Be Quick or Be Dead

Iron Maiden

About Be Quick or Be Dead

"Be Quick or Be Dead" is a song by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released as the first single release from their ninth studio album Fear of the Dark, released in 1992.


Year:
1992
3:24
82 

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Covered in sinners and dripping
With gilt
Making you money from slime
And from filth
Parading your bellies in ivory towers
Investing our lives in your schemes
And your powers

You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief's
In your head
You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief
In your head
Be quick
Or be dead
Be quick
Or be dead

See, what's ruling all our lives
See, who's pulling the strings
I bet you won't fall on your face
Your belly will hold you in place

The serpent is crawling inside of
Your ear
He says you must vote for what you
Want to hear
Don't matter what's wrong as long as you're
Alright
Pull yourself stupid and rob
Yourself blind

You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief
In your head
You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief's
In your head
Be quick
Or be dead
Be quick, quick, quick, quick
Or be dead, dead, dead, dead

You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief's
In your head
You've got to watch them
Be quick
Or be dead
Snake eyes in heaven
The thief's
In your head
Be quick
Or be dead
Be quick

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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: Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Origin
"Be Quick or Be Dead" is a song by Iron Maiden, a British heavy metal band that was formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975.
Album Significance
The song is the first track from their ninth studio album, "Fear of the Dark," released in 1992.
Chart Performance
"Be Quick or Be Dead" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, it charted well in many countries, including Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Song Theme
The gritty, fast-paced song takes a critical look at the corrupt practises in politics and business.
Lead Vocal
The song, like most of Iron Maiden's tracks, is sung by Bruce Dickinson.
Music Style
"Be Quick or Be Dead" is notable for its aggressive, hard-hitting sound, and is heavier and faster than most Iron Maiden songs. This marked a change from their traditional melodic and progressive style.
Writing Credit
The song was written by the lead vocalist, Bruce Dickinson, and guitarist, Janick Gers, making it one of the few Iron Maiden songs not written by bassist Steve Harris.
Live Performances
"Be Quick Or Be Dead" continues to be a prominent feature in Iron Maiden’s live performances due to its intense energy and crowd reception.
Music Video
The music video for "Be Quick Or Be Dead" shows a predatory figure representing corruption chasing its victims, reflecting the song's thematic focus.
Single Format
The song was released as a single in April 1992, in 7" and 12" vinyl records, as well as CD and cassette format. The cover of the single depicts the band's iconic mascot, Eddie the Head, as an angry giant destroying a city.
B-Side Tracks
The single also included two B-side tracks: "Nodding Donkey Blues" and a cover of Montrose's "I've Got The Fire." These tracks showcase the band's humorous and lighter side.

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    "Be Quick or Be Dead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5433415/Iron+Maiden/Be+Quick+or+Be+Dead>.

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