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 and 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
What now, where is the future?
Who are these wardens who call me?
Fight for the right and you might set us free
Wake up, wake up, wake up and a hero you′ll be
Reach for the Bible and march with the Lord
Stand up, stand up, stand up and the saints will applaud
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 and Fools" discuss the struggles that someone is facing as they stand at the gates of Forever, the place where all the roads of life converge, including the roads of heroes, saints, and fools. The singer is unsure of which path to take and what the rules of each path might be. The shadow of doubt whispers to the singer to turn for home, but they step through the door to Forever, where they finally confront their fears.
The song then takes a turn, empowering the listener to fight for what is right but not to be bound by the rules or labels that society imposes, whether it's heroes, saints, or fools. The singer is against being labeled a hero, saint, or fool and instead just wants to win like they taught them at school. The song reminds us that even heroes cry and that anyone can take the road to freedom if they follow their heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing at the gates of Forever
Contemplating the potential paths before me, unsure of what the right decision is.
How can I choose the way - what are the rules?
Wondering what criteria I should use to make this decision, uncertain of what the consequences of each path may be.
Here the roads of life come together
Acknowledging that this is a momentous crossroads, where the different routes through life intersect.
The roads of heroes, saints and fools
Recognizing that there are many ways to live one's life, exemplified by the paths of bravery, righteousness, and foolishness.
Staring in the face of dilemma
Confronting a difficult choice that requires thoughtful contemplation and introspection.
My shadow whispers, Turn for home - but here I go
Deep down, I may want to go back to the safe and familiar, but I know that I must push forward and take a risk.
Stepping through the door to Forever
Embarking on a journey towards an unknown destination, carrying the hope and possibility of a brighter future.
I never thought my fear would show
Despite my best efforts to appear confident and determined, my underlying anxiety and uncertainty has become apparent.
What now, where is the future?
Feeling lost and uncertain about what lies ahead, and what opportunities or challenges may arise.
Who are these wardens who call me?
Feeling a sense of obligation or duty to follow the opinions or advice of others, who may have their own motives or biases.
Fight for the right and you might set us free
By standing up for what is just and fair, we have the power to transform ourselves and society for the better.
Wake up, wake up, wake up and a hero you'll be
Encouraging listeners to awaken to their full potential, embrace courage and nobility, and become the heroes they were meant to be.
Reach for the Bible and march with the Lord
Suggesting that faith and religious devotion can inspire one to pursue a righteous path and make the world a better place.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and the saints will applaud
By standing up for what is good and righteous, we can become admired and respected figures in society, akin to saints.
You'll never score if you stick to the rules
Taking risks and breaking conventions may be necessary to achieve greatness or success in life.
Look out, look out, look out for the ones they call fools
Beware of those who may judge or ridicule those who take unconventional paths, rather than conforming to societal norms.
Come on, you've got to be kidding,
Expressing disbelief or incredulity at being pressured or expected to conform to certain expectations or standards.
What if I don't want to be what you say?
Rebelling against others' expectations, defending one's own desires and individuality.
Come on, come on, come on oh there must be a way
Believing that there must be a solution or alternative to one's current predicament, rather than accepting defeat or resignation.
Johnny was a loser from the start
Using a hypothetical example to criticize those who blindly follow authority or societal norms, and fail to forge their own path in life.
He listened to the wardens instead of his heart
Emphasizing the importance of listening to one's own inner voice and desires, rather than being swayed by external influences or authority figures.
I don't want to be a hero, a saint or a fool
Rejecting the polarizing labels or expectations that others may try to place on oneself, preferring to forge a unique and authentic path in life.
I just want to win like they taught me at school
Adopting a conventional view of success or achievement, that prioritizes material wealth, status or power, over more abstract or spiritual goals.
Forward lead the roads, roads to freedom
Celebrating the idea that each path in life can represent an opportunity for growth, liberation and progress.
What a price I'll have to pay - I should have known
Recognzing that taking risks or pursuing unconventional paths may come at a cost, yet regretting not exploring these options earlier in life.
Even heroes cry, yes you've seen them
Acknowledging that even the strongest and most noble among us may experience pain, fear or vulnerability at times.
I think I'll take the road for home
Deciding to retreat from this momentous decision, and return to a familiar and comforting path in life.
Turning from the gates of forever
Abandoning the possibility of a heroic or transformative journey, and returning to the safety and familiarity of the status quo.
How could I choose the way - what are the rules?
Reflecting on the difficulty of making life-changing decisions, and the daunting task of weighing each option and considering the consequences.
I know I had the chance, but I'll leave it
Regretting a missed opportunity or chance to make a significant change or impact, but accepting it as part of one's life journey.
To all you heroes, saints and fools
Addressing those who may have taken different paths in life, and acknowledging the diversity and richness of choice that exists in the world.
Look out!
Encouraging listeners to pay attention and stay alert to both the risks and opportunities that may arise in life.
Never be a loser from the start
Urging listeners to take ownership of their lives, and not allow others to dictate their paths or choices.
Take all your chances and follow your heart
Embracing the sense of possibility and adventure that can arise from taking risks and pursuing one's deepest desires and passions.
I know I ain't a hero, a saint or a fool,
Emphasizing the importance of defining one's own goals and priorities in life, rather than being swayed by outside expectations or labels.
I just want to win like they taught me at school
Adopting a conventional and potentially narrow-minded view of success and achievement, centered on material wealth and professional advancement.
Contributed by Callie I. 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!!!