Lyric discussion by crossed guns 

Cover art for Fear Is The Key lyrics by Iron Maiden

1st para= we live in fear, and places at night are too violent i.e pubs, streets. 2nd para= people are afraid today and only famous people can afford security. 3rd para= unless you use fear in todays world, you will always be outnumbered unfairly. chorus= there was a time when life was carefree, but now is too violent for that.

i think the song is about a carefree person who wants things to be carefree, but the only way he do this is use fear and become no better than a dictator.

bottom line- your either very powerful or controlled in modern society