Is The Trooper Great Balls of Fire?

Acujer

Member
Apr 14, 2008
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I really believe The Trooper is a revamp of Jerry Lee Lewis's Great Balls of Fire. I always hear this song when I hear The Trooper. I really think it's possible Steve Harris had this song in mind when he wrote it. I have never known anyone else to make the comparison, so let's see what you think. Knowing Iron Maiden's musical influences and comparing them side by side it adds up:

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
You'll take my life but I'll take yours too

Too much love drives a man insane
You'll fire your musket but I'll run you through

I laughed at love cause I thought it was funny
So when you're waiting for the next attack

but you came along and moooooved me honey
You'd better stand there's no turning back

After the "O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ohhh!
O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ohhh!"

The end of the guitar riff goes "du du du du" which is the same syllables as:
"You broke my will"
Then annoying guitar riff again back to "du du du du"
"But what a thrill"

If the music just stopped for a moment, they may as well just shout:
"Goodness gracious great balls of fire!"

Then back to another verse. Notice how the end of each stanza rhymes in both songs:

The horse he sweats with fear we break to run
I cut my nails and I quiver my thumb

The mighty roar of the Russian guns
I'm really nervous but it sure is fun

And as we race towards the human wall
Come on baby, you drive me crazy

The screams of pain as my comrades fall
Goodness gracious great balls of fire