The Number of the Beast (song)

"The Number of the Beast" is the seventh single by Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris and was released as a single in April 26th, 1982. It is the fifth track from the 1982 studio album of the same name.

7" Single

 * 1) "The Number of the Beast"
 * 2) "Remember Tomorrow" (Live at Palasport di Padua, Padua, 29 October 1981)

2005 Enhanced CD

 * 1) "The Number of the Beast"
 * 2) "The Number of the Beast" (Live at the Brixton Academy, London, 19–21 March 2002)
 * 3) "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (Live at the Brixton Academy, London, 19–21 March 2002)
 * 4) "The Number of the Beast" (Video)
 * 5) "The Number of the Beast" (Video - Live at the Brixton Academy, London, 19–21 March 2002)

Lyrics
"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

666, 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

666, 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?

666, the number of the beast 666, 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

Length

 * Album version: 4:50
 * 1985 live: 4:48

Personnel

 * Bruce Dickinson - vocals
 * Dave Murray - guitar
 * Adrian Smith - guitar
 * Steve Harris - bass guitar
 * Clive Burr - drums