For The Greater Good Of God. Iron Maiden acoustic cover.

Another powerful song by Iron Maiden.
My inspiration for this arrangement was twofold.
First of course the brilliant original.
Second, an acoustic instrumental cover by Thomas Swijsen.
Thomas is a flamenco guitarist who has made a series of albums called "Nylon Maiden".
I'm not sure when this song was written, but the words are so relevant today, with the world spiralling downwards into multiple wars.
It angers me to see always a tiny tiny percentage of human beings inflicting death destruction and human misery onto millions.
"Somewhere there's someone dying in a foreign land.
Meanwhile the world is crying stupidity of man"
Stupidity of man.
Well that's my rant for today 🤨
I hope I did OK with this, and as always thanks for listening 🙂 🎸
Update March 2024.
If you would like to learn to play this great song, see my tutorial here:-
• Acoustic Tutorial, Fo...

[@tflynn4249]

This actually shows you how good songwriters iron maiden are. You sir are a legend and this is amazing.

[@StofleTheBadger]

Seriously I’m blown away! Listening again it fits perfectly with today’s political war mongers!

[@stalekvale5151]

What I love about Stuart`s covers is that he shows how beautiful the Maiden songs are when done all "naked." Absolutely brilliant

[@Drifter21031971]

Iron Maiden do their songs too loud. We cannot hear the text of songs.

[@dillonhensley3790]

I'm a 36 year old man that's a foreman of a construction company and my eyes were wet throughout that whole beautiful song. Great job!! You pull it out of me sir

[@AlexandreJC1509]

Stuart, thank you for introducing us to your talent.

[@WOLFOFWINTERVALE]

Bravo, Sir!! There is something special about you. My wife and I are always moved by your Iron Maiden interpretations. I hope Maiden gets an opportunity to watch and listen to you. I hope to meet you one day in this life or the next. Praise Jesus. 🙏

[@stuartclifford8795]

❤

[@rossywanfranca604]

I agree, his versions always are amazing

[@richardedgington8480]

I've listened to this song many times but this is the first time the words have hit home.

[@castlevice7449]

Same here...

[@johandekeijzer1413]

These words have always hit home!

[@Zokambaa]

If you actually get down and read the lyrics of many maiden songs, they are like literature... now compare that to stuff popular now... (Conan O'Brien and Andy did a funny take on it here but it drives home the point so hard.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5-kfpx8drpnaJI) I pitty kids now, I mean when I was young I listened to everything but now most just want what tiktok tells them to worship next

[@richardedgington8480]

I've learned loads of history from Iron Maiden songs.

[@JaaaDaaaa]

Hello from Sweden! Excuse my bad english. I'm a big Maidenfan and I have NEVER heard the lyrics so clear and beautiful. You sing the brilliant Maidensongs like a fairytale, thank you sir, from the bottom of my heart ❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

❤ Thank you from England. Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@theburpeeguy]

Your voice is really beautiful, almost brings me to tears. Please do more Maiden Covers and tutorials for the songs.

[@EnriqueStanziola]

Stuart, I'm going to turn 54 next week, and I grew up with Iron Maiden's filling the holes in my heart. I'm from Argentina, so I hardly understood the lyrics written in the albums. But their music hit me deeply. Many years ago, I left Maiden's angry shouts for more delicate sounds. Today I discovered your acoustic versions and found out why I was so moved by that metal. Thank you for gift. I thank God for your gift. By the way, reading today's readings for the Catholic mass, I read some words that may answer to this song's key question: God, tell me why... From Isaiah 58, 1-9; So speaks God the Lord, shout out, don't refrain, raise your voice like a trumpet, denounce to my people their rebellion and their sins! They ask me every day, and they want to know my ways, like a just nation. They fast to turn into fighting and hitting badly with the fist. [...] This is the fasting I love, Lord's oracle, loose the unjust chains, untie the ropes of the yoke, give freedom to the oppressed ones, and break all the yokes. Share your bread with the hungry ones, give shelter to the homeless ones, cover the naked ones, and take care of your own flesh. So then, the light will come out like rising sun, and your wound will heal fast. Your justice will go in front of you, and the Glory of God will go behind you. So then you'll call, and the Lord will answer, you'll ask for help, and He will say: Here I am!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Wow, thank you ❤🙂

[@michaelkaspar8240]

Goosebombs all over! Maiden and Dickenson are iconic. You are pushing it to a hole new level.

[@Ноунейм-з6щ]

Just guitar and soul. And you don’t have to be a great singer if the music comes from the heart.Bravo!!!

[@نمرالجبل-ت2ك]

Sir i am an old fan of maiden and i have been in the syrian war i consider myself a hard man who have been into all but your music made me cry.

[@mikewilson8594]

You bring a peace to an otherwise insane world. Thank you my friend.

[@sylvainbeauvais4600]

Sir you are the grand father i never know... Sir you play one of my favorit song. Your a real great man. I love you. ❤ im from Quebec in canada.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Hi Quebec thanks from England 🙂

[@michaeluser3459]

genius! briliant! wonder! I love you Mr Stuart

[@sallielewicki5013]

Everyone give this young man a like. I’m sixty and play drums and sing but he is amazing. ❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏👍WWG1we will go. All war is crimes against all humanity.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Why don't they listen to us? They have no idea what life is about. Peace my friend and thanks for listening and commenting 🙂

[@sallielewicki5013]

@@stuartclifford8795 you bet. Lost my Dad 2016. So many more close people and friends saw you playing and it made me cry you are so gifted you ever get only you have Bob and Sallie my wife to talk to stay connected to source and stay grounded. Keep playing. Are Hearts are with you you From Michigan. ❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@stuartclifford8795]

@@sallielewicki5013 ❤ and thanks from Nottingham England to Michigan 🙂🎸

[@mvigor]

​@@Kampi3000 I feel that. 😢I'm so sorry

[@Matman-k8y]

Agreed!!!

[@Mattjdeighton]

Stunning. A song that resonates in these troubling times. Thank you!!

[@castlevice7449]

Thank you. Im in my late 40s and my guitar has been hanging on the wall in my study for over 20years.,,,,. I forgot my Crazy youth and You just gave it back to me.,. Sadly you make the music i us to listen to then sound so much better now,. Time marches on.,

[@stuartclifford8795]

Take it off the wall 🙂❤

[@castlevice7449]

You make my old music sound so pure ' what scares me is when 2days youth google the song the cover art puts them in therapy 😂 just watched the Neil Young cover ''' Epic.

[@pgprojex]

A nine minute masterpiece performed by a master on a nylon string guitar all in a single take ... again I'm in awe. Thank you for sharing.

[@Max_Maximov_Studio]

Hello from Russia. You may not like us, but we're listening to you here.

[@Corplackey]

As with most, if not all nations, we the people do not hate others from foreign lands. However, we could care less for the so called leaders and governments. In the end, we all want the same thing. Peace, love, and happiness Stay healthy, safe, and free🤙🏼

[@Max_Maximov_Studio]

@@Corplackey спасибо)

[@stuartclifford8795]

Hello Russia and thanks from England. True we don't like Russia, but we know who's to blame. I just wish for peace. Thank you for listening and commenting ❤🙂

[@stuartclifford8795]

Why aren't they listening to us? Couldn't agree more my friend 🙂

[@lt8833]

We like you, we just hate Putin and western leaders

[@PabloParisino]

Wow Stuart! It's not only a great version in what regards to music (guitar + voice), your rendition is awesome. The passion you put in it is what moves me the most. Please keep posting videos such as this.

[@Guzcdz]

I'm a 35 years old fan o Maiden from Brazil and i've never seen a cover so full of passion and talent.Congrats, sir!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@embryon1111]

That's a very sincere rendition in it's simplest form. Captivating. Well done. Thank You.

[@ashighz]

This is my first KZbin comment in years... Your music gives me chills, you have the gift to create emotions and touch your listeners. There are so many people being musically perfect but have pretty much nothing but technical skills (although I admire that as well) but you are a real musician, thank you Sir!

[@Sonia.D.M.]

Hats off to you, Mr Clifford !!!!!! Awesome cover. I also appreciate your comments in the description. They help me to put the song into context.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Yes when I really read the words (in order to learn it) I was amazed how they match the current madness. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂 🎸

[@giork2828]

@@stuartclifford8795​yeah thank you for the notes in the description (and the performance, of course), but I can’t see the main issue of today’s people reflected in this song. When half (or most) of what we perceive of the outside world today is just theater and propaganda, it’s hard to even mention the most current issue which this song might be used to describe without being mislabeled or just simply ignored. Oh well...

[@bethhutchins5657]

Wow that took my breath away. Amazing Stuart 👏. You better watch out someone might offer you a contract ❤

[@mauriciomoreno325]

Mr. Stuart you are connecting people around the world 🌎 thanks

[@cheddarsk8]

My musical and life inspiration is you. Congratulations Stuart!

[@daveblues6048]

Mr. Clifford you are awesome. Awesome playing and singing😊

[@CaptainBritain1973]

Great cover, thoroughly enjoyed watching this 👍🤟👏

[@raulmarin3506]

A GLORIOUS version! Thank you very much Sir for sharing your incredible talent with us Iron Maiden fans and introducing their work to those who do not know then using your skill sand talents.

[@bigears1955]

Stuart your rendition of this song was so evocative and brilliantly done on acoustic, surely this song describes what mankind does to itself and our lovely earth which the mindless few desecrate ❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

Oh here here 👍. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂 🎸

[@wadef7015]

This is one of my favorite Maiden songs. Thank you for this. Amazing work my friend

[@manuelbarrera6464]

Amazing 👏 simply Amazing

[@mariox20]

Thank you....again you bring real meaning to these words with your style and artistry. Keep posting videos; they're awesome!

[@panic9072]

You are like a light in the darknes. Thank you!

[@tompete885]

Absolutely fantastic version. Brilliant song. Love it ❤

[@jeffersononetwo]

Very nice, Stuart! I always enjoy your Maiden covers ... Up The Irons! 🤘

[@lakeynyx]

May you be live a long life singing songs like this. I am the biggest Maiden fan & probably their biggest critic. I can’t believe what an amazing job you did with this song acoustically. I am going to share this on Facebook. Up the Irons 🤘

[@nevermino7]

This song is amazing, you play it very well and it really deserves a lot of likes for the acoustic performance of the song, congratulations

[@samuellemos82]

Esta interpretação foi lá na alma❤Obrigado por nos proporcionar todos estes vídeos!

[@bikeoffrd1196]

Well done sir...love your passion. Jesus is the only way... darkness is everywhere one looks. God bless brother. ✝️✝️🎶🎶

[@AnnickNum]

Un message de France 🇨🇵 Ici il est minuit moi et mon conjoint on écoute vos reprises acoustiques d'Iron Maiden. Vous êtes incroyable ! Merci beaucoup vous révélez l'essence pure du rock'n'roll !

[@stuartclifford8795]

Merci from England 🙂

[@yak9664]

You are very enjoyable to listen to. I'm glad you tube recommended something that I actually want see

[@vagabondjohn2004]

Melt my Hart.. Sent this to my Dad.. he's pushen 80... plays Tenor banjo and doesn't pay mind to such music from Iron Maiden.... one of my all time favorites... Well done kind Sir... Well done, ounce again...

[@stuartclifford8795]

Cheers John. I hope Dad likes it. Some of those riffs would be great on the banjo. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂🎸

[@richardgee6023]

This is terrific Stuart. One of my favourite Maiden songs. You've done a great job and added your own special sprinkle 👏

[@stubones]

Stunning Stuart. Beautiful in every way!

[@lem9756]

I’m glad the algorithm introduced me to your video. I’m a longtime Maiden fan and I love this interpretation! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Texas.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from Nottinghamshire England 🙂

[@jimeththemelancollie351]

Simply amazing. Well played, well sung.

[@HarryDumbeldore]

The soul of you helps my tourtured soul

[@diegoferreiradossantos8469]

Amazing! I love that!!! Greats from Brasil 🇧🇷 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks Brazil from England, and thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@StofleTheBadger]

KZbin making me watch 30 seconds of adds before I could listen to your your music and let me tell you sir it was well worth it thank you my friend!

[@RogerioRios]

Another moving rendition of a classic song. Soothing voice, heartfelt interpretation. Superb!

[@MrChumusic]

Que maravilha mesmo!! Top demais! Alô UP THE IRONS!!

[@metaleeca2483]

Fantastic, really enjoyed that. Yes Thomas has done fantastic acoustic Iron Maiden covers, I went to see him with the ex Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley, a real treat. Look forward to hearing your next one. Thanks for sharing.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Oh wow. Their version of como estas amigo is unbelievable. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂 🎸

[@stefanmangner7394]

It's a blessing for me, that it's possible for me that I can listen to your play and singing. You are incredibly talented sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@Kojas]

Got goosebumps here. Brilliant cover Mr. Stuart

[@daiblaze1396]

"Tell me why?" Well I am not sure of what to say yet. Hope I have the answer one day. Or at least my definite pov. I've read the description after hearing this interpretation. Exactly what I suspected. Count on me to spread what is in my power to avoid wars. We need to keep the children out of this mess by educating and showing them that there are over ways. Thanks for your rant of the day. I haven't heard this one of Iron Maiden yet. Take care ! I am sure that one day this mess will be cleaned. I do not know if I will be there to watch...

[@stuartclifford8795]

❤

[@89G]

This is FANTASTIC, Stuart!

[@heliogsx]

Watching again to learn how to play like you! Such a great teacher! Thanks a lot!

[@MiguelGutierrez-wj8wl]

Gorgeous rendition of a Maiden poem!

[@sebastiancla5164]

Beautiful! Thank you sir, to let us have your version of this Maiden song. ❤

[@laddjm]

Excellent!

[@johandekeijzer1413]

You nailed it again Stuart. This song has alot of heart and you put it right on the spot

[@holmzcat8493]

Awesome video, I'm 45 yr old guitar player. And I find it hard to watch some people do covers that just aren't done very well. Maybe it's because of my ear. I can figure out most songs within seconds. But because of my good ear it's hard to find good covers on here. Where they did justice to the song. And you sir did justice to this song. Watched all the way to the end. Well done! MORE!

[@brenterwin]

Stunningly amazing. One of my favorite Maiden songs.

[@MrBrunoric]

Stuart toda vez que escuto seus vídeos só lembro de uma belíssima praia com um luar maravilhoso refletindo no mar, uma fogueira no meio da roda de amigos, cerveja gelada, esses seus acordes e a certeza de que a vida é bela sim.

[@stuartclifford8795]

❤ that's heartwarming for me thanks 🙂🎸

[@darksik85]

Beautiful arrangement, good sir 👏Very nice of you to mention Thomas Zwijsen. I love his Nylon Maiden too🤘

[@darleysantos5861]

I love too! Up Irons!

[@Brushworkstudioz]

Sir you make Iron Maiden Sound Divine 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 God Blessed!!! Up the Irons 🤘🏻

[@mattholmes1236]

This is beautiful. It's always been one of my most favourite Maiden songs but you've added such a deeper layer to this already powerful song. Thank you for this, will likely listen to this for years to come.

[@robbaldwin2402]

Incredible arrangement and performance; really soulful and moving.

[@neelsvanheerden7662]

Keep coming back to listen to this song 😁

[@riccardino11]

Only one word. GREAT!!! I'M SO GLAD TO LISTEN THIS... Riccardo from Florence, Italy

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from Nottingham England 🙂

[@soldatfantome]

Magnifique Merci Stuart

[@fabriciocarvalho1152]

Beautiful Sir! Thank you, greetings from Brazil ❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@williamshawken478]

More, more, more...your work is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

[@GustavGraneskog]

Pure magic!

[@paulosaldanha3285]

Rock'roll in it's essence... translated here in this video by Mr..thank you!

[@jimstocker2699]

As a Maiden fan since I was in junior high. I've been to 10 or more shows. Including both "Live after Death " shows in Long Beach Ca. Your covers are so clean, and pure. Thank you Dir and God Bless.

[@jimstocker2699]

P.s. I'm 58 now. Up the Irons !

[@janb4406]

That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@t_mama3599]

You have a gift. Thank you for this song choice as well. Peace for all, no more war. Excellent guitar and voice

[@stuartclifford8795]

I'm glad I got the story across. 🙂. When I started learning this I couldn't believe how the words are so relevant in today's sad world. Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸🎸

[@alexkavaliou]

For the greater GRANDFATHER OF GOD! You are awesome!

[@Seba12637]

muy geniaaal!! Esta es de mis canciones favoritas. Saludos desde argentina 🇦🇷 🇦🇷

[@stuartclifford8795]

Hi Argentina from England. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂 🎸

[@mikewilson8594]

I've always loved the words to most all of these "Heavy Metal" songs, but could not really understand the beauty due to all of the yelling and screaming. Thank you for making them peaceful anf understandable.

[@junkpunkstore]

Yes they have a very specific sound that can obscure the music

[@geodyssey899]

Isso é fantástico! Me emocionei com essa performance!

[@АлексейЧерноталов-л6ф]

Brilliant! Big thanks, Stuart! Iron Maiden fan for 25 years from Russia.

[@EVL6479]

Glad to hear you are enjoying Maiden and Stuart in Russia! :)

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@fd2267fg]

Sir I just adore your covers and your style of playing. Your singing, so somber, the tinge of wisdom emanates from you, yet also so beautiful and learned. Thank you. You are an inspiration to me.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thank you so much. And thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂 🎸

[@PokoleizKuleckim]

Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Mireflow]

I love it.

[@renanperez9745]

Amazing, Mr Stuart. Hugs from Brazil!!!!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Hugs back from England 🙂

[@antonioneves5123]

Amazing work, good Sir. These brought some chills… Greetings from Portugal.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@Kieron-e5l]

Thumbs up for sure!

[@jamesgrigsby3971]

Great job!!

[@Doony70]

Thanks for sharing these videos with us. Such a relevant song. Very inspirational.

[@fabianacoutinho2285]

Amazing!!!!🤘👏👏👏

[@josema122]

Wow, 🙌🙌🙌 espectacular, hat off and greetins from Uruguay 🇺🇾 and UP THE IRONS

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@PaulGlancy-fp7ob]

Paul Glancy hete again (wondering where'd want) I'm subscribed l, so not too hard to find. I saw Maiden at Donnington in 88. K remember you saying you lived a 30 minute drive from Donnington. You've nailed it again Sir. Thankyou..Paul.

[@PaulGlancy-fp7ob]

A pleasure listening to you Sir! I take it you like Iron Maiden? Their music sounds class when played by a gentleman like yourself. I love it... Paul.

[@BLACKFOOT1970]

Another beautiful addition to your gifts you leave us . I discovered you 4 months ago and you always are superb thank you for sharing.

[@vincecrafted3503]

Great performance!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@metinaktan7551]

In fact, it shows how good Iron Maiden's compositions are and you play them very well, congratulations, keep it up.Dear sir (grandfather)..... greetings from Turkey

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from a grandpa in England 🙂