"Five Magics" was inspired by the 1980 fantasy novel "Master of the Five Ma… Read Full Bio ↴"Five Magics" was inspired by the 1980 fantasy novel "Master of the Five Magics" by Lyndon Hardy, although the five magics listed in the song's lyrics a bit differ to those in the book. The five magics in the book are listed as Alchemy, Sorcery, Wizardry, Thaumaturgy and Magic. The song also refers to a Magic ritual and some storyline described in the book.
This is the only Megadeth song that's truly fantasy-oriented.

Five Magics
Megadeth Lyrics

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Bestow upon me knowledge
Wizard, all-knowing, all-wise
I want to rule my kingdom
Make sweet the breeze, not once defiled
Dethrone the evil prince's iron fists in velvet gloves of sin
Parade the grey-robed monks, the vestal virgins
And wheel the wyvern's in
Let the ceremony consecrate the marriage

Let me be the protege of five magics

Give me alchemy!
Give me sorcery!
Give me wizardry!
Thermatology!
Electricity!

Magic if you please
Master all of these
Bring him to his knees
I master five magics
Possessed with hellish torment
I master magics "5"
Hunting the abyss lord
Only one will stay alive

He who lives by the sword will surely also die
He who lives in sin will surely live the lie

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Megadeth's Five Magics tell the story of someone seeking knowledge from a wise wizard in order to rule their kingdom. The singer desires to create a peaceful and pure environment, and to overthrow the current ruler who is leading through sin and cruelty. They want to take on the powers of alchemy, sorcery, wizardry, thermatology, and electricity, which the wizard refers to as the five magics. The singer is determined to master these magics and defeats the abyss lord, claiming that only one person can live through this battle. In the end, the singer acknowledges that if someone lives through sin, they would be living a lie and would be eventually overcome by death.

This song is a powerful narrative of someone who seeks to rule through knowledge, wisdom and peace, rather than through cruelty and sin. The lyrics highlight the importance of choosing the right path and striving towards goodness, instead of just seeking power for its own sake. The idea of powerful magics adds to the sense of grandeur and epic quality of the song, creating a sense of a mystical and awe-inspiring story.

Line by Line Meaning

Bestow upon me knowledge
Grant me great understanding

Wizard, all-knowing, all-wise
A wise magician

I want to rule my kingdom
I desire to govern my realm

Make sweet the breeze, not once defiled
Purify the air and make it pleasant

Dethrone the evil prince's iron fists in velvet gloves of sin
Overthrow the wicked ruler who is deceptive and cruel

Parade the grey-robed monks, the vestal virgins
Display the religious figures

And wheel the wyvern's in
Bring in the mythical creatures

Let the ceremony consecrate the marriage
Let the wedding ceremony make the union sacred

Let me be the protege of five magics
Allow me to be an apprentice of five forms of magic

Give me alchemy!
Grant me the power to create things from base materials

Give me sorcery!
Grant me supernatural abilities