Sir Elton and Ozzy collaborated on a song together in 2020. Picture: Alamy
Ozzy’s death has inspired many to revisit one of the Black Sabbath singer’s final songs.
Legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 76.
His passing has sparked a wave of moving tributes from friends, fans, and family, honoring the “trailblazing” star and sending many back to explore his incredible back catalogue.
One song in particular has struck a deep emotional chord with listeners — his 2020 collaboration with Elton John, Ordinary Man.
In the deeply personal track, a vulnerable Ozzy looks back on his life and legacy with raw honesty, revealing in the emotional chorus: “I don’t wanna die an ordinary man.”
Listen to Ozzy and Elton’s collaboration below:
“Don’t forget me as the colours fade,” the Iron Man singer pleads in another line from the track.
The chorus continues with a raw and confessional tone: “Yes I’ve been a bad guy, been higher than the blue sky. I’ve made mama cry, don’t know why I’m still alive,” Ozzy admits, before repeating the haunting refrain: “I don’t wanna die an ordinary man.”
In the second verse, Elton John joins in with his own heartfelt message, singing: “I don’t wanna say goodbye, when I do, you’ll be alright. After all, I did it all for you.”
Unsurprisingly, fans returning to Ozzy and Elton’s deeply reflective track — a meditation on the Prince of Darkness’ mortality — have been profoundly moved by its emotional weight, which now feels even more powerful in the wake of Ozzy’s death.
On the official YouTube video, fans have begun flooding the comments with personal tributes, many describing the song as a final message from beyond — a goodbye Ozzy left behind.
“We can all agree on one thing, you did not die an ordinary man, Ozzy,” one fan wrote while listening to the song.
“We’ll never forget you, even when the colors will fade,” another shared, echoing the poignant lyrics Ozzy once sang with Elton.
“Brought tears to my eyes today, and probably will for a while. Ozzy was extraordinary, and the world now mourns with [his family],” a third commenter added.
Elton John also paid tribute to his “dear friend” and song partner, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram Tuesday evening.
Remembering Ozzy as a “rock god,” “true legend,” and “trailblazer,” Elton John added, “[Ozzy] was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly.”
The song Ordinary Man not only featured Elton as a vocalist and pianist, but also included an all-star lineup: Guns N’ Roses’ Slash and Duff McKagan on guitar and bass, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith on drums.
The track served as both the title song and third single from Ozzy’s twelfth and penultimate studio album, released in February 2020.
Ordinary Man was released on January 10 — just weeks before Ozzy publicly revealed his 2019 Parkinson’s diagnosis — making the song’s themes of vulnerability and mortality all the more poignant.
