| This is a part of the anthem written by GK Chesterton in 1906, which, of course, was the inspiration for Bruce to write the lyrics to Iron Maiden's "Revelations". It was the first song Bruce performed at the Canterbury Rocks at Christmas concert. The cut part was sung without a microphone and was truly an unforgettable, spine chilling, hair raising, breath taking, truly Dickinsonian moment. I hope someone recorded it. Can't say that the part I captured was any worse though - after all - it's Bruce Dickinson. O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry, Our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die; The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide; Take not Thy thunder from us, but take away our pride. From all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen, From all the easy speeches that comfort cruel men; From sale and profanation of honor and the sword; From sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord! Tie in a living tether, the prince and priest and thrall; Bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all; In ire and exultation aflame with faith and free, Lift up a living nation, a single sword to Thee. |
