Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son

Album: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
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Songfacts®:

  • Running This runs 9:53, this song was inspired by a series of science fiction novels by Orson Scott Card. They are about Alvin Maker, the seventh son of a seventh son (the first book in the series is called Seventh Son), who is born with second sight and the ability to use "folk magic" in an alternate reality. The song describes how his birth was eagerly anticipated by his siblings and how the forces of good and evil struggled over him.
  • The album was a "concept album" and dealt with the life of the "seventh son." For instance, "The Clairvoyant" is about him coming to terms with his powers and learning to control them, "The Prophecy" is about him trying to get people to believe him and "Moonchild" is about "the Unmaker of all things" trying to prevent his birth. Four songs from the album became Top 10 singles in the UK.
  • Derek Riggs, who designed the cover art for most Iron Maiden albums, depicted a skeletal upper torso hovering over water in an arctic region with UFO-like objects in the sky. He also displayed his trademark in the water, a unique symbol which depicts his initials with a mirrored D and an R on the right hand side. It is hidden in a subtle place on most of the albums, usually near Maiden's mascot, Eddie.
  • Seven is the Hebrew and Biblical number of perfection. In ancient legend, the seventh son of a seventh son will have extraordinary powers, including magical healing skills.
  • This was the band's seventh studio album. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for all above
  • According to the mythology about the "seventh son of a seventh son," Septamus is supposed to be the Christian name of such a child. When Kerrang! magazine gave lead singer Bruce Dickinson a quiz that included the question "Which Christian name are you traditionally supposed to give to a seventh son of a seventh son?" his answer was "Steve." He ultimately scored 16 out of 25, although Kerrang! gave him "A slap on the wrist for not knowing the 'seventh son of a seventh son' one!" >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for all above

Comments: 7

  • Johnny from Usbiblicaly written and meaningful
  • The 7th Son Of A 7th Son from New JerseyJeremiah 30:7 the 7th son of a 7 th son is Jacob the Lord said that scripture to me in 1968. They come on shore after a hurricane in the south. The Russians are coming. No one believes me.
  • Luke from Saint Augustine, Flehhh i'd rank this....5th on my top iron maiden songs. nothing beats trooper and prisoner, and for whom the bell tolls.
  • Ryan from Bethany, OkLove this song! UP THE IRONS!!!
  • Lydia from Auckland, New Zealandsay WHAT? it's got nothing to do with werewolves!
    awesome song though
  • Billy from Otway, OhThis Is Named After A Way To Become A Werewolf (I Do NOT Mean Being Born As A Wolflike Monster) You Are Born Human And On A Full Moon You Transform Into A Werewolf.
  • Phil from Niagara Falls, Canadagood song, guitar world put the album in power metal's essentials
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