Some heavy metal bands don’t change their brutal style. Not wanting to disappoint loyal fans, they hesitate to play touching ballads with gentle melodies and personal lyrics.
The above does not apply to the legendary Judas Priest. Rob Halford and his colleagues have never been afraid to show their feelings. A convincing example of this is the famous composition Before the Dawn (“Before Dawn”).
History and meaning of the song Before the Dawn
Before we talk about the story behind the ballad, let’s take a look at Halford’s interview with MTV in 1998. Then Rob openly called himself gay.
The coming out of “King of Metal” (Metal King) shocked conservative fans, but, according to the musician, did not hit his career:
I eliminate the stereotype. From all spheres of life, in all professions, there are gays and lesbians. I just happen to be a gay guy who sings in a heavy metal band. I made a statement without thinking it over in advance, and it had no consequences. I just said it… And a lot of people said, “Yes? So, what is next?” Many also said, “Tell us something we don’t know.”
In 2015, it was revealed that the song Before the Dawn from the album Killing Machine (1978) was born out of Halford’s romantic anguish. He was asked if he remembers his first unhappy love. Rob replied in the affirmative and added:
It didn’t happen in my teens, but when I was in my twenties. Even speaking from the perspective of a gay guy, guys, we also get our hearts broken. That is exactly what happened to me. And it’s hard as hell to go through, but it’s part of life.
When asked if he wrote a song about the incident, Halford continued:
Actually, yes. And I’m trying to remember what it was called. I think it was called Before the Dawn. Exactly. I’m sure it was her… It may not be her true meaning, but she is definitely related to that episode.
Metal Hammer Magazine Show
On October 27, 1978, Judas Priest released Before the Dawn as the first single from the Killing Machine album.
Music video Before the Dawn – Judas Priest
Check out the unofficial music video for Before the Dawn.
Before the Dawn
Before the dawn I hear you whisper
In your sleep don’t let the morning take him
outside the birds begin to call
As if to summon up my leaving
Chorus x2:
It’s been a lifetime since I found someone
Since I found someone who would stay
I’ve waited too long and now you’re leaving
Oh please don’t take it all away
Before the dawn I hear you whisper
In your sleep don’t let the morning take him
Glenn Raymond Tipton / Kenneth Downing / Robert Halford
Lyrics to “Before the Dawn”, © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Before the Dawn
Before dawn I hear you whisper
In a dream: “Don’t let the morning take him.”
Outside the birds begin to call
As if forcing me to leave.
Chorus x2:
It’s been a life since I found the one
How I found someone who will stay with me.
I’ve waited too long and now you’re leaving.
Oh please don’t take it all.
Before dawn I hear you whisper
In a dream – do not let the morning take him.
