Released in 1982 on Iron Maiden's seminal album 'The Number of the Beast', 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is a metal classic that narrates the thoughts and fears of a man facing execution. Written by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, the song combines storytelling with powerful instrumentals, reflecting the band's signature style and cultural impact. Its themes of fate, fear, and existential reflection make it an engaging piece for English learners, providing rich vocabulary and sentence structure.
Lyrics
Hallowed Be Thy Name — Iron Maiden
English
I'm waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time
'Cause at five o'clock they take me to the gallows pole
The sands of time for me are running low [2x]
When the priest comes to read me the last rites
Take a look through the bars at the last sights
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me
Can it be that there's some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror
Is it really the end, not some crazy dream?
Somebody please tell me that I'm dreaming
It's not easy to stop from screaming
But words escape me when I try to speak
Tears fall, but why am I crying?
After all, I'm not afraid of dying
Don't I believe that there never is an end?
As the guards march me out to the courtyard
Somebody cries from a cell, "God be with you"
If there's a God, why has He let me go?
As I walk, my life drifts before me
And though the end is near, I'm not sorry
Catch my soul, it's willing to fly away
Mark my words, believe my soul lives on
Don't worry now that I have gone
I've gone beyond to seek the truth
When you know that your time is close at hand
Maybe then you'll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Present Continuous / Presente Continuo
The Present Continuous tense is used for actions currently happening or ongoing situations. It's formed with the verb 'to be' plus the base verb ending in -ing. This tense helps learners describe events in real-time, adding immediacy to their communication.
'I'm waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime' — The speaker is currently waiting, illustrating an ongoing action.
'Tears fall, but why am I crying?' — This line describes an action happening at this moment.
'As I walk, my life drifts before me' — Present Continuous shows the speaker's actions as they reflect on life.
Simple Present / Presente Simple
The Simple Present tense is used to express habitual actions, universal truths, or states. It’s important for English learners to convey facts and routine activities clearly. This form is commonly used and foundational in English.
'They take me to the gallows pole' — Expresses a routine action that regularly occurs.
'If there's a God, why has He let me go?' — Indicates universal beliefs or truths.
'Life down here is just a strange illusion' — Describes a general state or belief.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing Iron Maiden's prominence in the heavy metal genre during the early 1980s.
Iron Maiden recorded 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' in Battery Studios, London, using various recording techniques to create its dynamic sound.
It is often cited as one of the greatest heavy metal songs, influencing countless artists and leading to numerous covers by bands across different genres.
The track has been a staple in Iron Maiden's live performances, often featuring elaborate stage setups that enhance its dramatic narrative.
In 2019, 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an essential representative of the heavy metal genre.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is excellent for learning English due to its rich vocabulary and complex themes. The clear pronunciation and the emotional delivery of Iron Maiden enhance the learning experience. The lyrics' repeated patterns help reinforce language comprehension, while the diverse vocabulary levels introduce learners to various expressions and ideas crucial in English.
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