Under the Graveyard The track marked a significant return for Ozzy after health struggles and served as the lead single from the album.
Key Details:
- Release Date: November 2019
- Album: Ordinary Man (2020)
- Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
- Lyrics: Reflect on mortality, regret, and personal struggles.
Song Meaning:
- “Under the Graveyard” deals with themes of despair, self-destruction, and facing one’s own mortality. The lyrics suggest a struggle with inner demons and the consequences of a reckless lifestyle.
- The title itself
- symbolizes being buried
- by one’s own mistakes
- and darkness.
Reception:
- The song was well-received
- as a powerful comeback for Ozzy,
- showcasing his signature dark,
- emotional vocal delivery.
- The music video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, features eerie visuals reinforcing the song’s themes.
Lyrical Themes A Descent Into Darkness
- Ozzy sings from the perspective of someone who feels trapped by their past mistakes, with lines like:
- “Yesterday I was looking
- for tomorrow / But yesterday’s dead,
- and now I’m buried too”
- Suggests a loss of hope,
- as if the future has been swallowed
- by past failures.
- A metaphor for self-sabotage—Ozzy has often battled addiction and personal demons.
- The chorus (“Under the graveyard / We’re all rotting bones”) reinforces the inevitability of death, possibly reflecting Ozzy’s own near-death experiences (including his Parkinson’s diagnosis and severe health issues before the album).
Musical Style & Production
- Sound: A mix of modern hard rock with Ozzy’s classic doom-laden vibe. The guitar riffs (by Andrew Watt) are heavy yet melodic, reminiscent of Blizzard of Ozz-era Ozzy.
- Vocals: Ozzy’s voice sounds weathered but powerful, adding to the song’s raw emotion.
Collaborators:
- Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) – Bass
- Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – Drums
- Andrew Watt (Producer/Guitarist) – Co-writer
- This lineup gives the song a fresh yet timeless feel, blending Ozzy’s legacy with a contemporary edge.
Music Video Symbolism (Directed by Jonas Åkerlund)
The video is dark and surreal, featuring:
- Ozzy in a gothic funeral setting.
- A doppelgänger (possibly representing his past self or inner demons).
- Imagery of decay, coffins, and graveyards—mirroring the song’s themes.
- This visual storytelling reinforces
- the idea of being “buried alive”
- by one’s own choices.
Connection to Ozzy’s Life
- Health Struggles: Before Ordinary Man, Ozzy faced severe complications from a fall, pneumonia, and his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
- Reflection on Legacy:
- Ozzy has spoken about how this album was
- made with urgency, knowing his time might be limited.
Place in Ordinary Man Album
- “Under the Graveyard” sets the tone for the album, which deals with:
- Regret (“Ordinary Man” feat. Elton John)
- Defiance (“Straight to Hell”)
- Redemption (“It’s a Raid”)
The Making of Ordinary Man 2020 A Miracle Album
- After years of setbacks (including canceled tours, near-fatal illness, and depression), Ozzy wasn’t even sure he’d record again. But a chance studio session with producer Andrew Watt (Post Malone, Justin Bieber) sparked a creative rebirth.
Key Facts About the Album:
- Recorded in just 4 weeks – Ozzy worked at breakneck speed, fueled by a “now or never” mentality.
Star-Studded Collaborations:
- Elton John (“Ordinary Man”) – A piano-driven ballad about fame’s emptiness.
- Slash (“Straight to Hell”) – A sinister, Sabbath-esque banger.
- Sound: A mix of modern production (Watt’s punchy guitars) and classic Ozzy doom.
Ozzy’s Health Struggles & the Album’s Urgency
Before Ordinary Man, Ozzy endured:
- A near-death fall in 2019 (aggravated his spinal injury from a 2003 ATV crash).
- Hospitalization for pneumonia (he later said, “I thought I was dying”).
- Parkinson’s diagnosis (2019, revealed in 2020) – Though he clarified it was a mild form (PRKN-2).
The Legacy of “Under the Graveyard” & Ordinary Man
- Proved Ozzy Could Still Make Vital Music – At 71, he delivered his most personal work in decades.
- Bridged Generations – Collaborations with Post Malone and modern producers introduced him to new fans.
- A Farewell (That Wasn’t) – Many thought this was Ozzy’s last album, but he defied expectations with Patient Number 9.
What’s Next for Ozzy?
- Retirement from Touring (due to health) but still recording.
- Possible Final Album? –
- He’s hinted at more music
- but says touring is over.
- Biopic in Development – Directed by Joker’s Todd Phillips.
Key Facts About the Album:
- Released: September 9, 2022
- Featured the most guest stars of any Ozzy album—including:
Jeff Beck (title track)
- Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath reunion on “Degradation Rules”)
- Eric Clapton (“One of Those Days”)
- Zakk Wylde (returning after 13 years)
Musical Style & Themes
- A throwback to Ozzy’s classic ’80s/’90s sound (think No More Tears meets Blizzard of Ozz).
- Lyrics about paranoia, survival,
- and defiance
- (e.g., “Patient Number 9”
- is about a man trapped in a mental asylum).
- Some of Ozzy’s heaviest riffs in decades (“No Escape from Now” could be a lost Sabbath track).
Reception & Legacy
- Debuted at #3 on Billboard 200 (his highest charting solo album since 2007).
- Won 2 Grammy Awards (2023) – Best Rock Album & Best Metal Performance (“Degradation Rules”).
- Proved Ozzy wasn’t done yet—
- despite retiring from touring.
Ozzy’s Health Battles & Resilience
Recent Health Challenges
- Spinal Surgery (2022) – For injuries dating back to his 2003 ATV crash.
- Nerve Damage in Hands – Made playing guitar difficult (hence why guest musicians were crucial).
- Parkinson’s (PRKN-2) Management
- – He’s stated
- it’s “not a death sentence,
- ” but limits his mobility.
How He Still Records
- Vocals done in short bursts – Due to breathing issues from past pneumonia.
- Lyrics adapted to his range – His voice is deeper, more weathered, but still powerful.
- Reliance on collaborators – Andrew Watt, Zakk Wylde, and others help shape the music.
The Future: Is There More Ozzy Music Coming?
- Despite retiring from touring, Ozzy hasn’t ruled out another album. Here’s what we know:
Possible Final Album?
- He’s hinted at “one more”
- in interviews (2023).
- Would likely feature Tony Iommi again (their Patient Number 9 reunion was a highlight).
- Could be a farewell record – A bookend to his solo career.
Upcoming Projects
- Under the Graveyard Biopic – Starring Johnny Depp? (Rumored, but not confirmed).
- Documentary – About his final years in music.
- Black Sabbath’s Legacy – Reissues, tributes, and possible AI-assisted unreleased material.
Ozzy’s Influence on Modern Metal
- Even at 75+, Ozzy’s impact is undeniable:
Who He’s Inspired Recently
- Ghost – Tobias Forge cites Ozzy as a major influence.
His Place in Metal History
- Only artist to be inducted
- into the Rock Hall twice
- (Sabbath + solo).
Final Verdict: Ozzy’s Late-Career Comeback is Unmatched
- Few artists have had such a powerful resurgence in their 70s. Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9 weren’t just victory laps—they were essential additions to his legacy.
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……….Under the Graveyard…….