About the Song
Released in 1995 on Ozzy Osbourne’s seventh studio album Ozzmosis, “Perry Mason” became one of the standout tracks of his ’90s output, blending a sleek, modern heavy metal sound with an intriguingly mysterious narrative. By this point in his career, Ozzy had already secured his place as the Prince of Darkness, but “Perry Mason” proved that he could still reinvent himself and stay relevant in the shifting rock landscape of the mid-1990s.
The title itself is a playful twist — borrowing the name of the famous fictional TV lawyer Perry Mason, known for solving impossible cases — yet in Ozzy’s hands, the song transforms into a dark, allegorical plea for justice and truth. The lyrics depict someone calling for help to uncover lies, corruption, and hidden wrongs, with the repeated cry “Who can we get on the case? We need Perry Mason!” becoming a hook that’s as theatrical as it is memorable.
Musically, “Perry Mason” is a masterclass in blending classic Ozzy theatrics with contemporary metal production. The track opens with a slow, tension-building intro before exploding into a driving rhythm powered by Zakk Wylde’s razor-sharp riffs and melodic flourishes. The rhythm section delivers a tight, pounding groove, while keyboards and atmospheric layers give the song a cinematic scope, making it feel like the soundtrack to a dark, high-stakes investigation.
Ozzy’s vocal performance is both commanding and playful, switching between an almost storytelling delivery and full-throttle rock power. Lyrically, the song’s detective motif works on multiple levels — it’s campy fun for fans who enjoy Ozzy’s theatrical side, but it also plays as a metaphor for exposing hypocrisy and uncovering uncomfortable truths.
Upon release, “Perry Mason” quickly became a fan favorite and was heavily featured in Ozzy’s live shows throughout the ’90s. The music video — a moody, surreal visual filled with noir-inspired imagery — amplified the song’s mysterious charm and helped solidify its place as one of Ozzy’s most unique singles.
Nearly three decades later, “Perry Mason” remains a highlight in Ozzy’s catalog, remembered for its memorable riff, anthemic chorus, and playful yet ominous tone. It’s proof that even deep into his solo career, Ozzy could still surprise audiences — and in this case, he did it by turning a courtroom drama into a metal detective epic.