“Grinder” is a classic from Judas Priest’s sixth studio album, British Steel. This song helped to commercialize heavy metal and lent inspiration for what was to come in rock and metal through the eighties.
In the lyrics, Rob Halford critiques governments and large organizations that treat people li...
[Verse 1]
Never straight and narrow
I won't keep in time
Tend to burn the arrow out of the line
Been inclined to wander
Off the beaten track
That's where there's thunder and the wind shouts back
[Chorus]
Grinder
Looking for meat
Grinder
Wants you to eat
[Verse 2]
Got no use for routine
I shiver at the thought
Open skies are my scene that's why I won't get caught
Refuse to bait the mantrap
Be led to set the snare
I love to have my sight capped everywhere
[Chorus]
Grinder
Looking for meat
Grinder
Wants you to eat
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
I've held my licence
It came with birth
For self-reliance on this earth
You take the bullet
On which my name
Was etched upon in your game
[Verse 3]
Day of independence
Stamped us like a brand
Round the necks of millions to the land
As the mighty eagle
I need room to breathe
Witness from the treadmill, I take my leave
[Chorus]
Grinder
Looking for meat
Grinder
Wants you to eat
[Chorus]
Grinder
Looking for meat
Grinder
Wants you to eat
[Outro]
Grinder
Grinder was written by Rob Halford & Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing.
Grinder was produced by Tom Allom.
Judas Priest released Grinder on Mon Apr 14 1980.
Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Arena
K.K. Downing:
“Grinder” was quite an important track because I think it really laid down a lot of roots for what was to come in rock and metal through the ’80s-a very full-on, straight 4/4 beat a la the AC/DC thing. It really helped to commercialize metal a lot, that kind of groove.
Rob Halford:
...