The title track from “Powerslave”. It details the account of a power mad Pharaoh who is on his deathbed.
Bruce Dickinson always performs the song wearing a ritual mask, no matter if it isn’t Egyptian. After all, the tour artwork for the 2016 tour reference this status with Mayan headgear…
[Verse 1]
Into the abyss, I'll fall; the eye of Horus
Into the eyes of the night, watching me go
Green is the cat's eye that glows in this Temple
Enter the risen Osiris, risen again
[Chorus]
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die; I'm a god
Why can't I live on?
When the Life Giver dies
All around is laid waste
And in my last hour
I'm a slave to the Power of Death
[Verse 2]
When I was living this lie, Fear was my game
People would worship and fall
Drop to their knees
So bring me the blood and red wine
For the one to succeed me
For he is a man and a god
And he will die, too
[Chorus]
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die; I'm a god
Why can't I live on?
When the Life Giver dies
All around is laid waste
And in my last hour
I'm a slave to the Power of Death
[Interlude]
[Guitar Solo]
[Guitar Solo]
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
Now I am cold, but a ghost lives in my veins
Silent, the terror that reigned, marbled in stone
A shell of a man God preserved
For a thousand ages
But open the gates of my hell
I'll strike from the grave
[Chorus]
Tell me why I had to be a Powerslave
I don't wanna die; I'm a god
Why can't I live on?
When the Life Giver dies
All around is laid waste
And in my last hour
I'm a slave to the Power of Death
[Outro]
Slave to the Power of Death...
Slave to the Power of Death...
Powerslave was written by Bruce Dickinson.
Powerslave was produced by Martin Birch.
Iron Maiden released Powerslave on Mon Sep 03 1984.