Released in 2003, “Changes” is a hauntingly emotional duet between heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne and his daughter Kelly Osbourne. The song is a cover of the original 1972 ballad by Black Sabbath—Ozzy’s former band—but this version replaces the original’s theme of lost love with something far more personal: the evolving and sometimes painful bond between a father and daughter.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
Unlike the dark, ominous tone often associated with Ozzy Osbourne’s career, “Changes” stands as a tender, raw, and deeply vulnerable piece. Stripped of the guitars and growls, the track is driven by a simple piano melody, orchestral strings, and two voices carrying decades of love, struggle, and reconciliation. The 2003 version struck a chord with fans and the public alike, topping the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of the most emotionally resonant moments in both Osbournes’ careers.
A Brief Summary of the Song
“Changes” is a piano-led ballad that tells the story of a strained relationship reaching a turning point—where acceptance, reflection, and emotional honesty take center stage. In the original version by Black Sabbath, the lyrics focus on a man grappling with the emotional fallout of a breakup. But in this 2003 duet, the meaning shifts dramatically. The lyrics now express the deep, evolving emotions between a father and his daughter as they navigate change, distance, and reconnection.
---> Scroll down for the VIDEO
Lines like:
“I’m going through changes…”
and
“It took so long to realize / And I can still hear his last goodbyes”
are no longer interpreted as romantic loss. Instead, they become expressions of parental regret, growing pains, and the bittersweet nature of watching someone you love grow up and become their own person.
The Origin and Motivation Behind the 2003 Version
The story of how “Changes” came to be a father-daughter duet is rooted in the unique public journey of the Osbourne family. In the early 2000s, Ozzy and his family became global pop culture icons thanks to The Osbournes, an MTV reality show that offered a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt glimpse into the rock star’s home life.
During the show’s peak, Kelly Osbourne was attempting to establish herself as a singer. In 2002, she released her debut album Shut Up, showcasing a punk-pop aesthetic. However, her musical career needed a standout moment. The idea for the duet came when her label suggested re-recording “Changes” as a collaboration with Ozzy—a song that could capitalize on their reality show fame while giving both father and daughter a chance to connect musically and emotionally.
But what began as a PR-friendly idea quickly transformed into something genuine. The Osbournes were no strangers to public struggles: Ozzy’s battles with addiction, Kelly’s own personal challenges, and the family’s frequent conflicts were all laid bare for the world to see. “Changes” became a way to channel some of those raw emotions into art.
The lyrics were slightly altered to better reflect their relationship. Gone were references to romantic farewells. Instead, lines were shaped around the father-daughter dynamic, giving the song a sense of familial tenderness and mutual understanding that made it completely unique.
The single was a major success in the UK, reaching number one on the Singles Chart—the first and only UK number-one hit for both Ozzy and Kelly. For a man who had once been the Prince of Darkness in Black Sabbath, standing on stage beside his daughter and singing about love, regret, and transformation was an unexpected yet powerful moment.
Emotional Themes and Interpretation
1. Parental Regret and Reflection
Ozzy’s vocal delivery in “Changes” is filled with resignation and sadness, giving the sense of a man looking back on a life filled with missteps, missed opportunities, and emotional scars. The song can be read as a father expressing regret for not always being present or emotionally available as his child grew up.
“I feel unhappy, I feel so sad / I’ve lost the best friend that I ever had”
In the context of a father-daughter relationship, these lyrics become about mourning the passing of childhood and the innocence that once defined their bond. As Kelly grows older and becomes her own person, Ozzy’s character in the song grapples with the realization that he can never return to those simpler, more connected times.
The melancholy isn’t just about separation—it’s about acknowledgment. It’s about finally seeing things clearly after years of being too consumed by career, addiction, or ego to recognize what really matters.
2. Growth and Emotional Distance
Kelly’s voice in the duet, especially for such a young singer at the time, conveys a sense of fragility and determination. Her part of the song often echoes or complements Ozzy’s lines, suggesting that she too has undergone changes, and not all of them have been easy.
“We shared the years, we shared each day / I love you daddy, but I found my way”
These unspoken sentiments hover in every note. It’s the voice of a daughter who has stepped into adulthood, who still loves her father but must also assert her independence. The song doesn’t resolve their differences, but it doesn’t need to. The beauty lies in their mutual recognition that change is inevitable and sometimes painful—but it doesn’t erase love.
3. Transformation and Healing
“Changes” is ultimately about growth. For Ozzy and Kelly, this meant growing not just as individuals, but as family. In the public eye, their relationship had been marked by dysfunction, dramatic outbursts, and tabloid headlines. But in this song, they strip all of that away and focus on what truly connects them.
The orchestration of the track—with swelling strings and delicate piano—adds to the emotional gravity, turning what could have been a simple cover into a cinematic, heartfelt farewell to the past. It’s not just a tribute to the original Black Sabbath version; it’s a reinvention. A rebirth.
This moment of healing is why the song resonated with so many people. It wasn’t about rock stars or fame—it was about family, pain, and trying to reconnect when words alone aren’t enough. Music, in this case, became the bridge between two people who had been through fire and come out the other side, changed but still together.
4. Legacy and Symbolism
The song’s success was more than just chart-related. For fans of Ozzy, it was a chance to see a side of him that was rarely explored in his music. Known for his wild stage antics and dark themes, Ozzy here was simply a father. Vulnerable. Open. Human.
For Kelly, it was a defining moment in a career often overshadowed by her famous lineage. “Changes” allowed her to step into the spotlight on her own terms, not as a reality TV star, but as a performer capable of conveying deep emotional truths.
Together, they created a moment in rock history that was less about riffs and rebellion, and more about reconciliation and love. The duet version of “Changes” is now remembered not just as a hit single, but as a powerful, honest exchange between a parent and child—one that transcends genre, generation, and even fame.