About the Song
Released in 1980 on Ozzy Osbourne’s debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz, “Revelation (Mother Earth)” is one of the most ambitious and emotionally powerful tracks of his career. Known for his darker, theatrical heavy metal persona, Ozzy used this song to deliver something unexpected — a passionate and urgent warning about humanity’s relationship with the planet, wrapped in a dynamic, progressive metal composition.
Co-written with bassist Bob Daisley and guitarist Randy Rhoads, the track blends haunting melodies, shifting tempos, and intricate musicianship into a piece that is equal parts epic rock ballad and environmental protest song. From its opening piano chords and somber vocal delivery, the song creates an atmosphere of reflection before gradually building into a thunderous, emotionally charged climax.
Lyrically, “Revelation (Mother Earth)” is a plea for awareness and accountability. Ozzy addresses the Earth as a living, suffering being — “Mother Earth” — warning of the consequences of human greed, destruction, and neglect. Lines such as “Mother please forgive them / For they know not what they do” echo biblical imagery, framing the environmental crisis as not just a physical disaster, but a moral and spiritual failing.
Musically, the song is a showcase for Randy Rhoads’ brilliance. His classical influences are evident in the delicate acoustic passages and the soaring, emotive electric guitar sections. The track moves seamlessly from gentle, introspective moments to dramatic, heavy crescendos, mirroring the tension between nature’s beauty and the looming threat of its destruction.
As one of the deeper cuts on Blizzard of Ozz, “Revelation (Mother Earth)” may not have received the commercial attention of hits like “Crazy Train” or “Mr. Crowley”, but it has earned a special place in the hearts of fans who admire Ozzy’s willingness to address profound issues through his music. The song’s blend of poetic lyricism, dynamic composition, and heartfelt delivery sets it apart as one of the most sophisticated pieces in his catalog.
More than four decades later, its message feels even more urgent. “Revelation (Mother Earth)” stands not only as a testament to Ozzy Osbourne’s versatility as an artist, but also as a timeless call for humanity to rethink its path before it’s too late.