Clue 1: In the beginning of this song, there is a line that is often used - sometimes with a slightly different wording - as an idiom. In the context of this song, the phrase should be taken literally, though.
Clue 2: In the lyrics to the song, you will find
- the name of an influential 80’s metal band.
- a high profile, yet not-so-influtential, 90’s metal band.
- a long-lasting (hard) rock band whose commercial peak was in the 70s and 80s.
- a Nirvana song and an Iggy Pop song.
Clue 3:
The lyrics are mainly in the present tense, although there is a notable departure from this at a significant moment.
Clue 4:
The lyrics describe events inspired by a film, a film which in turn is based on a book. Both the filmmaker and the author of the book have links to other parts of the Maiden catalog.
Clue 5:
The song has a feature in common feature with The Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Mother Russia and Como Estais Amigos
Clue 6:
Despite addressing some universal Maiden themes, the song thematically belongs in a triad of Maiden songs.
Guesses at the bottom of the pool: Still Life, Dance of Death, Coming Home, Can I Play With Madness, Brighter Than a Thousand Suns, Run to the Hills, Murders in the Rue Morgue, Flash of the Blade, Run Silent Run Deep, Hallowed Be Thy Name, The Wicker Man ,The Educated Fool
