Run to the Hills

Unlike much early-80s metal rooted in minor keys, 'Run to the Hills' sits in a bright G major at a driving 178 BPM, with its tension generated rhythmically — through the signature gallop — rather than through dark harmony. Dickinson noted the melody exploits the rising sixth interval, which gives the chorus its soaring, anthemic lift.

The song was written for Iron Maiden's third studio album, The Number of the Beast, and is credited solely to bassist Steve Harris. New vocalist Bruce Dickinson stated he made a 'moral contribution' to the song, along with 'Children of the Damned' and 'The Prisoner', but could not receive writing credit due to a contractual agreement with his former band Samson. Dickinson later revealed that parts of the song are based on the 'rising sixth' interval within a scale, inspired by a documentary he watched exploring why 'My Way' was one of the most popular recorded songs.

Released in February 1982 as the lead single from The Number of the Beast, 'Run to the Hills' marked Bruce Dickinson's recorded debut as Iron Maiden's vocalist and became one of the band's most enduring songs. Built on a galloping rhythm and a soaring chorus in G major, it tells the story of the European colonization of the Americas from both Native American and settler perspectives. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 10 among the 100 greatest heavy metal songs.