Be Quick or Be Dead
Iron Maiden
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
10 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 SignificanceThe 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 ThemeThe gritty, fast-paced song takes a critical look at the corrupt practises in politics and business.
|
Lead VocalThe 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 CreditThe 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 VideoThe music video for "Be Quick Or Be Dead" shows a predatory figure representing corruption chasing its victims, reflecting the song's thematic focus.
|
Single FormatThe 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 TracksThe 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Be Quick or Be Dead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Nov. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/842198/Iron+Maiden/Be+Quick+or+Be+Dead>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Be Quick or Be Dead Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In