"So you think you can own me, well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman, cause I ain't like those other men
There's something burning inside me that makes me want to be free
And when I get these feelings honey, you better keep away from me
There's things in life now, baby, that I know I've got to do
And I need your love now, baby, to help me see it through
So you think you can own me, well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman, cause I ain't like those other men
So you think you can own me, well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman, cause I ain't like those other men
There's something burning inside me that makes me want to be free
And when I get these feelings honey, you better keep away from me "
Burning Ambition
Iron Maiden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman
'Cause I ain't like those other men
There's something burning inside me
That makes me want to be free
And when I get these feelings, honey
You better keep away from me
There's things in life now, baby
That I know I've got to do
And I need your love now, baby
To help me see it through
So you think you can own me
Well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman
'Cause I ain't like those other men
Look out, yeah
So you think you can own me?
Well you'd better just think again
You'd better watch your steps now, woman
'Cause I ain't like those other men
There's something burning inside me
That makes me want to be free
And when I get these feelings, honey
You better keep away from me
The lyrics to Iron Maiden's song "Burning Ambition" seem to be addressing someone who is attempting to control the singer in a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer has a fiery spirit that cannot be tamed by anyone. When the singer gets certain feelings, the other person is warned to stay away from him. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the other person cannot control him and that they should be aware of this.
The song seems to be a warning to those who attempt to restrict a person's independence or force them into a mold. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of his own ambitions and goals and will not allow anyone to control or hinder him. This may be a reflection of the band's own experiences in the music industry, where they had to fight to maintain creative control over their music.
Line by Line Meaning
So you think you can own me?
The singer questions the listener's assumption that they have control over him.
Well you'd better just think again
The singer warns the listener that their assumption is incorrect.
You'd better watch your steps now, woman
The singer advises the listener to be cautious in their actions towards him.
'Cause I ain't like those other men
The artist differentiates himself from other men the listener may have encountered.
There's something burning inside me
The artist feels a strong passion within himself.
That makes me want to be free
The singer desires to live without restrictions.
And when I get these feelings, honey
The singer acknowledges that his passion can be intense.
You better keep away from me
The artist warns the listener to distance themselves when he is feeling particularly strong emotions.
There's things in life now, baby
The artist acknowledges that there are things he needs to accomplish.
That I know I've got to do
The artist is certain of his own goals and desires.
And I need your love now, baby
The singer recognizes his need for support from the listener.
To help me see it through
The artist hopes the listener's love will assist him in reaching his goals.
Look out, yeah
The singer emphasizes the importance of his message by urging the listener to pay attention.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mr.blackwell5423
IMO, without a doubt, the coolest song Iron Maiden ever recorded. It was released February 8th, 1980.
Recorded late 1979 with Doug Sampson on drums & Dave Murray did all the guitar work alone, I believe.
Paul Di'Anno's raw, raspy & punky voice on this song is, IMO, the coolest recorded vocal Maiden ever did.
A true💎with a VERY NICE late 1970's feel & flavor to it.
I also think the 7" single cover artwork of "Running Free"/"Burning Ambition" is the coolest Derek Riggs ever did.
The cover artwork for the 7" & 12" vinyls of "Women In Uniform"/"Invasion" is a rad runner up. The third place is a tie
between the 7"/12" "Sanctuary" cover & the "Killers" album cover. I LOVE the YELLOW color tone in all these paintings.
Very Nice Artwork! Mr. Riggs helped Maiden with their record sales!
That's for sure!
UP THE IRONS!
Greetings from STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
@modeljetjuggernaut4864
Always loved the punkier edge with Di'anno singing and wished Maiden recorded just one more album with him..
@Shikta-poobah67
I’ve often wondered what Number Of The Beast would have been like with PD instead of Bruce. Not only would the vocals be much different, but I would have to think that the music would have been written and arranged a bit differently to suit/accompany Paul’s style and range. Not that I think there’s anything wrong with NOTB as it is. That album’s a bonafide classic, and often considered the gold standard of metal… but I just can’t help but wonder what could have been.
@ogelsmogel
@@Shikta-poobah67 Oh man, same here! I wish I could get to hear it, at least once. Number of the Beast with Paul.. wow. Maybe somebody will make it happen with AI some day, but like you wrote, the songs would have to be arranged differently too. If there was an alternate universe where Paul managed to stick around for another album I would love to have access to that (and also this one, so I could compare)...
@helio1055
I always thought how the number of the beast would have sounded with him because you can tell some of those songs were written with Di’Anno still in the band and i think it would have been just as amazing and much more preferred by me with Paul’s style of vocals
@gabrieledomingosjardim5358
My favorite Iron Maiden's B-Side and one of my favorite songs of them, it brings the soul of the ending of the 70s and beginning of the 80s in the pubs of London, I can't describe it, it's just incredible
@TheLarryburns84
It's the sound of NWOBHM getting up and truly beginning, my friend.
@gilesglossop5071
Great description Gabriele, I think you nailed it.
@gabrieledomingosjardim5358
@@TheLarryburns84 For sure!! I wish I could enjoy those days, but I was born in Brazil and my parents were kids on this time hahaha
@gabrieledomingosjardim5358
@@gilesglossop5071 Thanks, lad! That's my feeling every time I listen to this gem
@jefffudesco9364
@@gabrieledomingosjardim5358 I 2d Giles. you nailed it.