About the Song
When fans think of Ozzy Osbourne, they often picture the Prince of Darkness — a heavy metal trailblazer, bathed in distortion and theatrical defiance. But in “Woman,” a cover track featured on his 2005 album Under Cover, Ozzy takes a sharp turn toward vulnerability. Originally recorded by John Lennon in 1980, the song is a deeply personal ode to love, forgiveness, and the strength of a partner. In Ozzy’s hands, “Woman” becomes a heartfelt tribute, not only to Lennon but also to the softer truths that exist beneath Ozzy’s hardened exterior.
Vocally, Ozzy approaches the song with surprising restraint and reverence. His weathered voice carries an emotional honesty that doesn’t try to replicate Lennon’s — instead, it leans into the fragility of age, memory, and reflection. There’s a genuine tenderness in the way he sings “I love you now and forever,” suggesting not just an artist performing a song, but a man acknowledging the enduring power of love in his own turbulent life.
Musically, the arrangement respects the spirit of the original but adds a slight modern rock sheen. The guitars shimmer softly, the drums remain subdued, and the production favors clarity and intimacy over bombast. Unlike the heavier tracks in his catalog, “Woman” asks the listener to lean in — to hear the quiet gratitude behind the voice of a man better known for screaming into the void.
As part of the Under Cover album — a project where Ozzy honored many of his early rock influences — “Woman” stands out not for its power, but for its gentleness. It shows that beneath the spectacle, Ozzy Osbourne has always been a student of emotionally honest songwriting.
In the end, this cover is more than a nod to John Lennon. It’s a reminder that even icons of darkness know the light that love brings — and sometimes, the strongest thing a rock legend can do is say “thank you” with sincerity.