I Am A Viking
Yngwie Malmsteen · Marching Out [1985]
And I've got death upon my mind
As I was leavin' oh yesterday
I've got no fear in my heart
*Chorus*
As the shores of my home disappear
I sail over the sea without fear
Dragon ships are charging through the waves
Just want to sail away into the sea yeah yeah
I am a warrior my mind is set to kill
Life or death is on the line
I am a slayer and you will taste my steel
I've got your life right in my hand
*Chorus*
As the shores of my home disappear
I sail over the sea without fear
Dragon ships are charging through the waves
Just want to sail away into the sea yeah yeah
You are a loser and it's such a shame
That you're a fool and you don't know
That in a viking I'll walk all over you
And by my sword you will die
*Chorus*
As the shores of my home disappear
I sail over the sea without fear
Dragon ships are charging through the waves
Just want to sail away into the sea yeah yeah
Mmmm
"
I Am A Viking
I Am A Viking stands as a definitive example of Yngwie Malmsteen's neoclassical metal style, showcasing the technical prowess that defined his early career. Released on the 1985 album Marching Out, the track features the rapid arpeggios, dramatic tempo shifts, and operatic vocal delivery that became hallmarks of his sound during this era. The composition reflects Malmsteen's deep reverence for classical music traditions, particularly the works of Bach and Paganini, reinterpreted through the lens of heavy electric guitar. While the album itself served as a bridge between his breakthrough debut and subsequent live recordings, this song remains a staple of his live performances. It captures the high-energy theatricality and virtuosic guitar work that established Malmsteen as a leading figure in the genre, appealing to listeners who appreciate complex musical structures and powerful instrumental execution.