Selling them whiskey and taking their gold
Enslaving the young and destroying the old
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Yeah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
Run to the hills
Run for your lives
In the song "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the brutal and oppressive history of colonization and conquest in North America. The opening lines set the stage by highlighting the arrival of white settlers who brought destruction and suffering to the indigenous tribes. The lyrics describe how the white men imposed their authority, took resources, and ruthlessly eradicated native cultures. The imagery of pain, misery, and loss is used to convey the deep impact and devastation caused by colonization.
The subsequent verses illustrate the resistance and struggle of the native tribes against the invaders, showcasing a fierce and valiant fight for survival. The mention of fighting hard and giving hell on the plains reflects the indigenous people's defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite their efforts, the sheer force of the settlers proved too great to overcome, leading to a sense of despair and longing for freedom among the oppressed tribes.
The lyrics further delve into the atrocities committed by the colonizers, portraying a scene of violence, exploitation, and dehumanization. The imagery of chasing the "redskins" back to their holes and engaging in ruthless acts of murder and betrayal underscores the ruthless tactics employed by the oppressors to maintain their dominance. The references to rape, enslavement, and destruction highlight the deplorable treatment of the indigenous populations and the disregard for their humanity.
Overall, "Run to the Hills" serves as a powerful critique of imperialism and colonialism, shedding light on the dark chapters of history marked by cruelty, greed, and injustice. The urgency in the repeated refrain to "Run to the hills, Run for your lives" conveys a sense of imminent danger and the desperate need to escape the oppressive forces at play. Through its evocative lyrics and intense musical arrangement, the song resonates as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of colonization and the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation.
Line by Line Meaning
White man came across the sea
European settlers arrived in America, causing suffering and distress
He brought us pain and misery
The settlers brought hardship and sorrow to the native tribes
He killed our tribes, he killed our creed
The settlers destroyed the native communities and beliefs
He took our game for his own need
The settlers exploited the resources of the land for their own benefit
We fought him hard, we fought him well
The native people resisted the settlers fiercely
Out on the plains we gave him hell
The tribes fought back fiercely on the open land
But many came, too much for Cree
The sheer numbers of settlers overwhelmed the Cree people
Oh, will we ever be set free?
Questioning if the tribes will ever regain their freedom
Riding through dust clouds and barren wastes
Settlers crossing the desolate land
Galloping hard on the plains
Riding fast across the open prairies
Chasing the redskins back to their holes
Forcing the Native Americans to retreat to their homes
Fighting them at their own game
Engaging in combat using the Native Americans' tactics
Murder for freedom the stab in the back
Killing for what they perceive as their right to freedom
Women and children are cowards, attack
Viewing women and children as unworthy of mercy in battle
Run to the hills
Escaping to the mountains for safety
Run for your lives
Fleeing for survival
Soldier blue in the barren wastes
The soldiers moving through desolate lands
Hunting and killing's a game
The soldiers treating violence as a sport
Raping the women and wasting the men
Committing violence and destruction against the Native Americans
The only good Indians are tame
The settlers believe that only subservient Native Americans are acceptable
Selling them whiskey and taking their gold
Exploiting the Native Americans for profit and resources
Enslaving the young and destroying the old
Subjugating the young and eradicating the elderly
YeahAh, ah, ah, ah
Vocalization in the music
Run to the hills
Seeking refuge in mountainous terrain
Run for your lives
Escaping to preserve one's life
Run to the hills
Heading towards safety in the mountains
Run for your lives
Fleeing to ensure survival
Run to the hills
Seeking sanctuary in the mountains
Run for your lives
Running away to protect oneself
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind