Phantom of the Opera

"Phantom of the Opera" is a song by Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris. It is the fourth track from the 1980 studio album Iron Maiden.

Lyrics
Oh yeah I've been looking so long now, You won't get away from my grasp You've been living so long in hiding, Hiding behind that false mask

You know and I know, That you ain't got that long to last Your looks and your feelings, Are just the remains of your past

Standing in the wings there, You wait for the curtain to fall Knowing the terror, And holding you have on us all

I know that you're going to, Scratch me and maim me and maul You know I'm helpless, From your mesmerizing cat call Ooh

Keep your distance, Walk away don't take his bait Don't you stray, Don't fade away

Watch you're step, He's out to get you, Come what may Don't you stray, From the narrow way

I'm running and hiding, In my dreams you're always there You're the Phantom of the Opera, You're the devil, You're just out to scare

You damaged my mind, And my soul just floats in the air You haunt me, you taunt me, You torture me back at your lair

Length

 * Album version: 7:22
 * 1981 live: 6:55
 * 1985 live: 7:01

Personnel

 * Paul Di'Anno - vocals
 * Dave Murray - guitar
 * Dennis Stratton - guitar
 * Steve Harris - bass guitar
 * Clive Burr - drums

Trivia

 * At a length of seven minutes and twenty-two seconds, "Phantom of the Opera" was Iron Maiden's first progressive song.