Ronnie James Dio was a legendary heavy metal singer known for his powerful voice, dramatic stage presence, and for popularizing the metal horns gesture.
Starting his career in the 1950s, he rose to fame with bands like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his own band, Dio, delivering legendary songs like Holy Diver, Rainbow in the Dark, and Heaven and Hell.
His lyrics often accepted fantasy and mythology, setting a new tone for metal storytelling. Offstage, he was admired for his humility and dedication to fans. He passed away from stomach cancer in 2010, leaving behind a lasting legacy in rock and metal music.
About the Song
The Last in Line speaks to humanity’s quest for self-discovery and perseverance through life’s challenges.
It suggests we create our own destinies, with the journey and search for truth being more important than the end result. The song emphasizes the potential within us and the struggle to define ourselves as either evil or divine.
| Title | The Last in Line |
|---|---|
| Released | July 2, 1984 |
| Album | Dream Evil (1987) |
| Writers | Ronnie James Dio, Vivian Campbell, Jimmy Bain |
| Producers | Ronnie James Dio |
The Last in Line Lyrics by Dio
Verse 1
We’re a ship without a storm
The cold without the warm
Light inside the darkness that it needs, yeah
We’re a laugh without a tear
The hope without the fear
We are coming home!
Verse 2
We’re off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we’ll feel is worth a lifetime
We’re all born upon the cross
We’re the throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way is down
Verse 3
We don’t come alone
We are fire, we are stone
We’re the hand that writes
And quickly moves away
Chorus
We’ll know for the first time
If we’re evil or divine
We’re the last in line, yeah
We’re the last in line, oh!
Verse 4
Two eyes from the east
It’s the Angel or the Beast
And the answer lies between the good and bad
We search for the truth
We could die upon the tooth
But the thrill of just the chase is worth the pain
Chorus
We’ll know for the first time
If we’re evil or divine
We’re the last in line
Yeah, we’re the last in line, oh
Guitar Solo
Verse 2
Yeah!
We’re off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we’ll feel is worth a lifetime
We’re all born upon the cross
You know we’re the throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way to go is down
Chorus
We’ll know for the first time
If we’re evil or divine
We’re the last in line, oh
We’re the last in line
See all we shine
Bridge
We’re the last in, we’re the last in
We’re the last in, we’re the last in
We’re the last in, we’re the first in line, oh
We’re a ship without a storm
We’re the cold inside the warm
We’re a laugh without a tear
We’re the far without the near
Outro
We’re the last in line
We’re the last in line
We’re the last in line
See how we shine
We’re the last in line
Similar Songs Like The Last in Line
Here’s a list of similar pop-rock songs that you might love to browse through and try:
- Holy Diver: It is a metal classic, featuring haunting riffs and fantasy-laced lyrics, and is Dio’s most popular song. It blends mystery, power, and heroism into one unforgettable anthem.
- Rainbow In the Dark: This electrifying track combines Dio’s rising vocals with synth-driven riffs, expressing feelings of isolation and inner strength.
- Stand Up and Shout: This is a fast-paced opener to the Holy Diver album. It delivers a motivating message about breaking free and accepting your voice.
Similar Artists Like Dio
If you are into new pop songs or listen to pop in general, here’s a list of artists and singers that you need to try:
- Black Sabbath
Genre: Heavy Metal, Doom Metal
Top Albums: Paranoid, Heaven and Hell, Master of Reality - Judas Priest
Genre: Heavy Metal
Top Albums: British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, Painkiller - Iron Maiden
Genre: Heavy Metal, NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal)
Top Albums: The Number of the Beast, Powerslave, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
Frequently Asked Questions
Was The Last in Line Covered by Other Artists?
Yes, several bands and artists have covered the song over the years.
Did The Last in Line Achieve Chart Success?
It was Dio’s only song to hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart.
What Makes The Last in Line Musically Distinctive?
The track features an arpeggiated intro by Vivian Campbell, a powerful riff, and prominent keyboard elements in the chorus, blending melodic hooks with heavy metal energy.
