This album marks the first participation in songwriting by Nicko McBrain, who co-wrote the song "New Frontier" and also is the first (and so far only) time that all members of the band get a songwriting credit. It is sometimes mistakenly said that Steve Harris performed all the keyboard parts on the album because no credit is given to usual collaborator Michael Kenney, but this is actually due to an oversight in the printing of the album booklet (no instrument credits are given to any of the full band members either). Interestingly, the band's usual message in every album (a variation on the line "Up the Irons!") is absent too.
Give Me Ed... 'til I'm Dead Tour & Dance Of Death World Tour was the tour supporting the album. Dance of Death once again brought costumes to Maiden's stage show. During "Dance of Death," Bruce Dickinson would wear theatrical masks and a cape while moving around the stage; at the end he would dress as the Grim Reaper for the final chorus. During the song "Paschendale", Dickinson would sometimes wear a traditional British Infantryman suit as worn during World War I and act out his death onstage during the song.
The title of the album refers to the, late-medieval allegory on the universality of death: no matter one's station in life, the dance of death unites all. This philosophy is more commonly known as Danse Macabre.
The computer-generated cover art for the album was provided by David Patchett, but he asked to be removed from the credits because he was not satisfied with the result. The version used was actually a prototype provided by Patchett, but the band decided to use it in its incomplete form. Upon close inspection, one can note several of what appear to be errors; the small infant/dwarf to the right appears to be suspended in midair with his/her ankle sunk into the side of the wolf. The other small person to the left is also standing on the toes of a man, and the woman directly to the right of Eddie (center) seems to have some disfiguring on the fold of her elbow. The woman to the right of the foreground also has a long, misshapen neck.
When the cover art was first revealed on the Internet, many Iron Maiden fans believed that the band was playing a prank. It has been the cause of much controversy amongst fans and is generally quite disliked. Images of the album's cover briefly circulated as an Internet meme as it was ridiculed by many fans and casual observers alike.
Wildest Dreams
Iron Maiden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A one, two, three, four
I'm gonna organize some changes in my life
I'm gonna exorcise the demons of my past
I'm gonna take the car and hit the open road
I'm feeling ready to just open up and go
And I just feel I can be anything
That all I might ever wish to be
And fantasize just what I want to be
Make my wildest dreams come true
I'm on my way
Out on my own again
I'm on my way
Out on the road again
When I remember back to how that things just used to be
And I was stuck inside a shroud of misery
I felt I'd disappeared so deep inside myself
I couldn't find a way to break away my hell
When I'm feeling down and low
I vow I'll never be the same again
I just remember what I am
And visualize just what I'm gonna be
I'm on my way
Out on my own again
I'm on my way
I'm gonna breakaway
I'm gonna breakaway
I'm out on my own
I'm out on my own
Gonna breakaway
Breaking away
I'm on my way
Out on my own again
I'm on my way
I'm on the road again
I'm on my way
Out on my own again
I'm on my way
I'm gonna breakaway
The lyrics to Iron Maiden's "Wildest Dreams" are about one's journey toward self-improvement and a brighter future. The singer is determined to make changes in their life, starting with exorcising the demons of their past. They vow to hit the open road and explore the world with a newfound sense of freedom and purpose. They declare that there is no limit to what they can become or achieve, and they promise themselves to make their wildest dreams come true.
The song expresses the idea that one can break free from the shackles of their past and achieve greatness through hard work and determination. The singer remembers a time when they were trapped in a state of misery, but now they are confident that they will never be the same again. They are visualizing their future and are determined to make it a reality.
Ultimately, the song reflects the optimistic and empowering message of self-reinvention and breaking free from limitations. The singer is strong-willed and unafraid to take risks or face challenges in pursuit of their dreams. The lyrics, combined with the high-energy instrumentals and pounding drums, create a powerful and inspiring anthem for anyone seeking to create a better life for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two,
A one, two, three, four
The song is beginning and the band is counting in.
I'm gonna organize some changes in my life
I am ready to make some changes to my life and lifestyle.
I'm gonna exorcise the demons of my past
I am going to let go of the negative events and experiences of my past.
I'm gonna take the car and hit the open road
I am going to embark on a journey and travel extensively.
I'm feeling ready to just open up and go
I am eager and prepared to explore the world and new opportunities.
And I just feel I can be anything
I believe that I have the potential to achieve anything I set my mind to.
That all I might ever wish to be
I can attain anything I desire in life.
And fantasize just what I want to be
I can imagine and dream of what I want to become.
Make my wildest dreams come true
I will strive to turn my wildest dreams into reality.
When I remember back to how that things just used to be
When I remember my past and how things have changed.
And I was stuck inside a shroud of misery
I felt trapped and unhappy with my life before.
I felt I'd disappeared so deep inside myself
I lost sight of who I was and felt disconnected from myself.
I couldn't find a way to break away my hell
I couldn't find a way to escape from my personal struggles.
When I'm feeling down and low
In moments of sadness and despair.
I vow I'll never be the same again
I make a promise to myself to change and improve my life.
I just remember what I am
I remind myself of my strengths, achievements, and identity.
And visualize just what I'm gonna be
I can picture and foresee my future and goals.
I'm gonna breakaway
I am going to separate myself from my past and old habits.
I'm out on my own
I am independent and making my own decisions.
Gonna breakaway
I am determined to make a change and improve my life.
Breaking away
I am breaking free from old patterns and limitations.
I'm on my way
I am on the path to my goals and aspirations.
Out on my own again
I am once again independent and self-reliant.
I'm on the road again
I am traveling and exploring new opportunities.
I'm gonna breakaway
I am committed to making a lasting change in my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adrian Frederick Smith, Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
George Dill
on The Number of the Beast
kicking it