Fear Of The Dark

"Fear of the Dark" is a song written by Steve Harris, bass player and main songwriter for Iron Maiden, as the title track to Iron Maiden's 1992 album Fear of the Dark. This is the only song from the Fear of the Dark album to still be played in concerts today, although "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" was often played live until 1998. The single "Fear of the Dark (live)" is the 26th single released by the band. This live version of the song (as well as the live version of "Bring Your Daughter...To the Slaughter") is taken from the live album A Real Live One. The single reached number 5 in the UK charts. The live version of "Hooks in You" was recorded at the Wembley Arena, London, UK on the 17th of December 1990. When Iron Maiden plays this song live the crowd sings along to the intro and in large venues they can be louder than the band itself. A good example is the performance of Fear of the Dark at Rock In Rio. The song has been covered by German a cappella metal band van Canto on their album Hero, and by Fighstar in the "Maiden Heaven" tribute album.

[Verse 1] I am a man who walks alone And when I'm walking a dark road At night or strolling through the park When the light begins to change I sometimes feel a little strange A little anxious when it's dark [Chorus] Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a constant fear That something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there [Verse 2] Have you run your fingers down the wall And have you felt your neck skin crawl When you're searching for the light? Sometimes when you're scared To take a look, at the corner of the room You've sensed that something's watching you [Chorus] Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear That something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there [Verse 3] Have you ever been alone at night Thought you heard footsteps behind And turned around and no-one's there? And as you quicken up your pace You find it hard to look again Because you're sure there's someone there [Chorus] Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear That something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there [Instrumental Break 3:15-4:58] [Bridge] Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark [Verse 4] Watching horror films the night before Debating witches and folklore The unknown troubles on your mind Maybe your mind is playing tricks You sense, and suddenly eyes fix On dancing shadows from behind [Chorus] Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear That something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear That something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there [Outro] When I'm walking a dark road I am a man who walks alone