Flight of Icarus
Iron Maiden
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As the sun breaks, above the ground, An old man stands on the hill, As the ground warms, to the first rays of light A birdsong shatters the still. His eyes are ablaze, See the madman in his gaze. Fly, on your way, like an eagle, Fly as high as the sun, On your way, like an eagle, Fly and touch the sun. Now the crowd breaks and a young boy appears Looks the old man in the eye As he spreads his wings and shouts at the crowd In the name of God my father I fly. His eyes seem so glazed As he flies on the wings of a dream, Now he knows his father betrayed Now his wings turn to ashes to ashes his grave. Fly, on your way, like an eagle, Fly as high as the sun, On your way, like an eagle, Fly as high as the sun.
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Written by: Adrian Frederick Smith, Bruce Dickinson
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Inspiration"Flight of Icarus" is based on the ancient Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus, who tried to escape from the island of Crete by flying with wings made from feathers and wax.
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Album InformationThis song is from their fourth studio album, "Piece of Mind," which is often considered as one of their best work.
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Chart PerformanceIt was a commercial success. In the UK Singles Chart, it peaked at No. 11, and it's Iron Maiden's first single to be released in the United States, where it also did well, reaching No. 8 on Billboard's Top Album Tracks chart.
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Song Structure"Flight of Icarus" is known for its fast-paced tempo and Bruce Dickinson's high-pitched vocals, indicative of the band's signature style.
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Video CreationThe music video for "Flight of Icarus" featured the band dressed up in ancient Greek attire and was shot in the Bahamas.
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Bruce Dickinson’s RoleThis was the first Iron Maiden single with Bruce Dickinson having a hand in the writing. Up until this point, bassist Steve Harris and guitarist Adrian Smith had done the bulk of the songwriting.
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Song LengthWith a length of 3 minutes and 51 seconds, it is Iron Maiden's second shortest song to date, only surpassing "Prowler" from their self-titled debut album.
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Live PerformancesDespite its success, the song did not become a staple in Iron Maiden's live concerts and was not played frequently in their tours after the "Piece of Mind" tour.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by a number of renowned artists like Carly Smithson, Altaria, and Evenoire.
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Debates with Band MembersThere were debates within the band about the change of direction in their music. Dickinson opposed bassist Steve Harris over the speed of the song, with Dickinson preferring a slower pace in contrast to Harris's preference for a faster tempo.
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Citation
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"Flight of Icarus Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/673079/Iron+Maiden/Flight+of+Icarus>.
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