The Clairvoyant

"The Clairvoyant" was released in 1988, by Iron Maiden. Written by Steve Harris, It is the band's nineteenth single and the third from their Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album. The single debuted at number six in the UK charts. It contains three live performances from Maiden's 1988 headlining performance at the Monsters of Rock festival in Donington. The promotional video for the song, although set to the studio version, features live clips from the Donington performance. The song starts in the first person, from the main character's point of view. Later, it's in the third person, after he's died.

[Verse 1] Feel the sweat break on my brow Is it me or is it shadows that are dancing on the walls? Is this a dream or is it now? Is this a vision or normality I see before my eyes? [Verse 2] I wonder why, I wonder how That it seems that the power's getting stronger every day I feel a strength an inner fire But I'm scared I won't be able to control it anymore [Chorus] There's a time to live and a time to die When it's time to meet the maker There's a time to live, but isn't it strange That as soon as you're born you're dying There's a time to live and a time to die When it's time to meet the maker There's a time to live, but isn't it strange That as soon as you're born you're dying [Verse 3] Just by looking through your eyes He could see the future penetrating right in through your mind See the truth and see your lies But for all his power couldn't foresee his own demise [Chorus] There's a time to live and a time to die When it's time to meet the maker There's a time to live, but isn't it strange That as soon as you're born you're dying There's a time to live and a time to die When it's time to meet the maker There's a time to live, but isn't it strange That as soon as you're born you're dying... ...and be reborn again?