Flying High Again

by Ozzy Osbourne

Oh no, oh no
Here we go now, here we go now
Oh no, oh no
Here we go now
Got a crazy feeling I don't understand
Gotta get away from here
Feelin' like I should've kept my feet on the ground
Waitin' for the sun to appear
Momma's gonna worry
I've been a bad, bad boy
No use saying sorry
It's something that I enjoy
'Cause you can't see what my eyes see
(I can see it, I can see it)
And you can't be inside of me
Flying high again
I can see through mountains, watch me disappear
I can even touch the sky
Swallowing colours of the sound I hear
Am I just a crazy guy? You bet
Momma's gonna worry
I've been a bad, bad boy
No use saying sorry
It's something that I enjoy
If you could be inside my head
You'd see that black and white is red
Flying high again
Flying high again
Flying high again
Flying high again
Come on and join me
Flying high again
Flying high again
Flying high again
Come on and join me
Oh no, oh no
Here we go now, here we go now
Oh no, oh no
Here we go now
Daddy thinks I'm lazy he don't understand
Never saw inside my head
People think I'm crazy but I'm in demand
Never heard a thing I said
Momma's gonna worry
I've been a bad, bad boy
No use saying sorry
It's something that I enjoy
Flying high again
Flying high again
Flying high again
Flying high again

Interpretations

MyBesh.com Curated

User Interpretation
# Flying High Again: Ozzy Osbourne's Anthem of Liberation and Rebellion

In "Flying High Again," Ozzy Osbourne crafts a powerful narrative of personal liberation that transcends its surface-level interpretation. Released in 1981 on his "Diary of a Madman" album, the song emerged during a pivotal moment in Osbourne's career following his departure from Black Sabbath. At its core, the song celebrates breaking free from constraints, whether they be societal expectations, family pressures, or self-imposed limitations. While often interpreted as an ode to drug use—a reading supported by lines like "swallowing colours of the sound I hear"—the song's genius lies in its multidimensional message about personal freedom and the courage to pursue one's path despite external judgment.

The emotional landscape of "Flying High Again" captures the exhilarating rush of rebellion mixed with defiant pride. Osbourne's repeated refrain of "It's something that I enjoy" conveys not just pleasure but a deeper satisfaction derived from authentic self-expression. There's a palpable tension between liberation and alienation throughout the lyrics, as the protagonist acknowledges the disconnect between his internal experience and others' perceptions. The repeated chorus of "Flying high again" evokes both euphoria and a sense of transcendence—rising above criticism and misunderstanding. This emotional duality gives the song its enduring resonance, capturing the universal struggle between conformity and individuality.

Osbourne employs rich symbolism and vivid imagery to convey his message of transcendence. The metaphor of flight serves as the song's central symbol, representing escape, freedom, and a heightened state of consciousness. Lines like "I can see through mountains, watch me disappear" and "I can even touch the sky" create a sense of supernatural ability and perspective that comes from breaking free of conventional boundaries. The striking imagery in "If you could be inside my head, you'd see that black and white is red" suggests a completely transformed perception of reality that others cannot access. This synesthetic description hints at a mind that processes experience in a radically different way than conventional thinking allows.

The song's narrative tension revolves around familial relationships and misunderstanding. References to "Momma's gonna worry" and "Daddy thinks I'm lazy" position the speaker against parental authority figures who represent society's conventional expectations. The repeated assertion that others "never saw inside my head" and "never heard a thing I said" highlights the profound disconnect between the artist's internal reality and external perceptions. This universal struggle for understanding resonates deeply with listeners who have felt misunderstood or misjudged, particularly during formative years. Osbourne taps into the quintessential rock and roll narrative of the misunderstood rebel whose nonconformity is both his burden and his salvation.

The cultural context of "Flying High Again" cannot be separated from Osbourne's personal journey and public persona. Released during his solo career renaissance, the song arrived as Osbourne was simultaneously being vilified in the media and celebrated by fans. His notorious reputation—from bat-biting incidents to accusations about his music's influence—made him a lightning rod for moral panic about rock music. Against this backdrop, "Flying High Again" reads as both autobiography and manifesto, with Osbourne embracing his outsider status and transforming it into a strength. The line "People think I'm crazy but I'm in demand" directly addresses this paradox of being commercially successful while being socially marginalized.

What gives "Flying High Again" its lasting impact is how it transforms personal struggle into universal anthem. Though written from Osbourne's specific experience, the song captures the essential human desire to transcend limitations and be understood on one's own terms. The invitation in the chorus—"Come on and join me"—transforms what could be a solitary experience into a communal one, inviting listeners to participate in this liberation. Four decades later, the song continues to resonate because it speaks to anyone who has felt constrained by others' expectations or misunderstandings. In Osbourne's signature blend of darkness and exuberance, "Flying High Again" remains a timeless celebration of the freedom found in embracing one's authentic self, regardless of consequence or criticism.
Posted on Jul 25, 2025 by Athena