Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath aren’t necessarily known for being musical poets. They are known for a lot of other things, but not for putting profound and sentimental lyrics in their music. However, don’t sell Ozzy Osbourne and the band so short, as they do have a couple of songs that are rich in lyrical nuance and novelty. You just have to read into them and rid yourself of any preconceived notions.
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When listening to a song by Black Sabbath, it’s hard to focus on the lyrics for obvious reasons. However, when you get past the slashing guitars and screaming vocals, their lyrics offer a story worthy of some analysis. Several of their songs offer rich stories, but one that comes to mind is the infamous single, “Iron Man”.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Single Isn’t Just Some Nonsense
As stated previously, most people don’t give Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath the credit they deserve when it comes to the lyrics in their songs. One Black Sabbath song people have overshadowed is the 1970 single, “Iron Man”. Since its release, the song has seemingly become an anthem tailored toward head-banging metalheads. While it does serve that purpose, it also serves another one. A purpose that toils in humanity, believe it or not.
Regarding the inspiration for the song, Osbourne stated, “What if there were a bloody great bloke made out of metal walking about?”
“This is about a guy who invented a time machine, and he goes through time and finds the world is going to end,” said Osbourne, per Farout. “Coming back he turns to iron and people won’t listen to him, they think he’s not real.”
Per Osbourne’s comments, the man’s only mission wasn’t just to depict a character that fits the tone of metal music. Rather, he also wanted to tell a tale that might resonate with people. Concering the song and character as a whole, Osbourne divulged: “He goes a bit barmy and decides to get his revenge by killing people. He tries to do good, but in the end, it turns into bad.”
So, while the iron man is a literal figure, he is also a figurative one that serves as the song’s poetic vehicle. A poetic vehicle that aims to turn a metal man into a figure worthy of sympathy. While it isn’t necessarily a cutting-edge story, it is a story that adds another layer to this storied and decorated Ozzy Osbourne song.
Credit Eddie Sanderson/Scopefeatures
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