'Mother Russia' is a tribute to Russia and the Russian people, inspired by the imminent collapse of soviet communism at that time. However, many Russians don't like this song, as they consider it somehow patronising. It is the epic song of the album in the Steve Harris tradition, and while not quite in the same league with others such as 'Phantom Of The Opera' or 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner', it is still a decent song. You can really hear those synths on this one, and anyone who thinks that there are no synths on this album should give this another listen.

'Mother Russia' is about the tragedy of a great land which has an incredible history of being overrun and people being massacred, for centuries, and this song says: wouldn't it be great if Russia could finally get itself together now and live in peace?

Bruce Dickinson