This song quickly became one of Iron Maiden’s most acclaimed works, with several bands recording covers of it. He initially used the lyrics as a placeholder and did not have time to change them before Number of the Beast was released.Īfter Beckett’s retired band manager Barry McKay filed a lawsuit, £100,000 (approximately $138,000) was paid by Iron Maiden out of court to “Life’s Shadow” songwriters Brian Quinn and Robert Barton. The Iron Maiden bassist saw Beckett perform in 1973 and their debut LP was one of his favorite albums when it was first released. Several of this song’s lines were lifted from British prog band Beckett’s 1974 track “Life’s Shadow” by Steve Harris. At first he scorns the idea of God, then he takes comfort in the idea of a higher power taking him in upon death, and ends up with a realization that life on Earth isn’t really important. The Iron Maidens - Hallowed Be Thy Name Lyrics. The prisoner initially confronts his fear and dread at the prospect of his death by hanging, but remembers his beliefs. The title of the song, “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” comes from The Lord’s Prayer (exact text of the prayer varies by denomination).Īs we forgive those who trespass against us The listener is given no context regarding the prisoner’s crime (could he be the narrator from several of the tracks on Killers?), but is instead treated to an introspective look at the meaning of life. This song is the somber reflections of a prisoner on the day his death sentence is to be carried out. Life down here is just a strange illusion When you know that your time is close at hand Somebody cries from a cell "God be with you" Somebody please tell me that I'm dreamingĭon't I believe that there never is an end?Īs the guards march me out to the courtyard Is it really the end, not some crazy dream? Of a world that has gone very wrong for meĬan it be that there's some sort of error? A year ago, retired rock band manager Barry McKay took MAIDEN's Steve Harris and. Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name (Live 01) Lyrics. I take a look through the bars at the last sights IRON MAIDEN has settled a lawsuit over the writing credits for the band's classic song 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'. When the priest comes to read me the last rites Reflecting on my past life and it doesnt have much time. Intro Em Em Em Em Em Im waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime. Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much timeĬause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole Here are the chords for 'Hallowed be thy name' by Iron Maiden. I'm waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime