- UK Release, Includes Poster
"Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter" is the second single from the album "No Prayer for the Dying", Iron Maiden's first full-length album in over two years (following the 1988 release "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son"). The song was originally recorded and released by Bruce Dickinson on the soundtrack album to the movie "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. "
In the moonlit shadows where dark tales unfold, Iron Maiden's "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" emerges with a chilling, rebellious cry. Released in 1990, this 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single, complete with an evocative poster, carved its place in the annals of heavy metal lore, defying conventions and igniting controversy with its audacious spirit.
"Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" is steeped in the historical context of the late '80s and early '90s, a time when Iron Maiden was solidifying their position as heavy metal titans. The track originally penned by Bruce Dickinson for the "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child" soundtrack, was re-recorded by the band and featured on the "No Prayer for the Dying" album. This period marked a shift for Iron Maiden, as they embraced a rawer, more stripped-down sound, departing from the intricate, progressive elements that had defined their previous works.
Musically, "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" is a testament to Iron Maiden's ability to blend haunting melodies with ferocious energy. The song opens with a sinister, pulsating riff that sets a menacing tone. Dave Murray and Janick Gers' guitars intertwine, crafting a soundscape that's both eerie and electrifying. Steve Harris' bass lines gallop with a relentless drive, while Nicko McBrain's drums thunder like a heartbeat in the darkness. Bruce Dickinson's vocals, with their trademark intensity, deliver the song's macabre lyrics with a theatrical flair, evoking images of gothic horror and dark rituals.
As the heavy metal genre evolved, Iron Maiden continued to push boundaries, and "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" stands as a prime example of their fearless approach. The song's provocative title and dark themes courted controversy, with critics and moral guardians decrying its perceived endorsement of violence and depravity. Yet, for many fans, the track's audaciousness was precisely what made it so compelling—a rebellious anthem that challenged societal norms and reveled in its own defiance.
The production of "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" was helmed by Martin Birch, whose work with Iron Maiden had already produced some of the genre's most iconic albums. Recorded at Steve Harris' Barnyard Studios, Birch's production on this track captures the raw, unfiltered essence of Iron Maiden's sound during this era. His deft touch ensures that every element, from the eerie guitar riffs to Dickinson's soaring vocals, is rendered with crystal clarity and powerful impact.
In the dim twilight of gothic horror and metal mysticism, Iron Maiden’s “Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter” stands as a testament to the band’s audacious storytelling and atmospheric prowess. Released in 1990 as part of their album "No Prayer for the Dying," the song's lyrics delve into themes of seduction, doom, and macabre ritual, painting a chilling narrative that resonates with the dark tales Iron Maiden is known for.
The opening lines set the tone with an eerie simplicity:
"Honey, it's getting close to midnight And all the myths are still in town"
Here, Bruce Dickinson's voice lures us into a world where the supernatural is palpably close. Midnight, often associated with witching hours and dark rituals, suggests a threshold between the mundane and the otherworldly. The "myths" still in town evoke a sense of old, lingering dangers and ancient, unsettling truths.
"True love and lipstick on your linen Bite the pillow, make no sound"
These lines juxtapose romantic imagery with a sinister twist. The mention of "true love" is immediately undercut by "lipstick on your linen," suggesting betrayal or a forbidden encounter. The directive to "bite the pillow, make no sound" adds an element of enforced silence, hinting at violence and helplessness, deepening the song’s eerie atmosphere.
Throughout the song, the chorus repeats with haunting insistence:
"Bring your daughter, bring your daughter to the slaughter
Let her go, let her go, let her go"
The repetition of "bring your daughter to the slaughter" evokes a ritualistic chant, heightening the sense of impending doom. The use of the word "slaughter" is stark and brutal, suggesting not just death, but a sacrificial act. The command to "let her go" can be interpreted as a surrender to fate, adding layers of helplessness and inevitability.
"So pick up your foolish pride, no going back
No where, no way, no place to hide"
In these lines, there’s a confrontation with inevitability. The reference to "foolish pride" suggests a fatal hubris that leads one to this point of no return. The declaration that there is "no place to hide" underscores the inescapable nature of the events unfolding, trapping both the characters in the song and the listener in its narrative grip.
As the song progresses, the lyrics weave a narrative that blends personal betrayal with universal themes of doom:
"Bring your daughter, fetch your daughter
Bring her down to the slaughter, slaughter"
The directive intensifies, transforming the act into a communal one—it's no longer just about one person, but a larger, darker ritual. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of the lyrics mimics the inexorable march towards the song’s grim conclusion.
In the final verses, there is a culmination of the song's themes:
"Honey, it's getting close to midnight
And all the myths are still in town
True love and lipstick on your linen
Bite the pillow, make no sound"
Reiterating the opening lines, the song comes full circle, reinforcing the cyclical nature of the horror. The narrative’s return to these images suggests that this is not a singular event, but a recurring nightmare, an endless ritual of seduction and sacrifice.
The lyrics of "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" are a masterclass in gothic storytelling within the heavy metal genre. Bruce Dickinson’s vocal delivery, combined with the haunting, repetitive phrasing, draws listeners into a nightmarish world where innocence is lost, and dark rituals reign. The song’s themes of inevitability, betrayal, and ritualistic horror resonate deeply, making it a standout in Iron Maiden’s extensive catalog. Through its chilling narrative and atmospheric depth, "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" showcases Iron Maiden's unparalleled ability to blend storytelling with the raw power of heavy metal.
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Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "IRON MAIDEN Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter 12" Maxi-Single + Poster" was produced by: Martin Birch / Zomba Music Publsihers Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: Black EMI 12 EMP 171 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 250 gram |
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Year & Country: 1990 Made in UK |
Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter 12" Maxi-Single + Poster |
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The Song/tracks on "IRON MAIDEN Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter 12" Maxi-Single + Poster" are
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Poster
"Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter" Record Label Details: Black Colour EMI 12 EMP 171
