1) Saracen is NWOBHM ban… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one band called Saracen:
1) Saracen is NWOBHM band formed in 1976 in Matlock, Derbyshire under the moniker Lammergier. As Lammegier they toured extensively cross the English 'Midlands' during the ensuing years. In 1981 they re-emerged as Saracen, releasing their debut album Heroes, Saint & Fools. The album received critical acclaim and is still regarded as one of nwobhm classics. Later they signed record deal with Neat Records and released their follow-up album Change of Heart. Soon after this Saracen was split, but reformed in 2003 when Now And Then Records tracked down three founding members, signing three album record deal. They have since moved towards more progressive style of music.
2) Another UK NWOBHM band which released only 4 tracks on Roksnax compilation (1980).
3) Australian heavy metal band from Perth is now split-up. They released only one album Saracen in 1986.
Heroes Saints & Fools
Saracen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can I choose the way - what are the rules?
Here the roads of life come together
The roads of heroes, saints and fools
Staring in the face of dilemma
My shadow whispers, Turn for home - but here I go
Stepping through the door to Forever
I never thought my fear would show
What now, where is the future?
I′ll show you three roads now you choose the way
Who are these wardens who call me?
A soldier, a priest and a jester, OK?
Wake up, our freedom is calling, fight for the right and you might set us free
Wake up, wake up, wake up and a hero you'll be
Stand up, creatures of mercy, reach for the Bible and march with the Lord
Stand up, stand up, stand up and the saints will applaud
Look out, don′t let 'em fool ya, you'll never score if you stick to the rules
Look out, look out, look out for the ones they call fools
Come on, you′ve got to be kidding, what if I don′t want to be what you say?
Come on, come on, come on oh there must be a way
Johnny was a loser from the start
He listened to the wardens instead of his heart
I don't want to be a hero, a saint or a fool
I just want to win like they taught me at school
Forward lead the roads, roads to freedom
What a price I′ll have to pay - I should have known
Even heroes cry, yes you've seen them
I think I′ll take the road for home
Turning from the gates of forever
How could I choose the way - what are the rules?
I know I had the chance, but I'll leave it
To all you heroes, saints and fools
Look out!
Never be a loser from the start
Take all your chances and follow your heart
I know I ain′t a hero, a saint or a fool,
I just want to win like they taught me at school
The lyrics of Saracen's song "Heroes Saints & Fools" describe a moment of decision-making where the singer finds himself at the gates of Forever and is faced with three roads: those of heroes, saints, and fools. He is in dilemma and his shadow whispers for him to turn back and go home. However, he steels himself and steps through the door to Forever, albeit feeling fearful. At this point, he encounters three wardens: a soldier, a priest, and a jester, and is called to choose his path.
The first two verses talk about the singer's indecision and fear, while the subsequent verses present him with three options. The song then proceeds to urge the listener to fight for their freedom and not be fooled by rules or traditions. It questions the idea of being a hero, saint or fool and encourages people to follow their hearts and take chances. The lyrics lament Johnny's decision to follow the wardens instead of his heart, thereby ending up being a loser from the start. At the song's close, the singer decides to turn back from the gates of Forever, leaving it to the heroes, saints, and fools to choose their path.
The song presents various questions and issues that individuals face in their lives. These dilemmas include finding one's path in life, following one's heart, fighting for freedom, and not being fooled by rules or traditions. The lyrics are a reminder that everyone must follow their own paths and that individuality is crucial in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing at the gates of Forever
Contemplating the paths available in life
How can I choose the way - what are the rules?
How do I decide on the path to follow, and what guidelines should I consider?
Here the roads of life come together
Life offers many different paths to take
The roads of heroes, saints and fools
Three main paths stand out - the paths for the brave, the pious, and the foolish
Staring in the face of dilemma
Facing a difficult decision
My shadow whispers, Turn for home - but here I go
Despite fear and hesitation, choosing to move forward
Stepping through the door to Forever
Embarking on a life-changing journey
I never thought my fear would show
Feeling exposed and vulnerable in the face of fear
What now, where is the future?
Uncertainty about what lies ahead in life
I′ll show you three roads now you choose the way
Offering guidance on three different paths in life
Who are these wardens who call me?
Feeling a sense of obligation to authority figures
A soldier, a priest and a jester, OK?
The three paths offered are represented by a warrior, a religious figure, and a clown
Wake up, our freedom is calling, fight for the right and you might set us free
Urging people to stand up for their rights and strive for freedom
Wake up, wake up, wake up and a hero you'll be
By taking action, one can become a hero
Stand up, creatures of mercy, reach for the Bible and march with the Lord
Encouraging people to practice compassion and follow religious teachings
Stand up, stand up, stand up and the saints will applaud
Following a righteous path will be recognized and commended
Look out, don′t let 'em fool ya, you'll never score if you stick to the rules
Warning against blindly following rules and conventions, which could prevent success
Look out, look out, look out for the ones they call fools
Beware of those deemed foolish, as they may have valuable insights and perspectives
Come on, you′ve got to be kidding, what if I don′t want to be what you say?
Questioning societal expectations and norms
Come on, come on, come on oh there must be a way
Feeling disillusioned with the current paths offered in life and seeking alternatives
Johnny was a loser from the start
Using a character as an example of someone who didn't follow their heart and faced negative consequences
He listened to the wardens instead of his heart
Choosing to follow authority figures instead of his intuition and desires
I don't want to be a hero, a saint or a fool
Rejecting the main paths offered in life
I just want to win like they taught me at school
Wanting to achieve success according to societal standards and expectations
Forward lead the roads, roads to freedom
The paths forward lead to freedom and personal fulfillment
What a price I′ll have to pay - I should have known
Understanding that personal growth and freedom may come at a cost
Even heroes cry, yes you've seen them
Demonstrating that even the bravest experience setbacks and difficulties
I think I′ll take the road for home
Choosing to return to a familiar and comfortable path
Turning from the gates of forever
Deciding against taking a transformative and uncertain path
How could I choose the way - what are the rules?
Feeling confused and uncertain about which path to take and what guidelines to follow
I know I had the chance, but I'll leave it
Regretting missed opportunities but accepting the decision to stay on a familiar path
To all you heroes, saints and fools
Acknowledging those who choose the alternative paths in life
Contributed by Peyton K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
M C
This played at my dads funeral , he passed on 4th November 2017, aged 53. Will always love and miss him forever.
Timeless Metal Classics
Your dad sounds cool. 😎 RIP
M C
Thankyou for all your kind comments
Holy Diver
Rest in peace to your old man!
silverballer1911................................................................
U for real lad u know who I am
Serrot Rasec Oiluj
Wow, sorry to hear that. I´m 50 today and it will be a honor to have this song on my funeral. Big hug bro.
SweetSmoke21
"I don't want to be a hero, a saint or a fool I just want to win like they taught me at school" - such good lyrics!
Bill Merendas
Έκσταση! Ηδονή! Οργασμός! Έξαψη! Ρίγος! Ανατριχίλα! Όλα στην εντέλεια! Αριστούργημα απλά!
Andreas M
μα ποσο δικιο εχεις φιλε..
sbziel
sad that this wasn't massive. This is such a master piece!!!