The Man Who Would Be King
Iron Maiden · The Final Frontier [2010]
Moving up along the mountain side
As he gazes looking down the valley
No regrets but his pride
As he journeys across mountain passes
And significant sweeps overhand
His reflection of the beauty around him
Feeling empty inside
He is running from his wildest thoughts
He is running from his everything
He is looking now to find something
Hoping he could be saved
He's searching for the answer now
Is something that he's managed to avoid up until now
Looking for the conviction that he craves
He needs to find the answer sooner or later
Pushed himself to the limits
He had to strife for all the harder things in life
But what the cost to give him now
His life and time is the only things that he has
Life is is not a rehearsal, only has this the one chance to get it right
Living really is only way to know
Maybe one day they'll forgive him what he's done
with all the pain of lying too early in the grave
Destiny, no good to hide away
Hear us now, we'll be his only way
Understand, no good to run away
Hear us now, we'll be his saving grace
(solo)
Just to make his peace with God
All is forgivable but he's left a little late
Trying something that he's not
Is impossible to change such a lot
He's taken someone's life away
There's not a day that goes by he regrets what he's done
He should have found another way
But the good book says an eye for an eye
In reflecting on decisions that were made
On the judgements that will haunt him 'till his grave
No-one has the right to take another life
But in his mind he had no choice so be it
Destiny, no good to hide away
Hear us now, we'll be his only way
understand , no good to run away
Hear us now, we'll be his saving grace
Destiny, no good to hide away
Hear us now, we'll be his only way
understand, no place to run away
Hear us now, we'll be his saving grace
Far, far away
The man who would be king
Far, far away
The man who would be king
So far away
The man who would be king
So far away
The man who would be king
Far, far away
The man who would be king
About The Man Who Would Be King
Iron Maiden's "The Man Who Would Be King" stands as a definitive anthem within the band's progressive heavy metal catalog, showcasing their signature blend of melodic guitar work and powerful vocals. Released on the 2010 compilation *The Final Frontier*, the track exemplifies the band's ability to weave complex musical structures with narrative depth, drawing inspiration from classic adventure literature. The song features the iconic Eddie monster, a central figure in the band's visual identity, reinforcing the theatrical nature of their live performances and recorded works. This recording highlights the enduring appeal of Maiden's songwriting, which often balances technical proficiency with accessible hooks. It serves as a testament to the group's evolution while maintaining the core elements that defined their success in the 1980s. The piece remains a staple in their live sets, demonstrating how their music continues to resonate with fans across generations. Its inclusion in a greatest hits collection underscores its status as a significant contribution to the band's discography and the broader heavy metal genre.