“Gets Me Through” is the opening track and lead single from Ozzy Osbourne’s eighth studio album, Down to Earth, released on October 16, 2001. Written by Ozzy Osbourne and Tim Palmer, the song is a powerful heavy metal anthem that blends introspective lyrics with the genre’s signature raw energy. Clocking in at approximately 5:04, it features a driving rhythm, heavy guitar riffs, and Osbourne’s unmistakable vocal delivery. The track peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number two on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, earning critical acclaim, including the “Music Video of the Year” award and a tie for “Song of the Year” in Metal Edge magazine’s 2001 Readers’ Choice Awards. The song is both a reflection of Osbourne’s personal struggles and a heartfelt tribute to his fans, encapsulating themes of self-awareness, resilience, and gratitude.
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Origin and Inspiration
The creation of Gets Me Through was rooted in a pivotal moment in Ozzy Osbourne’s career. By 2001, Osbourne was riding the wave of success from his Ozzfest tours, a festival he co-founded with his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. However, his record label pushed for a new studio album, as Osbourne had not released original material since Ozzmosis in 1995. Down to Earth marked a shift in his creative process, as Osbourne collaborated with new songwriters, including producer Tim Palmer and Marti Frederiksen, rather than relying heavily on his longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde for songwriting. Wylde, who had rejoined the band, contributed to the album’s performance but not its composition, as many tracks, including Gets Me Through, were written before his return.
Osbourne’s personal life heavily influenced the song’s creation. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, he had faced significant personal and professional challenges. By 2001, Osbourne was navigating sobriety, family life, and the pressures of maintaining his status as a heavy metal icon. The song was inspired by his reflections on his public persona versus his true self, as well as his deep appreciation for his fans’ unwavering support. In the liner notes of Down to Earth, Osbourne explicitly dedicated Gets Me Through to his fans, stating, “I wrote ‘Gets Me Through’ as a tribute to all of you. Saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough. I owe my life to you.” This dedication underscores the song’s emotional weight, as it serves as both a personal confession and a thank-you letter to those who sustained his career through turbulent times.
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The song’s production was also shaped by Tim Palmer, whose influence Osbourne compared to working with his late guitarist Randy Rhoads. Palmer’s patience and creative input were instrumental in crafting the album and this track in particular, helping Osbourne channel his raw emotions into a cohesive piece. The timing of the song’s release coincided with the early 2000s reality TV boom, with The Osbournes airing on MTV in 2002, offering fans a glimpse into Osbourne’s personal life. This context added layers to Gets Me Through, as it humanized the larger-than-life figure known as the “Prince of Darkness.”
Lyrical Content and Themes
Gets Me Through is a deeply introspective track that juxtaposes Osbourne’s public image with his inner vulnerabilities. The song opens with the lines, “I’m not the kind of person you think I am / I’m not the anti-Christ or the Iron Man,” immediately addressing the misconceptions surrounding his stage persona. These lyrics set the tone for a song that seeks to clarify Osbourne’s identity, dispelling myths about him being a satanic figure or a superhuman entity. The “anti-Christ” reference alludes to the controversy that followed him since his Black Sabbath days, when critics and religious groups accused the band of promoting dark or demonic themes. Similarly, “Iron Man” nods to both the Black Sabbath song and the larger-than-life image Osbourne cultivated over decades. By rejecting these labels, Osbourne asserts his humanity, revealing a man grappling with self-doubt and inner turmoil.
The lyrics delve into themes of loss and disillusionment, with lines like “I feel I’ve lost my spirit and sold my soul / Got no control.” These words reflect Osbourne’s struggles with addiction, depression, and the pressures of fame. The phrase “sold my soul” evokes the Faustian bargain often associated with rock stardom, where success comes at the cost of personal peace. Osbourne’s candid admission of feeling out of control resonates with listeners who have faced their own battles, making the song universally relatable despite its personal origins. The reference to “nightmares stalk for me at night” and “long and lonely nights” further paints a picture of a man haunted by his demons, both literal and metaphorical, as he navigates the isolation that often accompanies fame.
At its core, Gets Me Through is a love letter to Osbourne’s fans. The chorus, “But I still love the feeling I get from you / I hope you’ll never stop ‘cause it gets me through, yeah,” is a direct expression of gratitude. Osbourne acknowledges that the energy and support from his audience are what sustain him through his darkest moments. This sentiment is reinforced in the repetition of “I’m just trying to live,” a raw plea for understanding that underscores his desire to persevere despite his struggles. The song’s emotional honesty is amplified by its heavy metal instrumentation, with pounding drums by Mike Bordin, driving basslines by Robert Trujillo, and searing guitar work by Zakk Wylde, creating a soundscape that mirrors the intensity of Osbourne’s emotions.
The song also touches on Osbourne’s complex relationship with his public image. Lines like “I try to entertain you the best I can / I wish I’d started walking before I ran” suggest regret for how quickly he embraced the chaotic rockstar lifestyle. This introspection is rare for a heavy metal track, which often leans into bravado or aggression. Instead, Gets Me Through balances vulnerability with resilience, showcasing Osbourne’s ability to confront his flaws while celebrating the connection with his fans that keeps him grounded.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for Gets Me Through further amplifies its themes. Two versions were produced, with the original being banned by MTV due to its graphic imagery, including scenes of flames, destruction, and a particularly striking moment where a headless, blood-covered dove hits a wall. These visuals align with Osbourne’s provocative stage persona, known for controversial acts like biting the head off a bat. However, the banned version also included a satirical news segment where a presenter quotes “Satan” saying, “No, he’s not my boy, but I love him like a son,” which was later censored. The imagery, while shocking, reinforces the song’s message of confronting and defying stereotypes about Osbourne’s identity.
The song’s release in 2001, just before the premiere of The Osbournes, marked a turning point in how the public perceived Osbourne. The reality show revealed him as a flawed but lovable family man, and Gets Me Through complemented this narrative by offering fans a glimpse into his psyche. Its chart success and critical acclaim cemented its place as one of Osbourne’s standout tracks of the 2000s, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners drawn in by his growing mainstream visibility.
Musical Composition and Performance
Musically, Gets Me Through is a quintessential Ozzy Osbourne track, blending classic heavy metal with a modern edge. The song opens with an instrumental intro featuring a haunting guitar riff, setting a moody tone before erupting into a high-energy rhythm. The production, led by Tim Palmer, emphasizes clarity and power, allowing Osbourne’s vocals to shine while maintaining the aggressive instrumentation typical of his work. Mike Bordin’s drumming, Robert Trujillo’s bass, and Zakk Wylde’s guitar solos create a dynamic backdrop that complements the song’s emotional depth. The track’s structure, with its alternating verses and anthemic chorus, makes it both introspective and anthemic, suitable for both personal reflection and live performances, as evidenced by its inclusion on the Live at Budokan DVD.