Beyond the Realms of Death

Album: Stained Class (1978)
Play Video
  • He's had enough
    He couldn't take anymore
    He found a place in his mind
    And slammed the door
    No matter how they tried
    They couldn't understand
    They washed and dressed him
    Fed him by hand

    Yeah! I've left the world behind
    I'm safe here in my mind
    I'm free to speak with my own kind
    This is my life, this is my life
    I'll decide not you

    Withdrawn he sat there
    Staring into space
    No sign of life
    Would flicker on his face
    Until one day he smiled
    It seemed as though with pride
    The wind kissed him goodbye
    And then he died

    Yeah I've left the world behind
    I'm safe here in my mind
    I'm free to speak with my own kind
    This is my life, this is my life
    I'll decide not you

    Keep the world with all its sin
    It's not fit for livin' in
    Yeah I will start again
    It can take forever, and ever whatever, whenever, but I'll still win

    How many like him
    Are they still
    Who to us all
    Seem to have lost the will
    They lie in thousands
    Lank and lost
    Is knowledge worth this bitter cost

    Yeah I've left the world behind
    I'm safe here in my mind
    I'm free to speak with my own kind
    This is my life, this is my life
    I'll decide not you

    Keep the world with all its sin
    It's not fit for living in
    Beyond the realms of death Writer/s: LESLIE JAMES BINKS, ROBERT JOHN ARTHUR HALFORD
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Hellion from JewsaLes Binks had that song before the studio and they all knew Halford was gay from the git-go.
  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcA very emotional power ballad with some heavy parts in the song with lyrics about depression and suicide.
  • Robert Marshall from Newmarket/ontarioGreat group, played the drums for over 45yrs myself, until a sickness took the sticks out of my hands. We played alot of Judas Priest, but our singer could never match Rob Halford. He was a good singer, don't get me wrong. But since I heard Judas back in the early 70's. Rob Halford has been, and always will be, my favorite singer. Being gay, still doesn't stop him from being one of the best front man that I finally got to see, with David Coverdale and Whitesnake. Another excellent front man and singer. Scott Travis, and Tommy Eldridge, two of my favorite drummers. Rock on.
  • Sim from Cleveland RocksBest lead ever from Tipton?
  • Scott from Lompoc, CaI have a little different interpretation of this song. I worked in a nursing home for 5 years, and I saw a lot of people in their 60s that if they wanted to, could still walk around and function, they just chose not to. (He found a place in his mind and slammed the door). These individuals required total care as they were not willing or able to do it for themselves. (They washed and dressed him, fed him by hand). And I would leave one evening and they were still alive, and the next morning they were gone. So I think it is just a song about giving up on life and turning yourself totally inward and shutting the entire world out. This is not suicide per-se; maybe a kind of MENTAL suicide.
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjWords can't describe how powerful this song is. At times I feel this song can describe me to a tee (I've tried suicide several times). And no, it's not pro-suicide. Ozzy got sued for the same reason for the song "Suicide Solution", though I'm not sure what the overall message in that song is. By the way, EPIC solo's (especially Glenn's solo in the middle)!
  • Tony from Bayonne, NjMy comment isn't backed by fact and although it may have been intended as a song of depression and suicide I never took that from the song. Yes, it is about death, but a welcomed death. I actually find the song the be helpful in coping with the loss of a loved one who has suffered and passed.
  • Dave from Melbourne, AustraliaI love this song. There is nothing wrong with suicide songs ...
  • Erik from Brownwood , Txthe songfact about suicide was featured in the billy joel song we didnt start the fire! also a good song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.