Another evocative line, “Dust 'n' dreams in fading daylight / Flicker on the walls / Nothing new, your life's adrift / What purpose to it all?” speaks to moments of introspection and questioning the meaning and purpose of life. These sentiments resonate with listeners, urging them to reflect upon their own experiences and the broader existential questions of existence.
Instrumentally, the song embodies Iron Maiden's distinctive style. It starts with a gentle acoustic guitar, building momentum with harmonious guitar arrangements, rhythmic bass lines, and compelling drum beats. Bruce Dickinson's vocals add depth, shifting from softer verses to a resonant chorus, enhancing the track's emotional impact. Overall, "Out of the Shadows" showcases Iron Maiden's ability to intertwine intricate musicality with profound thematic content.
Out of the Shadows
Iron Maiden Lyrics
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Golden is the day
Princes of the Universe
Your burden is the way
So, there is no better time
Who will be born today?
A gypsy child at the day break
A King for a day
Out of the shadows and into the sun
Dreams of the past as the old ways are done
Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain
But we must endure it to live again
Dust and dreams in fading daylight
Flicker on the walls
Nothing new your life's adrift
What purpose to it all?
Eyes are closed and death is calling
Reaching out its hand
Call upon the starlight to surround you
Out of the shadows and into the sun
Dreams of the past as the old ways are done
Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain
But we must endure it to live again
Out of the shadows and into the sun
Dreams of the past as the old ways are done
Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain
But we must endure it to live again
Out of the shadows and into the sun
Dreams of the past as the old ways are done
Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain
But we must endure it to live again
Out of the shadows and into the sun
Dreams of the past as the old ways are done
Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain
But we must endure it to live again
A man who casts no shadow has no soul
The lyrics of Iron Maiden's "Out of the Shadows" speak about the cyclic nature of life and the importance of endurance through hardships. The opening lines paint a picture of a world that needs a savior, a hero to carry the burden of the people. The song mentions the birth of a gypsy child and a king for a day, both symbolic of the transient nature of life. The song suggests that life is finite, and we must live it to the fullest without being afraid of pain, which is also a necessary part of life. The lyrics emphasize that there's no better time to live than now, and we must seize every moment to find beauty in life.
The chorus is the most powerful part of the song. It repeats the theme of leaving the shadows and stepping into the sun, which is symbolic of overcoming fear and despair. The singer acknowledges that life is never simple, and pain is as real as beauty. However, to live again, one must have the courage to endure and appreciate life's full spectrum.
In the last verse, the song reminds us of a fundamental truth: that a human who has not struggled has little value. The line "A man who casts no shadow has no soul" is a reference to the fact that if we don't go through the struggles of life and emerge victorious, we don't earn a soul. This verse encapsulates the song's overall message: that life is about overcoming hardships, and there is dignity in struggling.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold a halo 'round the world
The world is a precious thing and we must treat it as such.
Golden is the day
Life is what you make it, so make it a good one.
Princes of the Universe, Your burden is the way
We all have our roles to play in life and sometimes it's a difficult path.
So, there is no better time, Who will be born today?
Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference and change the world.
A gypsy child at the day break, A King for a day
You never know who will make an impact in the world, so treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Out of the shadows and into the sun, Dreams of the past as the old ways are done, Out there is beauty, and surely there is pain, But we must endure it to live again
We cannot dwell on the past, but must embrace the present with all its beauty and hardships, as they are necessary for growth and survival.
Dust and dreams in fading daylight, Flicker on the walls, Nothing new your life's adrift, What purpose to it all?
Life can seem meaningless, but we must find purpose and make the most of our time.
Eyes are closed and death is calling, Reaching out its hand, Call upon the starlight to surround you
Death is inevitable, but we can find peace in the light and beauty around us.
A man who casts no shadow has no soul
To make a true impact in the world, one must leave a lasting legacy and impression.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bruce Dickinson, Stephen Percy Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
George Dill
on The Number of the Beast
kicking it