This song is based on the short story by Alan Sillitoe, which was also made into a 1962 film of the same name, about a young runner who defies his juvenile detention centre warden by throwing a race that he is expected to win. It is another song with a good chorus and instrumental, and it also appears to have the longest title of any Maiden song.

The story relates the inner thoughts of a young offender who's in borstal, but who is allowed to train for a long-distance race. The local authorities hope to gain some prestige from the race, but the young man is aware that he is being manipulated and, while he is running, we can follow his reflections. Why should he follow rules that are forced onto him and win a race for those who put him in prison? This is a brilliant story about hypocrisy.