“Flying High Again” is a standout track from Ozzy Osbourne’s second solo album, Diary of a Madman, released on November 7, 1981. Written by Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley, and Lee Kerslake, the song is a high-octane heavy metal anthem that runs for approximately 4:44. Known for its infectious guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and relentless energy, it captures the raw spirit of Osbourne’s early solo career. The track was released as a single and reached number two on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, becoming one of Osbourne’s signature songs. Its lyrics explore themes of hedonism, rebellion, and the consequences of a reckless lifestyle, delivered with a mix of bravado and self-awareness that resonates with the heavy metal ethos of the early 1980s.
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Origin and Inspiration
The creation of Flying High Again came during a transformative period for Ozzy Osbourne. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his struggles with substance abuse, Osbourne launched his solo career with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, which was a critical and commercial success. Diary of a Madman, his follow-up album, was recorded in early 1981 at Ridge Farm Studio in England, with Osbourne collaborating with guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake. This lineup, often regarded as one of the most iconic in Osbourne’s career, brought a fresh, innovative sound that blended heavy metal’s aggression with melodic and technical precision.
The inspiration for Flying High Again was rooted in Osbourne’s personal experiences with addiction and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. By 1981, Osbourne was fully immersed in the excesses of fame, with heavy drinking and drug use shaping much of his daily life. The song’s title and lyrics reflect the euphoric highs and inevitable lows of substance abuse, a theme that resonated with Osbourne’s own struggles. In interviews, Osbourne has described the early 1980s as a period of both creative triumph and personal chaos, with Diary of a Madman capturing the raw energy of that time. Bob Daisley, who wrote many of the album’s lyrics, drew from Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona and their shared experiences on tour, where late-night partying and wild antics were commonplace.
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Randy Rhoads’ influence was crucial in shaping the song’s sound. A classically trained guitarist, Rhoads brought a level of technical sophistication to Osbourne’s music that set it apart from Black Sabbath’s heavier, doom-laden style. His intricate riffs and melodic solos in Flying High Again were inspired by his desire to push the boundaries of heavy metal, blending hard rock with neoclassical elements. The song was also a product of the band’s camaraderie, with Osbourne, Rhoads, Daisley, and Kerslake working closely together in the studio to capture the raw energy of their live performances. The song’s release came at a time when Osbourne was establishing himself as a solo artist, and its success helped solidify his reputation as a leading figure in the burgeoning heavy metal scene of the 1980s.
Lyrical Content and Themes
The lyrics of Flying High Again are a vivid portrayal of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, blending celebration with cautionary undertones. The song opens with the lines, “Got a crazy feeling I don’t understand / Gotta get away from here,” immediately setting a tone of restlessness and urgency. These words capture the thrill and disorientation of living on the edge, a sentiment that mirrors Osbourne’s own experiences with addiction and the chaotic world of touring. The phrase “flying high again” serves as both a literal reference to drug-induced euphoria and a metaphor for the exhilarating, yet dangerous, highs of fame and rebellion.
The chorus, with its infectious repetition of “I’m flying high again,” is both anthemic and defiant, embodying the reckless abandon of the early 1980s heavy metal culture. Osbourne’s delivery is brash and unapologetic, reflecting the song’s celebratory tone. However, the lyrics also hint at the darker side of this lifestyle, with lines like “Mama’s gonna worry / I’ve been a bad, bad boy.” This acknowledgment of consequences adds depth to the song, suggesting that Osbourne is aware of the toll his choices are taking, even as he revels in the moment. The reference to “Mama” evokes a sense of youthful rebellion, as if Osbourne is addressing both his literal family and the societal norms he’s defying.
The song also explores themes of escapism and self-discovery. Lines like “Feeling like I’m living in a lion’s den / I’m feeling like a prisoner of my own sweet time” convey a sense of being trapped by one’s own choices, a recurring theme in Osbourne’s work. The “lion’s den” imagery suggests danger and vulnerability, while “my own sweet time” implies a self-imposed prison of indulgence. These lyrics resonate with listeners who have grappled with their own struggles, making the song both a party anthem and a reflection on the consequences of excess.
Musically, Flying High Again is driven by Randy Rhoads’ iconic guitar work, with a memorable opening riff that combines raw power with melodic flair. The song’s structure is dynamic, with verses that build tension and a chorus that explodes with energy, inviting fans to sing along. Bob Daisley’s basslines and Lee Kerslake’s drumming provide a solid foundation, while Osbourne’s vocals alternate between gritty intensity and soaring melody. The bridge, featuring Rhoads’ intricate solo, showcases his technical prowess and adds a layer of complexity to the track, elevating it beyond a standard heavy metal song.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for Flying High Again, directed by Wayne Isham, captures the song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit. Filmed in a gritty, industrial setting, the video features Osbourne and his band performing with a fierce intensity, interspersed with surreal imagery of planes, fire, and chaotic visuals that evoke the song’s themes of soaring highs and disorienting lows. Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona is front and center, with his wild stage presence and theatrical gestures amplifying the song’s energy. The video was a staple on MTV during the early 1980s, a time when the network was revolutionizing music promotion and helping heavy metal reach a broader audience.
Flying High Again became a defining track of Osbourne’s early solo career, resonating with fans for its blend of raw power and relatable themes. Its release in 1981 coincided with the rise of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the growing popularity of heavy metal in the United States, with bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest paving the way. Osbourne’s ability to combine catchy hooks with heavy riffs made the song a radio and concert favorite, and it remains a staple of his live performances. The track’s success also highlighted Randy Rhoads’ contributions, cementing his legacy as one of heavy metal’s greatest guitarists before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1982.
Musical Composition and Performance
The musical composition of Flying High Again is a showcase of Randy Rhoads’ innovative guitar work and the band’s tight chemistry. The song opens with a distinctive riff that blends heavy metal’s aggression with a melodic sensibility, setting the tone for the track’s high-energy vibe. Rhoads’ use of pinch harmonics and rapid-fire picking adds a layer of technical brilliance, while his solo in the bridge is a masterclass in blending speed, melody, and emotion. Bob Daisley’s basslines provide a driving pulse, complementing Lee Kerslake’s powerful drumming, which propels the song forward with relentless energy.
Osbourne’s vocal performance is both raw and dynamic, capturing the song’s mix of bravado and vulnerability. His ability to shift from gritty verses to a soaring chorus makes the track instantly memorable, while his delivery conveys the reckless abandon of the lyrics. The production, handled by Max Norman, is crisp and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining the raw edge of early 1980s heavy metal. The song’s arrangement, with its interplay of heavy riffs and melodic hooks, makes it both a headbanger’s delight and a radio-friendly anthem, contributing to its enduring popularity.