The song “Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a heartfelt ballad by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne. It’s from Ozzy’s sixth album called “No More Tears,” which came out on November 17, 1991. The song features Ozzy on vocals, Zakk Wylde on guitar, Bob Daisley on bass, and Randy Castillo on drums. The lyrics were written by Lemmy, and the song was produced by Tom Fletcher.
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a song dedicated to Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, whose nickname is called “Mama.” They first met when Sharon’s father, Don Arden, was managing Ozzy’s band, Black Sabbath. After they got married, Sharon took charge of Ozzy’s career as his manager. She’s known for her determination, business skills, and her constant support for Ozzy.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song’s lyrics.
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“Mama, I’m Coming Home” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Times have changed and times are strange
Here I come, but I ain’t the same
Mama, I’m coming home
Time’s gone by, it seems to be
You could have been a better friend to me
Mama, I’m coming home
In Verse 1, Ozzy Osbourne is expressing that times have changed, and things are now different.
He is returning home, but he acknowledges that he has undergone some changes and is not the same person as before. Ozzy isn’t addressing his mother but his wife, telling her that he is coming back home.
“Mama” is an affectionate nickname Ozzy has used to call his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. At the end of every tour, Ozzy tells her, “Mama, I’m coming home,”
In the line “You could have been a better friend to me,” Osbourne also mentions that over time, it appears that his wife could have been a better friend to him.
[Pre-Chorus 1]
You took me in and you drove me out
Yeah, you had me hypnotized, yeah
Lost and found and turned around
By the fire in your eyes
In Pre-Chorus 1, Ozzy Osbourne is expressing feelings of being taken in and then pushed away.
He mentions that his wife (nicknamed “mama”) had a hypnotic influence on him. This suggests that he may have felt manipulated or controlled by her at times.
He also talks about feeling lost and then found in her presence, possibly indicating a rollercoaster of emotions.
The mention of “the fire in your eyes” suggests that his wife had a powerful and intense impact on him, both emotionally and psychologically.
[Verse 2]
You made me cry, you told me lies
But I can’t stand to say goodbye
Mama, I’m coming home
I could be right, I could be wrong
It hurts so bad, it’s been so long
Mama, I’m coming home
In Verse 2, Ozzy Osbourne is expressing his mixed emotions and conflicts in his relationship with his wife.
He mentions that she made him cry and told him lies, suggesting that their interactions were hurtful and characterized by deception.
Despite the pain he experienced, he admits that he can’t bear to say goodbye to her.
Ozzy reflects on the difficulty of their relationship and the passage of time, indicating a sense of longing and unresolved feelings.
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Selfish love, yeah, we’re both alone
The ride before the fall, yeah
But I’m gonna take this heart of stone
I’ve just got to have it all
In Pre-Chorus, Ozzy Osbourne is exploring the idea of a selfish and lonely love. He suggests that both he and his wife were alone in their feelings.
The line “The ride before the fall” implies that their relationship was tumultuous and heading towards a difficult point.
Despite the challenges, Ozzy expresses a strong desire to have it all, indicating a yearning for a more fulfilling and complete connection with his wife.
[Chorus]
I’ve seen your face a hundred times
Every day we’ve been apart
I don’t care about the sunshine, yeah
‘Cause Mama, Mama, I’m coming home
I’m coming home
In the Chorus, Ozzy Osbourne is expressing his deep feelings and a sense of longing for his wife. He mentions that he has seen her face countless times in his mind while they were apart.
He doesn’t care about the sunshine or external circumstances; what matters most to him is reuniting with his wife.
The repetition of “Mama, Mama, I’m coming home” emphasizes his strong desire to return to her and suggests a deep emotional connection.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a song written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, and it’s about the universal feeling of missing home and wanting to return, even if there were difficult or painful experiences there in the past.
The song “Mama, I’m Coming Home” got its title from Ozzy Osbourne’s affectionate nickname for his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, whom he calls “Mama.” After every tour, Ozzy would tell her, “Mama, I’m coming home,” which inspired the song’s name.
Ozzy Osbourne, known for his rock and heavy metal music, takes a departure from his usual style in this power ballad. Through its lyrics, he expresses a longing to return home, a place of comfort and emotional security. The song suggests that time has passed, and Ozzy has changed, but he yearns for the unconditional love and acceptance he associates with his wife.
The verses touch on the pain and conflicts that may have existed in their relationship, acknowledging past hurts and lies. However, Ozzy can’t bring himself to say goodbye.
Ozzy’s repeated declaration of “Mama, Mama, I’m coming home” conveys a powerful message of reconciliation and a longing to mend the rift that may have existed between them.
Ozzy Osbourne uses “Mama” as a nickname for his wife, possibly to convey his closeness, love, and emotional connection to her.
In Ozzy’s case, “Mama” may symbolize the nurturing and supportive role that Sharon plays in his life. She has been not only his wife but also his manager and a significant source of emotional support throughout his career and personal life.
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