So if Steve is sharing his thoughts on life, that's automatically bad?
And it don't think Virus means what you think it means.
Iron Maiden lyrics tournament final: Empire of the Clouds rises above all
- Thread starter mckindog
- Start date
So if Steve is sharing his thoughts on life, that's automatically bad?
And it don't think Virus means what you think it means.
MrKnickerbocker
clap hands
No, I do not believe it's automatically bad - but I think it often is. He has a very everyman, rather mundane way of writing those kind of lyrics that I do not believe meshes well with Maiden's music.
The selection process is over.
We are now into the meat of the game: head-to-head, song vs. song matchups, two at a time.
A reminder of the criteria:
1) The meaning: is the story or message delivered by the song interesting? Provocative? Entertaining? Does it have some depth?
2) The poetry: do the words chosen and how they are arranged strike a chord with you? Are they clever? Emotionally affecting? Do they paint arresting pictures? Worm their way into your brain?
3) The fit: lyrics are different than other forms of writing because they are meant to complement music. How well do the words fit and reflect the music they are attached to?
Two pairings at a time, pick your favourite from each pairing.
I will try to present a new set of pairings every couple of days.
We are now into the meat of the game: head-to-head, song vs. song matchups, two at a time.
A reminder of the criteria:
1) The meaning: is the story or message delivered by the song interesting? Provocative? Entertaining? Does it have some depth?
2) The poetry: do the words chosen and how they are arranged strike a chord with you? Are they clever? Emotionally affecting? Do they paint arresting pictures? Worm their way into your brain?
3) The fit: lyrics are different than other forms of writing because they are meant to complement music. How well do the words fit and reflect the music they are attached to?
Two pairings at a time, pick your favourite from each pairing.
I will try to present a new set of pairings every couple of days.
The first matchup:
POWERSLAVE
versus
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING
POWERSLAVE
Into the Abyss I'll fall – the eye of Horus
Into the eyes of the night watching me go
Green is the cat's eye that glows in this temple
Enter the risen Osiris – risen again
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
When I was living this lie, fear was my game
People would worship and fall, drop to their knees
So bring me the blood and red wine for the one to succeed me
For he is a man and a God – and He will die too
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
Now I am cold but a ghost lives in my veins
Silent the terror that reigned – marbled in stone
A shell of a man God preserved for a thousand ages
But open the gates of my Hell – I will strike from the grave
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
Slave to the power of Death
Into the eyes of the night watching me go
Green is the cat's eye that glows in this temple
Enter the risen Osiris – risen again
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
When I was living this lie, fear was my game
People would worship and fall, drop to their knees
So bring me the blood and red wine for the one to succeed me
For he is a man and a God – and He will die too
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
Now I am cold but a ghost lives in my veins
Silent the terror that reigned – marbled in stone
A shell of a man God preserved for a thousand ages
But open the gates of my Hell – I will strike from the grave
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die, I'm a God, why can't I live on?
When the Life-Giver dies, all around is laid waste
And in my last hour I'm a slave to the power of Death
Slave to the power of Death
versus
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING
As he travels on the beast of burden
Moving up along the mountain side
As he gazes looking down the valley
No regrets but his pride
As he journeys across mountain passes
Insignificance sweeps over him
His reflection of the beauty around him
Feeling empty inside
He is running from his wildest thoughts
He is running from his everything
He is looking now to find something
Hoping he could be saved
He's searching for the answer now
It's something that he's managed to avoid up 'til now
Real conviction that he craves
He needs to find the answer sooner than later
Pushed himself to the limits
He had to strive for all the harder things in life
But what the cost to giving now
His life and time are the only things that he has
Life is is not a rehearsal
All he has is the one chance to get it right
Leaving really is only way to know
Maybe one day they'll forgive him what he's done
But now the pain of lying too early in the grave
Destiny, no good to hide away
Penance now will be his only way
Understand, no good to run away
Penance now will be his saving grace
He tries to make his peace with God
All is forgivable but it's left a little late
Trying something that he's not
Is it possible to change such a lot
He's taken someone's life away
There's not a day that goes by he regrets what he's done
He should have found another way
But the good book says an eye for an eye
In reflecting on decisions that were made
On the judgements that will haunt him 'til his grave
No-one has the right to take another life
But in his mind he had no choice so be it
Destiny, no good to hide away
Penance now will be his only way
Understand, no good to run away
Penance now will be his saving grace
Moving up along the mountain side
As he gazes looking down the valley
No regrets but his pride
As he journeys across mountain passes
Insignificance sweeps over him
His reflection of the beauty around him
Feeling empty inside
He is running from his wildest thoughts
He is running from his everything
He is looking now to find something
Hoping he could be saved
He's searching for the answer now
It's something that he's managed to avoid up 'til now
Real conviction that he craves
He needs to find the answer sooner than later
Pushed himself to the limits
He had to strive for all the harder things in life
But what the cost to giving now
His life and time are the only things that he has
Life is is not a rehearsal
All he has is the one chance to get it right
Leaving really is only way to know
Maybe one day they'll forgive him what he's done
But now the pain of lying too early in the grave
Destiny, no good to hide away
Penance now will be his only way
Understand, no good to run away
Penance now will be his saving grace
He tries to make his peace with God
All is forgivable but it's left a little late
Trying something that he's not
Is it possible to change such a lot
He's taken someone's life away
There's not a day that goes by he regrets what he's done
He should have found another way
But the good book says an eye for an eye
In reflecting on decisions that were made
On the judgements that will haunt him 'til his grave
No-one has the right to take another life
But in his mind he had no choice so be it
Destiny, no good to hide away
Penance now will be his only way
Understand, no good to run away
Penance now will be his saving grace
- Far, far away, the man who would be king
So far away, the man who would be king
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soundwave
Educated Fool
I think on TRATB, Steve said "dammit, I like this vocal line and I'm going to force words into the song to make it work somehow..." . This song made me appreciate his usual no-frills 'Point A to Point B' lyrical style.
Matchup number two:
THE LONGEST DAY
versus
JUDAS BE MY GUIDE
THE LONGEST DAY
In the gloom the gathering storm abates
In the ships gimlet eyes await
The call to arms to hammer at the gates
To blow them wide, throw evil to its fate
All summer's long the drills to build the machine
To turn men from flesh and blood to steel
From paper soldiers to bodies on the beach
From summer sands to Armageddon's reach
Overlord, your master not your god
The enemy coast dawning grey with scud
These wretched souls puking, shaking fear
To take a bullet for those who sent them here
The world's alight, the cliffs erupt in flames
No escape, remorseless shrapnel rains
Drowning men, no chance for a warrior's fate
A choking death, enter hell's gates
Sliding we go, only fear on our side
To the edge of the wire and we rush with the tide
Oh the water is red with the blood of the dead
But I'm still alive, pray to God I survive
How long on this longest day 'til we finally make it through?
The rising dead, faces bloated torn
They are relieved, the living wait their turn
Your number's up, the bullet's got your name
You still go on, to hell and back again
Valhalla waits, valkyries rise and fall
The warrior tombs lie open for us all
A ghostly hand reaches through the veil
Blood and sand, we will prevail
Sliding we go, only fear on our side
To the edge of the wire and we rush with the tide
Oh the water is red with the blood of the dead
But I'm still alive, pray to God I survive
How long on this longest day 'til we finally make it through?
In the ships gimlet eyes await
The call to arms to hammer at the gates
To blow them wide, throw evil to its fate
All summer's long the drills to build the machine
To turn men from flesh and blood to steel
From paper soldiers to bodies on the beach
From summer sands to Armageddon's reach
Overlord, your master not your god
The enemy coast dawning grey with scud
These wretched souls puking, shaking fear
To take a bullet for those who sent them here
The world's alight, the cliffs erupt in flames
No escape, remorseless shrapnel rains
Drowning men, no chance for a warrior's fate
A choking death, enter hell's gates
Sliding we go, only fear on our side
To the edge of the wire and we rush with the tide
Oh the water is red with the blood of the dead
But I'm still alive, pray to God I survive
How long on this longest day 'til we finally make it through?
The rising dead, faces bloated torn
They are relieved, the living wait their turn
Your number's up, the bullet's got your name
You still go on, to hell and back again
Valhalla waits, valkyries rise and fall
The warrior tombs lie open for us all
A ghostly hand reaches through the veil
Blood and sand, we will prevail
Sliding we go, only fear on our side
To the edge of the wire and we rush with the tide
Oh the water is red with the blood of the dead
But I'm still alive, pray to God I survive
How long on this longest day 'til we finally make it through?
versus
JUDAS BE MY GUIDE
Lights out – We live in a world of darkness
No doubt – Everything's up for sale
We sleep – All of the world is burning
We pray – To god for a better deal
Nothing is sacred – Back then or now
Everything's wasted, is that all there is?
Can I go now?
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
Fight wars – Die in a blaze of glory
Come home – Meat in a plastic sack
Fall down – Better pray to your god for mercy
So kneel – And help the blade cut clean
Nothing is sacred – Back then or now
Everyone's wasted, is that all there is?
Is that it now?
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
No doubt – Everything's up for sale
We sleep – All of the world is burning
We pray – To god for a better deal
Nothing is sacred – Back then or now
Everything's wasted, is that all there is?
Can I go now?
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
Fight wars – Die in a blaze of glory
Come home – Meat in a plastic sack
Fall down – Better pray to your god for mercy
So kneel – And help the blade cut clean
Nothing is sacred – Back then or now
Everyone's wasted, is that all there is?
Is that it now?
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
I live in the black I have no guiding light
I'm whispering in your dreams...
I'm whispering in your dreams...
Judas my guide, whispers in the night
Judas my guide
I think Man Who Would Be King aspires to something, it just doesn't get there.
I like the idea of someone seeking atonement for the sins of their ambition.
Was Steve writing about someone in particular? Himself?
It's too hard to tell. And the awkward phrasing leads to some forced vocal runs.
Even if Powerslave is just a straight horror film, or pseudo historical narrative, it just works - compact, solid, great imagery, tells a complete story, fits the music.
This one is not even close.
I like the idea of someone seeking atonement for the sins of their ambition.
Was Steve writing about someone in particular? Himself?
It's too hard to tell. And the awkward phrasing leads to some forced vocal runs.
Even if Powerslave is just a straight horror film, or pseudo historical narrative, it just works - compact, solid, great imagery, tells a complete story, fits the music.
This one is not even close.
Second battle is closer because Judas is a well-structured little piece of cynicism.
But its message just doesn't resonate with me, especially in this matchup.
The sacrifices being made during the Longest Day are something higher and the picture painted still gives me chills 10 years later - the tension and release perfectly complementing the music.
But its message just doesn't resonate with me, especially in this matchup.
The sacrifices being made during the Longest Day are something higher and the picture painted still gives me chills 10 years later - the tension and release perfectly complementing the music.
MrKnickerbocker
clap hands
Powerslave and The Longest Day
These are both great lyrics that have stunning imagery, poeticism, and meaning. The images conjured up by the words in both of these cases are vivid, chilling, and haunting (especially The Longest Day). I think The Longest Day has more meaning to it, while Powerslave has more poetry and fit.
The Man Who Would Be King has a very strong meaning, but I agree with mckindog that it doesn't quite reach the level it strives for. Mostly decent lyrics, just not great. Plus, those awkward lines stand out like sore thumbs due to the depth of the overall meaning. This verse in particular derails it for me:
"He's searching for the answer now
It's something that he's managed to avoid up 'til now
Real conviction that he craves
He needs to find the answer sooner than later"
Now x2 + awkwardly obvious line written solely for a rhythm.
As for Judas - it's solid, but I think I enjoy the structure and fit more than the actual words themselves.
These are both great lyrics that have stunning imagery, poeticism, and meaning. The images conjured up by the words in both of these cases are vivid, chilling, and haunting (especially The Longest Day). I think The Longest Day has more meaning to it, while Powerslave has more poetry and fit.
The Man Who Would Be King has a very strong meaning, but I agree with mckindog that it doesn't quite reach the level it strives for. Mostly decent lyrics, just not great. Plus, those awkward lines stand out like sore thumbs due to the depth of the overall meaning. This verse in particular derails it for me:
"He's searching for the answer now
It's something that he's managed to avoid up 'til now
Real conviction that he craves
He needs to find the answer sooner than later"
Now x2 + awkwardly obvious line written solely for a rhythm.
As for Judas - it's solid, but I think I enjoy the structure and fit more than the actual words themselves.
And the winners of the opening rounds are Powerslave (10-3) and the Longest Day (8-5)
Today's first matchup:
GHOST OF THE NAVIGATOR
versus
THE MERCENARY
Today's first matchup:
GHOST OF THE NAVIGATOR
I have sailed to many lands, now I make my final journey
On the bow I stand, west is where I go
Through the night I plough, still my heart, calculate and pray
As the compass swings, my will is strong, I will not be led astray
Mysteries of time clouds that hide the sun
But I know, but I know, but I know
I see the ghosts of navigators but they are lost
As they sail into the sunset they'll count the cost
As their skeletons accusing emerge from the sea
The sirens of the rocks, they beckon me
Take my heart and set it free, carried forward by the waves
Nowhere left to run, navigator's son,
Chasing rainbows all my days
Where I go I do not know, I only know the place I've been
Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so,
Nothing's real until you feel
I steer between the crashing rocks, the sirens call my name
Lash my hands onto the helm, blood surging with the strain
I will not fail now as sunrise comes the darkness left behind
For eternity I follow on there is no other way
Mysteries of time clouds that hide the sun
But I know, I know
I see the ghosts of navigators but they are lost
As they sail into the sunset they'll count the cost
As their skeletons accusing emerge from the sea
The sirens of the rocks, they beckon me
Take my heart and set it free, carried forward by the waves
Nowhere left to run, navigator's son,
Chasing rainbows all my days
Where I go I do not know, I only know the place I've been
Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so,
Nothing's real until you feel
On the bow I stand, west is where I go
Through the night I plough, still my heart, calculate and pray
As the compass swings, my will is strong, I will not be led astray
Mysteries of time clouds that hide the sun
But I know, but I know, but I know
I see the ghosts of navigators but they are lost
As they sail into the sunset they'll count the cost
As their skeletons accusing emerge from the sea
The sirens of the rocks, they beckon me
Take my heart and set it free, carried forward by the waves
Nowhere left to run, navigator's son,
Chasing rainbows all my days
Where I go I do not know, I only know the place I've been
Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so,
Nothing's real until you feel
I steer between the crashing rocks, the sirens call my name
Lash my hands onto the helm, blood surging with the strain
I will not fail now as sunrise comes the darkness left behind
For eternity I follow on there is no other way
Mysteries of time clouds that hide the sun
But I know, I know
I see the ghosts of navigators but they are lost
As they sail into the sunset they'll count the cost
As their skeletons accusing emerge from the sea
The sirens of the rocks, they beckon me
Take my heart and set it free, carried forward by the waves
Nowhere left to run, navigator's son,
Chasing rainbows all my days
Where I go I do not know, I only know the place I've been
Dreams they come and go, ever shall be so,
Nothing's real until you feel
versus
THE MERCENARY
Pay to kill, die to lose, hunted, hunter which are you
Diablo come again to make trophies out of men
Lose your skin, lose your skull, one by one the sack is full
In the heat dehydrate, know which breath will be your last
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Show them no fear, show them no pain
Human heart, human mind, intellect intertwined
Focus sharp in the night, watch the jungle burning bright
Toe to toe throw the line, everyone's caught hand tied
Iron will iron fist, how could it have come to this?
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Show them no fear, show them no pain
Diablo come again to make trophies out of men
Lose your skin, lose your skull, one by one the sack is full
In the heat dehydrate, know which breath will be your last
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Show them no fear, show them no pain
Human heart, human mind, intellect intertwined
Focus sharp in the night, watch the jungle burning bright
Toe to toe throw the line, everyone's caught hand tied
Iron will iron fist, how could it have come to this?
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, you've got to kill to stay alive
Show them no fear, show them no pain
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And the second
THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
versus
SHADOWS OF THE VALLEY
THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
It's the same in every country when you say you're leaving
Left behind the loved ones waiting silent in the hall
Where you're going lies adventure others only dream of
Red and green light this is real and so you go to war
For the passion, for the glory, for the memories, for the money
You're a soldier, for your country what's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run from cold bloody war
There is no one that will save you, going down in flames
No surrender certain death you look it in the eye
On the shores of tyranny you crashed a human wave
Paying for my freedom with your lonely unmarked graves
For the passion, for the glory, for the memories, for the money
You're a soldier, for your country what's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run from cold bloody war
Left behind the loved ones waiting silent in the hall
Where you're going lies adventure others only dream of
Red and green light this is real and so you go to war
For the passion, for the glory, for the memories, for the money
You're a soldier, for your country what's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run from cold bloody war
There is no one that will save you, going down in flames
No surrender certain death you look it in the eye
On the shores of tyranny you crashed a human wave
Paying for my freedom with your lonely unmarked graves
For the passion, for the glory, for the memories, for the money
You're a soldier, for your country what's the difference, all the same
Far away from the land of our birth
We fly a flag in some foreign earth
We sailed away like our fathers before
These colours don't run from cold bloody war
versus
SHADOWS OF THE VALLEY
Wandering aimlessly in a cold dark mist I follow
Walking in a dark world that’s been
Kissed with sadness
Without sunlight things are born
To the dead of nightmares
Soulless demons laughing in a sea of madness
Listen closely to the raven’s call
Praying hard for our world not to end
Try as might to make sense of it all
Will it be for the penance of men
Follow north for the call of the wild
Look all out for a small wayward child
Lay in fear as the dark raven crows
Look for guidance from the one who knows
He lived on this earth for a time and a half
Playing a tune to the old man’s laugh
The fear that’s inside the men of the oath
In the script of the book that he wrote
Ask them the questions, tell them no lies
A cry for freedom
Praying that they wouldn’t die
Mind over matter, cry over sins
Their lives are over now
Ended before they begin
As the raven again passes by
I can hear all the wake fathers cry
That the firstborn of all men will die
That their lives will be taken from them
Face the danger a battle of wills
Strength and courage a cure for all ills
We believe in that thou shall not kill
But others are ready to spill
The hearts of all men since beginning of time
Living with temptation, wanting and crime
A walk in the shadow of the valley of death
Knowing I’ll take my last breath
Ask them the questions
Tell them no lies
A cry for freedom
Praying that they wouldn’t die
Mind over matter, cry over sins
Their lives are over now
Ended before they begin
Walking in a dark world that’s been
Kissed with sadness
Without sunlight things are born
To the dead of nightmares
Soulless demons laughing in a sea of madness
Listen closely to the raven’s call
Praying hard for our world not to end
Try as might to make sense of it all
Will it be for the penance of men
Follow north for the call of the wild
Look all out for a small wayward child
Lay in fear as the dark raven crows
Look for guidance from the one who knows
He lived on this earth for a time and a half
Playing a tune to the old man’s laugh
The fear that’s inside the men of the oath
In the script of the book that he wrote
Ask them the questions, tell them no lies
A cry for freedom
Praying that they wouldn’t die
Mind over matter, cry over sins
Their lives are over now
Ended before they begin
As the raven again passes by
I can hear all the wake fathers cry
That the firstborn of all men will die
That their lives will be taken from them
Face the danger a battle of wills
Strength and courage a cure for all ills
We believe in that thou shall not kill
But others are ready to spill
The hearts of all men since beginning of time
Living with temptation, wanting and crime
A walk in the shadow of the valley of death
Knowing I’ll take my last breath
Ask them the questions
Tell them no lies
A cry for freedom
Praying that they wouldn’t die
Mind over matter, cry over sins
Their lives are over now
Ended before they begin
Into the valley of death fear no evil
We will go forward no matter the cost
Into the valley of death follow me now
Bring me your souls and I’ll make it our last
We will go forward no matter the cost
Into the valley of death follow me now
Bring me your souls and I’ll make it our last
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I really like a lot of the images in Shadows of the Valley; just copying them into the post elevated my appreciation of the song.
Does anyone have a good take on the details? It seems to be generally about faith and that famous verse it quotes from the bible "Into the Valley of death..."
But a lot of the references seem to be quite specific and I'm not sure the point that's being made.
@LooseCannon you usually have a good read on such things.
Does anyone have a good take on the details? It seems to be generally about faith and that famous verse it quotes from the bible "Into the Valley of death..."
But a lot of the references seem to be quite specific and I'm not sure the point that's being made.
@LooseCannon you usually have a good read on such things.
Lampwick 43
Barstool Warrior
Well Ghost of the Navigator over The Mercenary is a no-brainer for me. The 2nd battle is a lot more difficult, though.
This is why I'll give the edge to TCDR. I do really like the lyrics of Shadows, but I'm not sure what the meaning/message is.