Laughing In The Hiding Bush

Bruce Dickinson's 'Laughing In The Hiding Bush' delves into the darker aspects of human nature, particularly focusing on the sinister games that children play. The song opens with a reference to a 'sinister game' that children engage in at the end of each school day. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the early development of competitive and sometimes cruel behaviors that are often seen in adulthood. The repetition of 'hey hey hey hey' adds a haunting, almost mocking tone, emphasizing the unsettling nature of these childhood games.

The recurring line 'Laughing in the hiding bush, the joker is back' introduces the character of the joker, who symbolizes chaos and unpredictability. The joker's return signifies a resurgence of these darker, more mischievous elements. The phrase 'the joker is back' suggests that these traits are not just confined to childhood but resurface throughout life. The joker's laughter from the hiding bush implies a sense of lurking danger, hidden yet ever-present, ready to strike when least expected.

The song also touches on themes of memory and heroism with the lines 'Who remembers the names of fallen heroes' and 'Who remembers today to fly their flags.' These lines question society's tendency to forget its heroes and the values they stood for. The inability to express love 'like I did before' hints at a loss of innocence and emotional detachment, possibly as a result of the sinister games and the joker's influence. Overall, 'Laughing In The Hiding Bush' is a complex exploration of the darker sides of human nature, memory, and the loss of innocence, all wrapped in Dickinson's signature heavy metal style.