The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner

Iron Maiden · Eddie: Head Box [13 Cds] [1998]

Tough of the track,

With the wind,

And the rain that's beating down on your back.

Your heart's beating loud

And goes on getting louder

And goes on even more till the sound

Is ringing in your head,

With every step you tread,

And every breath you take,

Determination makes

You run,

Never stop,

Gotta win, gotta run till you drop,

Keep the pace,

Hold the race,

Your mind is getting clearer,

You're over halfway there but the miles

Just never seem to end

As if you're in a dream,

Not getting anywhere.

It seems so futile.



Chorus:

Run, on and on,

Run, on and on,

The loneliness of the long distance runner.



I've got to keep running the course,

I've got to keep running and win at all costs,

I've got to keep going, be strong,

Must be so determined and push myself on.



Run over stiles, across fields,

Turn to look at who's on your heels,

Way ahead of the field,

The line is getting nearer but do

You want the glory that goes,

You reach the final stretch,

Ideals are just a trace,

You feel like throwing the race,

It's all so futile.



Chorus:

Run, on and on,

Run, on and on,

The loneliness of the long distance runner.

The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner

Iron Maiden's 'The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner' stands as a defining track from their 1998 compilation 'Eddie: Head Box,' showcasing the band's mastery of progressive metal and theatrical storytelling. Originally written by Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson, the song draws inspiration from the classic British film 'The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner,' blending narrative depth with the band's signature melodic heaviness. Recorded during a period where Maiden was refining their live performance capabilities, the track features Dickinson's distinctive vocal delivery and Harris's intricate bass lines, characteristic of the mid-to-late 1990s era. It remains a staple of their discography, often performed live to highlight the group's ability to weave cinematic atmospheres with powerful riffs, cementing its status as an essential listen for fans of the genre.