This song is inspired by the 1910 classic novel of the same name by French author Gaston Leroux (18681927), on which the famous broadway show by Andrew Lloyd Webber is also based (go see it, it is really great). The story is basically one of love, fame and jealousy, with a gruesome character who has his lair deep under the Paris Opera House, and who perpetrates he Phantom, Erik, is someone whose ugliness forces him to live as a recluse away from mankind. However, his thirst for love is a strong as that of any other human being and only wants to be loved for himself. When he falls in love with Christine Daae, a talented and beautiful young opera singer, his feelings are torn between the love he has for her and the jealousy he feels towards her fiance, the Viscount Raoul de Chagny, and the rest of "the human race". The writing style of the novel is slightly outdated, and it is certain that, narrated by Stephen King, the novel would have been over twice as long and with more gruesome details. However, Leroux manages to captivate the reader and to unfold the story before our eyes in the most interesting manner. Those who love to read will enjoy this book.dark deeds for the love of a woman.

Many films have been made about this novel and the 1974 Brian De Palma film, Phantom of the Paradise is also inspired by the same story that the director transposed to a more modern setting.

In any case, this is one of Maiden's greatest songs, and many fans' favourite of all time (next to 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'). The instrumental section slowly builds from a soft and slow guitar solo into a driving rhythm which builds and builds and finally climaxes with two of the most enjoyable guitar solos ever, after which it unbuilds back the way it came. It is impossible to describe it adequately, and has to be heard to be believed. If you buy the CD only for this song, it will be well worth it.