Run Silent Run Deep
Iron Maiden Lyrics

The convoy lights are dead ahead
The enemy convoy is spotted in the distance

The merchantmen lay in their bed
The ships in the convoy are defenseless while they sleep

The thump of diesels hammer down
The sound of the submarines’ engines revving up

In the oily sea, the killing ground
The ocean where the battlefield is taking place

Knuckles white, eyes alight
The submarine crew is intensely focused and afraid

He slams the hatch on the deadly night
The commander closes the hatch to prepare for attack

A cunning fox in the chicken's lair
The submarine is like a sly predator lurking in its unsuspecting prey’s territory

A hound of hell and the Devil don't care
The submarine is a deadly force of nature, without morals or mercy

Running silent, running deep
The submarine is moving stealthily and deeply through the water

We are your final prayer
The submarine crew is the last hope for their side to win the battle

Warriors in secret sleep
The submarine crew is highly trained and ready for battle

A merchantman's nightmare
The enemy ships are terrified of the submarine attacking them

A silent death lies waiting for all of you below
The submarine is preparing to launch a deadly attack

Sink into your final sleep
The enemy ships will sink and everyone aboard will die

Chill the hearts of fighting men
The enemy's soldiers are filled with dread and fear

In open ocean wondering when
The enemy ships are vulnerable and exposed in the vast ocean

The lethal silver fish will fly
The torpedoes, like deadly fish, will be launched to attack the enemy ships

This boat will shiver, men will die
The submarine will cause fear and destruction for the enemy sailors

A cast of millions, a part to play
The battle has many participants, all with a role to play

Killer, victim, fool for the day
Each person involved in the battle could be a killer, victim, or just a fool for serving in the war

Obeying an order, men had to die
The soldiers are just following orders, even at the risk of their own lives

Us or them, a well-rehearsed lie
The idea of “us vs. them” is a common justification for war, even if it's not entirely true

The lifeboats shattered, the hull is torn
The enemy ships are destroyed and sinking

The tar black smell of burning oil
The scent of destruction and death fills the air

On the way down to Davy Jones
The sailors will die and go to their watery grave

Every man for himself, you're on your own
The soldiers must fend for themselves and face their death alone

The wolf eyes watch the cross wire
The submarine has its sights on the enemy ships

'Stern tubes ready', aim and fire
The submarine is ready to launch its torpedoes

They can pin some medal on your chest
The soldiers may be honored for their bravery, but they will still die

Ah, in two more weeks, dead like the rest
The soldiers are just like everyone else who has died in the war, no matter how long they last