The Number of the Beast

Iron Maiden

About The Number of the Beast

"The Number of the Beast" is a song by the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It is Iron Maiden's seventh single release, and the second single from their 1982 studio album of the same name. It was reissued in 2005 and also prior to that in 1990 in The First Ten Years box set on CD and 12" vinyl, in which it was combined with the previous single, "Run to the Hills". Upon release in 1982, the song caused controversy in the United States where its religious subject matter caused outrage amongst religious groups. In spite of this, it remains one of the band's more popular songs, reaching No. 18 in the UK singles charts on its original release, and No. 3 on two successive occasions in 1990 and 2005. It has been performed on almost all of their concert tours. Additionally, the song has been covered numerous times and has appeared in several video games and films. 


Year:
2005
#1

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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 released4

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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Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London that was formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; ten live albums; four EPs; and seven compilations. more »

9 fans

Written by: Stephen Percy Harris

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Band and Album Facts
Iron 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.
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.
Controversies and Criticisms
The 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.
Legacy and Recognition
Despite 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.
Songwriting and Composition
The 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.
Commercial Success
The 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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