The Writing on the Wall (Iron Maiden song)

"The Writing on the Wall" is a song by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on July 15, 2021, as the lead single from their seventeenth studio album, Senjutsu.

The song is notable for its slightly different sound compared to much of Iron Maiden's discography, incorporating elements of progressive rock and folk music alongside their traditional heavy metal style. It features prominent acoustic guitar work and a more melodic, accessible chorus than many of their heavier tracks.

The lyrics, written primarily by guitarist Adrian Smith and vocalist Bruce Dickinson, touch upon themes of societal collapse, corruption, and the potential for a better future if people make the right choices. The title itself refers to the biblical phrase "the writing on the wall," which signifies an impending doom or warning of future troubles.

The song was accompanied by an animated music video, created by BlinkInk Productions and directed by Nicos Livesey. The video depicts a dystopian future and features visual references to previous Iron Maiden albums and artwork, as well as satirical commentary on contemporary society. The video's release marked the band's first animated music video. The animated Eddie, the band's mascot, at the end of the video provided the first look at the Senjutsu Eddie design.

"The Writing on the Wall" was well-received by critics and fans, with many praising its catchy melody, thoughtful lyrics, and the visually stunning music video. It charted in numerous countries, reaching the top 20 in Finland, Germany, and Switzerland, among others.