About the Song
Released as part of the 1991 album No More Tears, “S.I.N.” (short for Shadows in the Night) is one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most underrated deep cuts — a gritty, emotionally intense track that blends melodic restraint with lyrical darkness. While the title might suggest a blatant rebellion, what we hear is something far more nuanced: a man battling the consequences of his past, searching for peace amid his personal chaos.
The early ’90s marked a turning point for Ozzy. No More Tears wasn’t just another album — it was a mature, powerful return to form. “S.I.N.” fits beautifully into that narrative. It’s not as flashy as “Mama, I’m Coming Home” or as epic as the title track, but its strength lies in its raw honesty.
“I’m a sinner / And I hate the things I do…”
Here, Ozzy confronts his demons directly, unmasking the glamorized image of the “Prince of Darkness” to reveal something deeply human — remorse. The track’s pacing is deliberate, almost meditative, but tension simmers beneath every beat. The guitar riffs (courtesy of Zakk Wylde) are heavy but controlled, lending the song a brooding weight that mirrors the internal struggle in the lyrics.
Vocally, Ozzy delivers one of his more restrained yet impactful performances. His voice isn’t shouting — it’s confessing. It’s the sound of a man who’s seen the edge, and knows the cost of living too fast for too long.
“S.I.N.” may not be as widely recognized, but for longtime fans, it’s a powerful emotional pivot in his discography — a reminder that even rock icons carry burdens. It’s a confessional in heavy metal form, and one that still resonates today.