These Colours Don't Run
Iron Maiden · From Fear To Eternity: The Best Of 1990-2010 [2011]
when you say you're leaving
Left behind the loved ones
waiting silent in the hall
Where you're going lies adventure
others only dream of
Red and green light this is real
And so you go to war
For the passion, for the glory,
for the memories, for the money
You're a sholdier, for you're country
What's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run, from the cold bloody war
There is no one that will save you,
going down in flames
No surrender certain death you
look it in the eye
On the shores of tyranny you
Crashed a human wave
Paying for my freedom with you
Lonely unmarked graves
For the passion, for the glory,
for the memories, for the money
You're a sholdier, for you're country
What's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run, from the cold bloody war
These Colours Don't Run
These Colours Don't Run stands as a defining track from Iron Maiden's mid-1990s era, originally appearing on the 1995 album Virtual XI. The song captures the band's signature blend of melodic heavy metal and progressive structures, showcasing the dynamic interplay between guitarists Janick Gers and Adrian Smith. Thematically, the recording reflects the band's resilience and enduring spirit during a period of significant lineup changes and stylistic evolution. As a staple of their live performances, the track has become a fan favorite, often serving as a powerful closer or highlight in concert sets. Its inclusion in various compilations underscores its importance within the group's broader discography, representing a moment where the band successfully balanced commercial appeal with their complex musical identity.

