Lyrics of Aces High by Iron Maiden

There goes the siren that warns of the air raid
Then comes the sound of the guns sending flak
Out for the scramble, we’ve got to get airborne
Got to get up for the coming attack

Jump in the cockpit and start up the engines
Remove all the wheelblocks, there’s no time to waste
Gathering speed as we head down the runway
Got to get airborne before it’s too late

Running, scrambling, flying
Rolling, turning, diving, going in again
Running, scrambling, flying
Rolling, turning, diving

Run, live to fly
Fly to live, do or die
Won’t you run, live to fly
Fly to live, aces high

Move in to fire at the mainstream of bombers
Let off a sharp burst and then turn away
Roll over, spin ’round to come in behind them
Move to their blindsides and firing again

Bandits at 8 o’clock move in behind us
Ten ME-109’s out of the sun
Ascending and turning our spitfires to face them
Heading straight for them, I press down my guns

Rolling, turning, diving
Rolling, turning, diving (doing it again)
Rolling, turning, diving
Rolling, turning, diving

Run, live to fly
Fly to live, do or die
Won’t you run, live to fly
Fly to live, aces high

Historical Background

Some songs tell history. Others throw you right into it.

Iron Maiden’s Aces High isn’t just a metal anthem—it’s a full-throttle, engine-roaring, bullets-flying reenactment of one of the most intense air battles in history: The Battle of Britain (1940).

This song doesn’t give you time to think. It throws you into the cockpit of a British Spitfire, engine roaring, alarms blaring, as you scramble to intercept Nazi bombers.

Let’s break it down.

The Battle of Britain – 1940

It’s summer 1940, and Hitler is on a winning streak. France has fallen. Most of Europe is under Nazi control. The only thing standing in his way? Britain.

His plan? “Operation Sea Lion”—a full-scale invasion of the UK. But there was a problem:

Before Hitler’s troops could land, he needed air superiority. The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) was sent to crush the Royal Air Force (RAF).

  • Germany: 2,600+ aircraft, experienced pilots.
  • Britain: 700+ fighters, outnumbered but determined.

The skies over Britain turned into a deadly chess match of dogfights, bombings, and aerial combat.

Aces High – Living the Battle in Real Time

“There goes the siren that warns of the air raid”

The RAF scramble alarm blares. German bombers are incoming. There’s no time. Pilots rush to their Spitfires and Hurricanes. Adrenaline surges.

“Jump in the cockpit and start up the engines, remove all the wheelblocks, there’s no time to waste”

No warm-up. No hesitation. Just GO.

“Running, scrambling, flying, rolling, turning, diving, going in again”

This isn’t a strategy game. It’s chaos in the sky. Dogfighting at 400 mph, flipping, rolling, dodging fire while trying to get a kill shot.

“Ten ME-109’s out of the sun, ascending and turning our Spitfires to face them”

The Luftwaffe’s deadly Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters attack from above—classic “death from the sun” maneuver. But the RAF pilots don’t back down.

They turn head-on into the fight.

Why Aces High Hits Hard

This song is pure motion, energy, and survival. There’s no chorus slowing things down—just relentless, pulse-pounding action.

“Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die”

That’s the pilot’s mindset. No guarantees. No second chances. Just skill, instinct, and the will to survive.

The Legacy of the Battle

The RAF held the line. Britain never fell. Hitler called off the invasion, realizing he couldn’t break the British spirit. Churchill called them “The Few”—the pilots who saved Britain.

And Aces High?

It’s not just a song. It’s a warzone in sound. A tribute to the heroes who fought and won in the skies.

Because sometimes, history isn’t written in books.

It’s written in the clouds, in bullets, and in the roar of an engine.

About Niels

Niels believes every historical event has its own rhythm, every era its unique melody, and every story its untold song. He brings history to life, capturing the essence of pivotal moments, fascinating figures, and the cultural transformations that shaped our world. His work makes history not only informative but deeply emotional and memorable.

On this website, you’ll discover his latest songs, insights into his creative process, and curated playlists of his favorite historical tunes. Join Niels on this melodic adventure where every note tells a story, and every story inspires a song.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Related Songs

The new

Rise of a Nation album!

The birth of a nation! With songs about the Boston Tea Party, the Battle at Saratoga and the story of Benedict Arnold!