Crossfire – English Lyrics

• By: Judas Priest

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the raw power and profound messages of Judas Priest's "Crossfire" to not only experience iconic heavy metal but also to engage with its critical English lyrics. This track offers a unique opportunity to understand contemporary social commentary and critique of organized religion through the commanding vocal delivery of Rob Halford. Its direct and impactful language makes it an excellent song for learners to grasp powerful expressions and dive deep into themes of societal disillusionment and the search for individual truth. What makes this song special is its blend of classic metal intensity with thought-provoking lyrical depth, encouraging listeners to "read between the lines" and find their own solutions in a world of confusion.

[English]

Watch your own reflection

Read between the lines

Lost in this confusion

It's a sign of times

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Opium for the masses

World's gone deaf and dumb

Victims of insanity

Ruled by the gun

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Too much information

Messes with your mind

Pushing back the enemy

Blind leads the blind

World of smoking mirrors

Leaves you in a daze

Find your own solution

Out of the maze

Swearing on the bible

Hypocrites and fools

Losing your religion

Breaking all the rules

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Caught in a crossfire

You gotta let go

Caught in a crossfire

Caught in a crossfire

Caught in a crossfire

Caught in a crossfire

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
crossfire /ˈkrɔs.faɪər/ B2	noun - a situation where two or more opposing groups attack each other, often with the person in the middle being at risk
confusion /kənˈfjuː.ʒən/ B1	noun - a lack of understanding or clarity
opium /ˈoʊ.pi.əm/ B2	noun - a drug from the opium poppy, often used to induce sleep or relieve pain
insanity /ɪnˈsæn.ɪ.ti/ B2	noun - the state of being seriously mentally ill
solution /səˈluː.ʃən/ A2	noun - an answer to a problem
maze /meɪz/ B1	noun - a complex network of paths or passages, often designed to confuse
hypocrite /ˈhɪ.pə.krɪt/ B2	noun - a person who pretends to have qualities or beliefs that they do not actually have
reflection /rɪˈflek.ʃən/ B1	noun - serious thought or consideration
enemy /ˈɛn.ə.mi/ A1	noun - a person who hates or opposes another
religion /rɪˈlɪʒ.ən/ A2	noun - a particular system of faith and worship
daze /deɪz/ B1	noun - a state of confusion or bewilderment
swearing /ˈswɛər.ɪŋ/ A2	verb - to make a solemn promise or vow
blind /blaɪnd/ A1	adjective - unable to see verb - to make someone unable to see or understand
deaf /dɛf/ A1	adjective - unable to hear
information /ˌɪn.fərˈmeɪ.ʃən/ A1	noun - knowledge or details about a subject
victim /ˈvɪk.tɪm/ A2	noun - a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event

Key Grammar Structures

• Watch your own reflection

  ➔ Imperative sentence (command)

  ➔ The base‑form verb "Watch" is used to give a direct command to the listener.

• Read between the lines

  ➔ Imperative sentence with prepositional phrase

  ➔ The verb "Read" is in the base form, followed by the prepositional phrase "between the lines" indicating where to read.

• World's gone deaf and dumb

  ➔ Present perfect contracted form (has + past participle)

  ➔ "World's" is a contraction of "World has"; "gone" is the past participle showing a completed change.

• Too much information messes with your mind

  ➔ Third‑person singular present simple (verb + s)

  ➔ "messes" takes the -s ending because the subject "information" is treated as singular.

• Blind leads the blind

  ➔ Simple present with subject‑verb agreement

  ➔ The singular noun "Blind" functions as the subject, so the verb takes the -s ending: "leads".

• Swearing on the bible

  ➔ Gerund phrase used as a noun (subject or complement)

  ➔ "Swearing" is a gerund; the whole phrase functions like a noun, e.g., "Swearing on the bible is serious."

• Caught in a crossfire

  ➔ Past participle used as adjective (passive participle)

  ➔ "Caught" is the past participle of "catch"; it describes the subject as being trapped: "He is caught in a crossfire."

• You gotta let go

  ➔ Colloquial modal construction (have got to = must)

  ➔ "gotta" is the informal contraction of "got to"; it expresses obligation: "You have to let go."

• Find your own solution

  ➔ Imperative sentence with direct object

  ➔ "Find" is the base‑form verb giving a command; "your own solution" is the direct object that receives the action.