"To "die with one's boots on" means to die from violence as opposed to from natural causes (to "die in bed")..."

This is the usual explanation in the net.

Just wondering if this refers only to the Wild West or was it also used in warfare slang in the 20th century? Or have I got the origin wrong as well?

PS. Yes, I just listened to Iron Maiden...

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Is Maiden very famous for "war songs"? All I remember is Paschandale. Is there a site on the origen of words and phrases? I went off looking for the meaning but had no luck. Instead, the phrase brought up something about Bonnie and Clyde, and there was that car! The one they were killed in. I've seen it first-hand many time in that casino? near Las Vegas. I wonder how many bullet holes that is...

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Basically kai, a rather macho "to die like a man" or even "to die well" and still in popular usage up to the present day.

I often wonder at how Iron Maiden are now seen as a 'classic' band, I liked 'em at the time then kind of moved on to other things but their status seems to have really grown over recent years. I guess that's what happens to the previous generations big rock acts.

Cheers,
Adam.

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"Wars cannot be fought with dream stuff" - Sir Percy Hobart.

It has also been referenced in military parlance asmeaning "to die like a man" i.e. bravely in action - I suppose another interpretation of the original American/cowboy meaning.

It almost has a sort of suicidal connotation in that whoever "dies with his boots on" does so knowing that he is going into battle for the last time. If you remember in the Erol Flynn movie he and his men were of the understanding that they would be up against impossible odds since many nations, or tribes, of Indians were united in the fight against the U.S. for not honoring the treaty which gave them the Black Hills. The movie MEANT to convey this although in real life the troopers were probably more sure of themselves.
Iron Maiden is still big over here. Two Minutes to Midnight and Run For the Hills is on the radio at least two-three times a day.

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Ok,

Here it is

Die with your boots on ( From piece of mind 1983...)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piece_o...aiden_album%29

Another prophet of disaster
Who says the ship is lost
Another prophet of disaster
Leaving you to count the cost
Taunting us with visions
Afflicting us with fear
Predicting war for millions
In the hope that one appears

No point asking when it is
No point asking whos to go
No point asking whats the game
No point asking whos to blame
cos if youre gonna die, if youre gonna die
cos if youre gonna die, if youre gonna die

If youre gonna die, die with your boots on
If youre gonna try, just stick around
Gonna cry, just move along
If youre gonna die, youre gonna die

In 13 the beast is rising
The frenchman did surmise
Through earthquakes and starvation
The warlord will arise
Terror, death, destruction
Pour from the eastern sands
But the truth of all predictions
Is always in your hands

If youre gonna die, die with your boots on
If youre gonna try, just stick around
Gonna cry, just move along
If youre gonna die, youre gonna die

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Oooh it takes you back...
Always scary how familiar songs can be, even after 15 odd years of not hearing 'em.

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"Wars cannot be fought with dream stuff" - Sir Percy Hobart.

Yes,

you really start hearing Bruce and guitars at least by the time you reach the chorus part...

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In the scandinavian mythology viking warriors had to die in battle to reach the Walhalla. So it would indeed mean to die facing your enemy, with your weapons, like a man. The worse insult for a viking was to wish him to die in his bed.

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and also facing downward in the dirt according to my ancestor revelry .......

I'd say the origin of the phrase itself is pretty simple, dieing having put your boots on as opposed to being caught in bed. God knows where it actually originates but that looks like a good oriign to me.

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There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war. Except its ending.

Hey, this reminds me I still have a bottle of Hydromel waiting for me in my cellar, I'll wear my boots before I drink it!

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well I am going to open a bottle of 2003 Fortmeister Geltz "Saarburger Rausch" Auslese in a few minutes with the Mrs. once she gets home and then ......... !

yeah I know I shouldn't really open this thing for another 10 years but .... ~