About the Song
Released in 2005 on the cover album Under Cover, Ozzy Osbourne’s rendition of “Working Class Hero” is a bold, emotional reinterpretation of John Lennon’s iconic 1970 protest song. While many artists have taken on this track over the years, Ozzy’s version stands out for its raw urgency and deep connection to the song’s rebellious spirit — something that aligns with his own long-standing image as a voice for the misunderstood, the outcast, and the working class.
The original song by Lennon was stripped-down, almost folk-like in its acoustic simplicity — a stark contrast to Ozzy’s more layered, darker rock approach. Yet Ozzy doesn’t lose the essence of the message. In fact, he leans into it even harder, emphasizing the disillusionment and alienation at the heart of the lyrics. His weathered voice — reflective of a life lived on the edge — adds a layer of authenticity that few others could bring.
This is not just a cover for Ozzy; it’s a statement of identity. Born and raised in the working-class streets of Birmingham, England, Ozzy lived the struggle Lennon sang about. And here, decades later, he delivers the message not from a place of theory or empathy — but from lived experience. The bitterness, the anger, the quiet heartbreak — it all comes through.
Musically, the arrangement is somber and intense. Electric guitar lines linger like shadows, and the production maintains a haunting restraint, allowing the lyrics to cut through with clarity and weight. There’s no attempt to glamorize the pain; it’s delivered as a quiet truth that resonates long after the final note fades.
“Working Class Hero” in Ozzy’s hands becomes more than a tribute. It’s a reminder that beneath the theatrics and heavy metal legend is a man who never forgot where he came from — and who still sings for those trying to make sense of a world that too often leaves them behind.