The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden
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"Woe to you, oh Earth and sea, for the Devil sends the Beast with wrath Because he knows the time is short Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the Beast For it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty six" I left alone my mind was blank I needed time to think to get the memories from my mind What did I see can I believe that what I saw That night was real and not just fantasy Just what I saw In my old dreams were they reflections of my warped mind staring back at me 'Cause in my dreams It's always there The evil face that twists my mind and brings me to despair Yeah The night was black was no use holding back 'Cause I just had to see was someone watching me In the mist dark figures move and twist Was all this for real or some kind of hell Six six six the number of the Beast Hell and fire was spawned to be released Torches blazed and sacred chants were praised As they start to cry hands held to the sky In the night the fires burning bright The ritual has begun Satan's work is done Six six six the number of the beast Sacrifice is going on tonight This can't go on I must inform the law Can this still be real or some crazy dream But I feel drawn towards the chanting hordes They seem to mesmerize me can't avoid their eyes? Six six six the number of the Beast Six six six the one for you and me I'm coming back I will return And I'll possess your body and I'll make you burn I have the fire I have the force I have the power to make my evil take it's course
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Written by: Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
6 facts about this song
Band and Album FactsIron Maiden is an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris.
- "The Number of the Beast" is from their third studio album of the same name. The album was released in March 1982.
- The album "The Number of the Beast" was Iron Maiden's first one to reach number one in the UK Albums Chart and also their first to enter the Top 40 of the Billboard 200 in the US.
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Song Origin and Inspiration"The Number of the Beast" was inspired by a nightmare that the band's then-vocalist Bruce Dickinson had after watching the movie ‘Damien: Omen II’.
- However, the lyrics of the song make reference to "The Devil Rides Out" novel written by Dennis Wheatley, and not the biblical apocalypse.
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Controversies and CriticismsThe song, along with its album, created controversy upon its release because of the religious references to Satan, leading to outrage among religious groups, especially in the United States.
- Its cover artwork, which depicted the band's mascot "Eddie" controlling a puppet version of the devil who in turn is controlling a smaller Eddie puppet, also drew criticism from conservative groups.
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Legacy and RecognitionDespite initial controversy, "The Number of the Beast" has been recognized as one of the band’s best songs and has thus become a staple at their live concerts.
- In a 2010 poll by VH1, "The Number of the Beast" was voted the number one heavy metal song of all time.
- The song was also chosen as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, which is a prestigious honor considering that Iron Maiden is yet to be inducted.
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Songwriting and CompositionThe song, written by the band's bassist Steve Harris, is known for its fast-paced rhythm, high-pitched vocals, and intricate guitar solos.
- It is also known for its legendary introductory passage, a haunting spoken-word section delivered by actor Barry Clayton. The passage includes a quote from The Bible's Book of Revelation.
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Commercial SuccessThe song was released as a single in April 1982 and peaked at number 18 in the UK Singles Chart.
- The album itself, containing this song, has been certified Platinum in the UK and US, denoting over one million copies sold.
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