For the Greater Good of God Lyrics

Lyric discussion by sniktawekim 

Cover art for For the Greater Good of God lyrics by Iron Maiden

i see allot of people saying stuff like "its about how religion causes problems" not only do i disagree that religion causes problems, but i also disagree that its what the song says.

i think the song is saying "God would not approve". i think it is written to all of those who say "for the greater good of God" and then do something that is totally unchristianlike.

ill go about breaking this down: "Are you a man of peace Or a man of holy war Too many sides to you Don't know which anymore So many full of life But also filled with pain Don't know just how many Will live to breathe again"

i think this part is him speculating like allot of uncertain people would about whether or not God is a good God, or a violent one. i think it has allot to do with people saying "Im on God's side" and then doing terrible things (ill call them pharisees from now on). i think it brings up the issue of people rejecting God, because of people who say they are of God, and do terrible things. etc.

"Please tell me now what life is Please tell me now what love is Well tell me now what war is Again tell me what life is"

i believe this part is the main sting of the song. someone earlier said they dont like this, but i think its more than beautiful. i think it is him saying to the pharisees of our day.. i think he is using the Socratic method here to prove his point. i think he is trying to get them to come to the conclusion that war is the opposite of love, and kills life.

"He gave his life for us He fell upon the cross To die for all of those who never mourn his loss It wasn't meant for us to feel the pain again Tell me why, tell me why "

i think this is the closing of the argument. he is pointing out that God is a God of love, and that he would go out, and die, for people who would disrespect and spit on him - go through agony. i think this parallels the point about war, that Christianity is about turning the other cheek, going through hell and back for the same people that kill you. if you lived by this motto, you wouldnt ever really participate in a war.

i think the "for the greater good of God" is him kind of mocking the pharisees who say these things with condescension (if you dont notice it, the way he vocalizes this part is rather harsh, sounds like he is putting anger through it).

i think the motto of the song basically is: God is a God of love. If you are going to do something in the name of God, you better make damn good sure its something God would approve of.

@sniktawekim The main part of the song seems to be "For the greater good of God" In other words, it is about those that believe that all that they do is for their god, and about how they never seem to truly question why.

"Only God would know And as he lies in heaven Or it could be in hell I feel he's somewhere here Or looking from below But I don't know, I don't know"

This seems to imply that God could be anywhere, but at the same time doubts that.

"More pain and misery...

@sniktawekim The song IS a criticism of religion. It questions the hipocrisy of holy men and religious people who use "for the greater good of god" as the answer to the most profound questions. Questions always asked before the song repeats "for the greater good of god" x8. While it is a hard hit against organized religion, the song is not aiming at faith itself. It manages to both criticize organized religion and showcase the inner struggle of the religious person observing the world around them and looking for answers they are not sure exist. The ending is the final...

@sniktawekim You are absolutely right. A song that's written using many bible passages cannot be criticizing religion. It, by definition, would be hypocrite. In fact he's criticizing pharisees. Such pharisees like some religious leaders and false prophets that claim the bible but are with nations worldwide promoting wars. It's clear as daylight that this doesn't criticize one specific religion or group, as Bruce would never do that. In fact, Bruce's background and beliefs lie on Christianity.