These Colours Don't Run

Iron Maiden · From Fear To Eternity: The Best Of 1990-2010 [2011]

It's the same in every country

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.