The Parchment

"The Parchment" is a song by Iron Maiden and is the ninth track from their 2021 studio album Senjutsu. It is the third of the four songs of the album to be written solely by bassist Steve Harris.

Lyrics
When the moon will rise again Until we read the Parthian skin Broken fears warring days are here again

'Fore we all to dust descend Heaven knows when life will end God to know in the mire, put out the fire

Know there is a cross to bear In your primal quest of fear No quarter now is given no less

Aslumber was my main ideal Asunder did my spirit steal Sceptred race uttered words in disgrace

Sweet revenge will be ours Vengeance of a shaken world Just remember that patience is no sin

And to find another way Live to breathe another day Lord of light in the darkness, our guide

In a tempest never shaken Edge of doom is not mistaken Countenance is not a sin Gallant king, we bow to him

Fierce as wolf with a leopard skin Dark and bitter deep within Invader punished with his life Vanquished in the morning

Sea of blood in light divine Unholy reverence enjoyed Intoxicated with their hell Man immortal sickness dwell

Savage beasts troops engage Assembled here to butcher blades

Smoke has darkened in the air Smell of death and deep despair

Wilderness a tyrant dream Sell your soul not give them power Slay upon imperial crown Witness now the witching hour

Bound himself to oath and king Such loyalty a shameless thing Youth of agony still burn Shedding parents blood

Never say a prayer to me For this crime and treachery Drinking from your cup of wisdom true Many men will follow you

Now an army is raised And our gods, they be praised Death is but a gilted edge Shall no more than we will pledge

Hear the cry we are ready to believe

The prodigal has returned Give us our own revenge With the power he learned We will burn the same again

A betrayal of angels in a foreign land A revenge for the merciful destiny at hand

For all those who have written In the sand will be told That the same will happen, searching for gold

Like a fire in the sky I can feel strength return Heading for afterlife, meet me there

Length

 * Album version: 12:39

Personnel

 * Bruce Dickinson - vocals
 * Dave Murray - guitar
 * Adrian Smith - guitar
 * Janick Gers – guitar
 * Steve Harris - bass guitar
 * Nicko McBrain - drums