Invasion
Iron Maiden Lyrics


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The Vikings are coming
You'd better get ready for we're having a fight
The longboats are coming
It's looking like their? in the dead of the night

Muster the men from all the villages
You'd better get ready to fight with your enemies
Beacons are burning
I'm giving the word to get ready to fight
The battle is nearing
You'd better get ready to fight for your lives

The Norsemen are coming
The Norsemen are coming
The warnings are given
The Norsemen are coming

Raping and pillaging
Robbing and looting the land





Viking raiders from afar

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Iron Maiden's song Invasion describe the arrival of Viking raiders to a village or settlement, and the subsequent fight that the inhabitants must prepare for in order to defend themselves. The singer speaks as if he is the leader of the village or a military commander, urging the men to gather and prepare for battle, and giving orders to light beacons and sound the alarm. The language used is urgent and dramatic, reflecting the seriousness of the imminent attack. When the Vikings finally arrive, the lyrics describe them engaging in acts of violence and theft, as they were known to do during their raids.


One possible interpretation of the song's message is that it is a warning against complacency and a call to be vigilant against outside threats. The lyrics seem to suggest that the Vikings caught the inhabitants by surprise and were able to cause significant damage before they could be repelled. By emphasizing the need to prepare and fight back, the song may be urging listeners to be more proactive in defending themselves against potential attackers in their own lives.


Line by Line Meaning

The Vikings are coming
The Norsemen are arriving, prepare for battle.


You'd better get ready for we're having a fight
Be prepared to battle with the invaders.


The longboats are coming
The ships carrying the Vikings are arriving.


It's looking like their? in the dead of the night
The Vikings are arriving under the cover of darkness.


Muster the men from all the villages
Gather all able-bodied men from nearby villages.


You'd better get ready to fight with your enemies
Prepare to engage in combat with the invading enemy.


Beacons are burning
Signal fires are lit to alert the community of the incoming danger.


I'm giving the word to get ready to fight
The order is given to prepare for battle.


The battle is nearing
The conflict with the Vikings is approaching.


You'd better get ready to fight for your lives
Prepare to engage in combat to defend your livelihood.


The Norsemen are coming
The invading Vikings are approaching.


The warnings are given
The community has been alerted of the incoming invasion.


Raping and pillaging
The Vikings will commit acts of violent crime against the populace.


Robbing and looting the land
The Vikings will steal valuable goods and resources from the community.


Viking raiders from afar
The invading Vikings have traveled from distant lands to attack.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HARRIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Rafael

it's crazy how songs like Invasion and Empire of the Clouds belong to the same band

Anki Hansen

Yes, Invasion is kick ass and Empire of the Clouds is boring as hell!

Zach K

@Anki Hansen No

Zach K

@Anki Hansen empire of the clouds is a masterpiece and invasion is a great song!

Rafael

@Anki Hansen two different vibes, i like them both. When i want high energy, punk vibe, i listen to invasion. when i want a beautiful piece of music, to relax, i listen to empire

Louisianaball

Empire is like a classical piece, akin to Mozart or Beethoven. Invasion is nice, speedy rock. I love them both

19 More Replies...

Kriss Delaney

Love these old Paul Di'Anno recordings. Great drum intro & sound. I also love the art of these early "yellow" vinyl covers, by Derek Riggs. The 7" cover of "Running Free", the 7"/12" covers of "Women 
In Uniform" & the 7" single & 12" EP "Sanctuary". I SO prefer early Maiden w/ Di'Anno 1978 - 1981. 
Maiden were punky, raw, edgy & very much a "diamond in the rough". Miss the late 70's/early 80's!

Gabriele Domingos Jardim

The 79-81 vibe of Maiden was totally different, and I love that. Bruce is incredible, but just Di'Anno can bring this early 80s soul to Maiden

6x9_Danny

Totally agree. Spot on. The Di Anno years cannot be matched.

judaslynott

Exactly got nothin to add.

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