As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. After several lineup changes, the band went on to release a series of UK and US Platinum and Gold albums, including 1980's eponymous debut album, 1981's Killers, 1982's The Number of the Beast, 1983's Piece of Mind, 1984's Powerslave, 1985's live release Live After Death, 1986's Somewhere in Time, 1988's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, 1990's No Prayer for the Dying and 1992's Fear of the Dark. In 1982, the band released The Number of the Beast – its first album with Bruce Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di'Anno as lead singer – which was a turning point in their career, helping establish them as one of heavy metal's most important artists. The Number of the Beast is among the most popular heavy metal albums of all time, having sold almost 20 million copies worldwide.
Since the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith in 1999, the band has undergone a resurgence in popularity, with a series of new albums and highly successful tours. Released in 2006, A Matter of Life and Death, their 14th studio album, reached top sales in dozens of countries, initiating the series of Iron Maiden's highest-ranked albums. Their 2010 album, The Final Frontier, peaked at No. 1 in 28 countries and received widespread critical acclaim. Their 16th studio album, The Book of Souls, was released on 4 September 2015 to similar success, debuting at No. 1 in the album charts of 24 countries with physical sales and summary in 43 territories with physical and digital sales. Most recently, their 17th studio album, Senjutsu, was released on 3 September 2021 and eventually reached No. 1 in 27 countries.
Iron Maiden have sold over 130 million copies of their albums worldwide, despite minimal radio and mainstream media support. The band's catalogue has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, including albums, singles, compilations and videos. By 2022, their releases have been certified Silver, Gold and Platinum around 600 times worldwide. Iron Maiden have become one of the most influential and revered rock bands of all time, and is credited with influencing countless bands and genres. Critics have stated that the band elevated heavy metal to an art form, proving that academic and musical inspirations can coexist. The band is also hailed as one of the greatest live acts of all time.
The band and its members have received multiple industry awards, including the Grammy Awards and its equivalents in other countries. Other accolades the band has received include Brit Awards, Silver Clef Award, Nordoff-Robbins Award, Ivor Novello Awards, Juno Awards, Guinness Book of World Records, Public Choice International, Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, ECHO Awards, Top.HR Music Awards, Žebřík Music Awards, honorary doctorates, State Prizes, sales recognition, marketing achievements recognition awards, charity and sport awards among many others. Iron Maiden were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk, BPI Hall of Fame and Kerrang! Hall of Fame. The band is also a part of permanent exhibitions of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, British Music Experience, Rock in Rio Wall of Fame and Wacken Open Air Hall of Fame. Iron Maiden were honoured by Royal Mail UK with dedicated postal stamps and cards. The band as 'bona fide' rock legends belongs to an elitarian circle of British iconic bands honoured with an unique range of stamps, including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen and Iron Maiden as the fifth one.
Iron Maiden's lyrics cover such topics as history, literature, war, mythology, society and religion. Many of their songs are based on history, classic literature and film. As of October 2019, the band have played some 2500 live shows, performing for tens of millions of fans. For over 40 years, the musicians have been supported by their famous mascot, "Eddie", who has appeared on almost all of their album and single covers, videos and merchandise. Originally designed by Derek Riggs, Eddie became the main attraction of Iron Maiden live shows, which feature theatrical elements like coloured backdrops, inflatables, pyrotechnics, elaborate lighting rigs, props and stage sets.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden
Studio albums
Iron Maiden (1980)
Killers (1981)
The Number of the Beast (1982)
Piece of Mind (1983)
Powerslave (1984)
Somewhere in Time (1986)
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
Fear of the Dark (1992)
The X Factor (1995)
Virtual XI (1998)
Brave New World (2000)
Dance of Death (2003)
A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
The Final Frontier (2010)
The Book of Souls (2015)
Senjutsu (2021)
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