One Shot at Glory – English Lyrics

• By: Judas Priest

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the power and precision of the English language through Judas Priest's epic metal anthem, “One Shot at Glory.” This song is a masterclass in evocative, metaphorical language, using the imagery of battle to explore themes of determination and destiny. The powerful verbs and descriptive adjectives will expand your vocabulary, while Rob Halford's clear and soaring vocals provide an excellent opportunity to practice pronunciation. What makes this song special is its dual meaning; on the surface, it's a tale of war, but it can also be seen as a reflection on the singular, high-stakes nature of a live rock performance.

[English]

Let me hear the battle cry

Calling on the wind

Let me see the banners fly

Before the storm begins

Let me feel the spirits soar

Destroy the enemy

Striking at the evil core

For all the world to see

This day will last forever

Deep in the hearts of men

Courage and victory

Remember, remember

One shot at glory

In the crossfire overhead

Fate stands before me

Words have all been said

One shot at glory

Driving hard and seeing red

Destiny calls me

One night of fire, one shot at glory

Fighting on with dignity

In life and death we deal

The power and the majesty

Amidst the blood and steel

I still hear the battle cry

The call goes on and on

I still see the banners fly

The battle's always won

This day will last forever

Deep in the hearts of men

Courage and victory

Remember, remember

One shot at glory

In the crossfire overhead

Fate stands before me

Words have all been said

One shot at glory

Driving hard and seeing red

Destiny calls me

One night of fire, one shot at glory

This day will last forever

Deep in the hearts of men

Courage and victory

Remember, remember

One shot at glory

In the crossfire overhead

Fate stands before me

Words have all been said

One shot at glory

Driving hard and seeing red

Destiny calls me

One night of fire, one shot at glory

One shot at glory

I used to hear the battle cry

I used to see the banners fly

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
glory /ˈɡlɔːri/ B2	noun - high honor or praise won by notable achievements
battle /ˈbætl̩/ B1	noun - a sustained fight between large organized armed forces
cry /kraɪ/ A2	noun - a loud vocal expression of strong emotion
banners /ˈbænərz/ B2	noun - long strips of cloth bearing a design or inscription
storm /stɔːrm/ B1	noun - a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds
spirits /ˈspɪrɪts/ B2	noun - the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character
enemy /ˈenəmi/ A2	noun - a person or group that is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
victory /ˈvɪktəri/ B1	noun - an act of defeating an enemy or opponent
courage /ˈkɜːrɪdʒ/ B2	noun - the ability to do something that frightens one
destiny /ˈdestəni/ C1	noun - the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future
fate /feɪt/ C1	noun - the development of events beyond a person's control
crossfire /ˈkrɒsfaɪər/ C2	noun - gunfire from two or more directions passing through the same area
driving /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/ B1	verb - operating and controlling the direction and speed of a motor vehicle
destroy /dɪˈstrɔɪ/ B2	verb - to end the existence of something by damaging or attacking it
striking /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/ B2	verb - hitting forcefully
soar /sɔːr/ C1	verb - to fly or rise high in the air
majesty /ˈmædʒəsti/ C2	noun - impressive and grandeur
dignity /ˈdɪɡnəti/ C1	noun - the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect

Key Grammar Structures

• Let me hear the battle cry

  ➔ Subjunctive Mood

  ➔ The phrase uses the subjunctive mood with 'let' to express a wish or desire, highlighting "hear" as the action desired.

• Before the storm begins

  ➔ Prepositional Phrase

  ➔ The prepositional phrase "before the storm begins" indicates timing, showing when the action occurs relative to the storm starting.

• For all the world to see

  ➔ Infinitive of Purpose

  ➔ The infinitive phrase "for all the world to see" expresses purpose, indicating the reason for the action.

• This day will last forever

  ➔ Future Simple

  ➔ The future simple tense "will last" predicts a future action, emphasizing the permanence of the day's significance.

• Remember, remember

  ➔ Imperative Mood (Repetition)

  ➔ The imperative mood with repetition "remember, remember" emphasizes the importance of the action, urging the listener to recall.

• In the crossfire overhead

  ➔ Prepositional Phrase (Location)

  ➔ The prepositional phrase "in the crossfire overhead" describes a location, indicating where the action is taking place.

• One night of fire, one shot at glory

  ➔ Appositive

  ➔ The phrase uses apposition with "one night of fire" to rename or explain "one shot at glory", providing additional context.

• Fighting on with dignity

  ➔ Present Participle Phrase

  ➔ The present participle phrase "fighting on with dignity" describes an ongoing action, emphasizing the manner of fighting.