Black Sabbath

British heavy metal band

Black Sabbath were an English heavy metal band, formed in Birmingham in 1968, by guitarist and main songwriter Tony Iommi, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, singer Ozzy Osbourne, and drummer Bill Ward.

Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne

Song lyrics

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What is this that stands before me?
Figure in black which points at me
Turn around quick, and start to run
Find out I’m the chosen one – Oh no!

All songs written by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne.

  • What is this that stands before me?
    Figure in black which points at me
    Turn around quick, and start to run
    Find out I’m the chosen one – Oh no!
  • Visions cupped within a flower
    Deadly petals with strange power
    Faces shine a deadly smile
    Look upon you at your trial
    • Behind the Wall of Sleep
  • The world today is such a wicked place
    Fighting going on between the human race
    People got to work just to earn their bread
    While people just across the sea are counting their dead
    • Wicked World
  • Red sun rising in the sky
    Sleeping village, cock’rel’s cry
    Soft breeze blowing in the trees
    Peace of mind, feel at ease
    • Sleeping Village
 
In the fields the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
poisoning their brainwashed minds

All lyrics written by Geezer Butler.

  • Generals gathered in their masses
    Just like witches at black masses
    Evil minds that plot destruction
    Sorcerers of death’s construction
    In the fields the bodies burning
    As the war machine keeps turning
    Death and hatred to mankind
    poisoning their brainwashed minds
  • Make a joke and I will sigh
    And you will laugh and I will cry
    Happiness I cannot feel
    And love to me is so unreal
  • We sail through endless skies
    Stars shine like eyes
    The black night sighs
    The moon in silver dreams
    Falls down in beams
    Light of the night
    The Earth a purple blaze
    Of sapphire haze
    In orbit always
  • Robot minds of robot slaves
    Lead them to atomic graves
    Plastic flowers, melting sun
    Fading moon falls upon

    Dying world of radiation,
    Victims of man’s frustration
    Burning globe of obscene fire
    Like electric funeral pyre

    • Electric Funeral

All lyrics written by Geezer Butler.

  • So you children of the world, listen to what I say
    If you want a better place to live in spread the word today
    Show the world that love is still alive you must be brave
    Or you children of today are children of the grave.
  • Leave the earth to Satan and his slaves
    Leave them to their future in their graves
    Make a home where love is there to stay
    Peace and happiness in every day.

All lyrics written by Geezer Butler.

  • I’ve crossed the ocean, turned every bend
    I found the plastic and the gold at rainbow’s end
    I’ve seen through magic and through life’s reality
    I’ve lived a thousand years and never found the key
 
Let them have their little toys
Matchbox cars and mortgaged joys
Exciting in their plastic ways
Frozen food in a concrete maze
  • Too much near the truth they say
    Keep it ’til another day
    Let them have their little game
    Delusion helps to keep them sane

    Let them have their little toys
    Matchbox cars and mortgaged joys
    Exciting in their plastic ways
    Frozen food in a concrete maze

    • Cornucopia
  • So believe what I tell you, it’s the only way you’ll find in the end
    Just believe in yourself – you know you really shouldn’t have to pretend
    Don’t let those empty people try to interfere with your mind
    Just live your life and leave them all behind
    • Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes

All songs written by Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

 
Just remember love is life
And hate is living death
Treat your life for what it’s worth
And live for every breath
  • Nobody will ever let you know
    When you ask the reason why
    They just tell you that you’re on your own
    Fill your head all full of lies
  • Just remember love is life
    And hate is living death
    Treat your life for what it’s worth
    And live for every breath
    • A National Acrobat
  • You thought that it would be easy
    From the very start
    Now I’ve found you out
    I don’t think you’re so smart
    I only have one more question
    Before my time is through
    Please I beg you tell me
    In the name of hell
    Who are you?
    • Who Are You
  • Watching eyes of celluloid
    Tell you how to live
    Metaphoric motor-replay
    Give, give, give!
    Laughter kissing love
    Is showing me the way
    Spiral city architect
    I build, you pay
    • Spiral Architect

All songs written by Black Sabbath.

 
I’ve watched the dogs of war enjoying their feast
I’ve seen the western world
go down in the east
The food of love became
the greed of our time
But now I’m living on the profits of crime
  • I’ve watched the dogs of war enjoying their feast
    I’ve seen the western world go down in the east
    The food of love became the greed of our time
    But now I’m living on the profits of crime
    • Hole in the Sky
  • Take me through the centuries to supersonic years
    Electrifying enemy is drowning in his tears
    All I have to give you is a love that never dies
    The symptom of the universe is written in your eyes
  • Blow on a Jug
    Everybody come on – blow on a jug
    Be like me and blow on a jug
    I want you to blow on a jug
    Everybody begin – blow on a jug
    • Blow on a Jug
 
I’m a rock ‘n roll soldier, gonna play it until I’m dead
 
The world is full of
Kings and Queens
Who blind your eyes
and steal your dreams
It’s Heaven and Hell
 
If there isn’t light when no one sees, then how can I know what you might believe? A story told that can’t be real, somehow must reflect the truth we feel.
 
For the thrust of my challenge is aimed at the hearts of mutant gods who think we’re all the same. They’re controlling our minds and they use us for fortune and fame.
 
Hear the sound of distant ages
It’s the call of the seventh star

All songs written by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne, unless noted.

  • I’m just another back street kid
    Rock ‘n roll music is the only thing I really dig
    Can’t stop the music going round inside my head
    I’m a rock ‘n roll soldier, gonna play it until I’m dead
    Nobody I know is gonna take my rock ‘n roll away from me
    • Back Street Kids

All songs written by Black Sabbath.

 
It’s a part of me that tells you
Oh, don’t you ever
Don’t ever say die
Never, never, never say die
  • It’s a part of me that tells you
    Oh, don’t you ever
    Don’t ever say die
    Never, never, never say die
  • And as the seasons turn the days to years
    She holds her pictures, hears the silent cheers
    The days grow lonely for the dancing queen
    And now she dances only in her dreams
    • Air Dance

All lyrics written by Ronnie James Dio.

  • Cry out to legions of the brave
    Time again to save us from the jackals of the street
    Ride out, protectors of the realm
    Captain’s at the helm, sail across the sea of lights
  • We made the mountains shake with laughter as we played
    Hiding in our corner of the world
    Then we did the demon dance and rushed to nevermore
    Threw away the key and locked the door
  • The lover of life’s not a sinner
    The ending is just a beginner
    The closer you get to the meaning
    The sooner you’ll know that you’re dreaming
  • The world is full of Kings and Queens
    Who blind your eyes and steal your dreams
    It’s Heaven and Hell
    • Heaven and Hell
  • Life’s fantasy – to be locked away and still to think you’re free
  • So live for today
    Tomorrow never comes
    • Die Young

All lyrics written by Ronnie James Dio.

  • Nighttime sorrow, taken like a pain
    Black will not become a white, it’s all the same
    Evil lurks in twilight, dances in the dark
    Makes you need the movement, like a fire needs a spark to burn!
    • Turn Up the Night
  • If there isn’t light when no one sees
    Then how can I know what you might believe?
    A story told that can’t be real
    Somehow must reflect the truth we feel
    • The Sign of the Southern Cross
  • From the book, the word is spoken
    Whispers from forgotten psalms
    Gather all around the young ones
    They will make us strong
    Reach above your dreams of pleasure
    Given life to those who died
    Look beyond your own horizons
    Sail the ship of signs
    • The Sign of the Southern Cross
  • I should be at the table round
    A servant of the crown
    The keeper of the sign
    To sparkle and to shine
    • Falling Off the Edge of the World
  • There’s a message inside as we build a new life from the past
    • Falling Off the Edge of the World
  • Don't live for pleasure, make life your treasure
    • The Sign of the Southern Cross

All songs written by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ian Gillan, unless noted.

  • Good life is contradiction because of the crucifixion
    If you’re ready and have the need, I will take your soul and plant my seed
    • Disturbing the Priest
  • The devil and the priest can’t exist if one goes away
    It’s just like the battle of the sun and the moon and night and day
    The force of the devil, that’s we’re all told to fear
    Watch out for religion when he gets too near too near
    • Disturbing the Priest
  • As you look through my window
    Deep into my room
    At the tapestries all faded
    Their vague and distant glories
    Concealed in the gloom
    The icy fingers of forgotten passions
    Softly brushing my lips
    At the tips of my primitive soul
    • Born Again
  • For the thrust of my challenge is aimed
    At the hearts of mutant gods
    who think we’re all the same
    They’re controlling our minds
    And they use us for fortune and fame
    • Born Again
 
Crowned in his ancient glory
There’s a king within us all

All lyrics written by Tony Iommi, Glenn Hughes, Geoff Nicholls and Jeff Glixman.

  • Hear the sound of distant ages
    It’s the call of the seventh star
    • Seventh Star

All lyrics written by Tony Iommi.

  • In the wisdom of the prophet’s
    Never-ending tale
    “Open up the eyes
    Within your mind,” he says
    Crowned in his ancient glory
    There’s a king within us all
    Some will say it’s all in vain
    That he doesn’t have a name
    • Ancient Warrior
  • He’s not one thing, we are his spirit
    We could save this world from destruction day
    • Eternal Idol
 
How do you feel, when the locks refuse the key and the master is calling your name? Does the luck of the charm, really keep you from harm? Does the talisman protect you from pain?

All songs written by Black Sabbath.

  • How do you feel, when the locks refuse the key
    and the master is calling your name
    Does the luck of the charm, really keep you from harm?
    Does the talisman protect you from pain?
    • Headless Cross
  • Tell me not fear of the flames means that heaven is closer
    For I believe Satan lives, in the souls of the dying
    Misguided mortals, you’ll burn with me
    Spirit of man, cannot be freed.
    • When Death Calls
  • Your assassin has cursed every spectre
    The seal is broken, the oath has been crossed
    and the house of the dead seeks a master
    • Kill in the Spirit World
  • Fear of the devil has no place among the brave
    Faced with pain, there’s a battle to be won
    All eyes are on you, like a lost Eternal Light
    • Call of the Wild

Tyr (1990)

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All lyrics written by Tony Martin.

 
Do you follow the path that so many tread? Are you among the blind so easily lead?
  • Do you follow the path that so many tread?
    Are you among the blind so easily lead?
    • Anno Mundi
  • What God is this that stands to hear his people cry?
    What hand would strike and watch his people die?
    What life that takes, what future did we earn?
    It’s our mistakes, take heed the Sabbath Stones
    • The Sabbath Stones

All songs written by Geezer Butler, Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi.

  • Oh there’s insufficient evidence
    Of what just might come after
    But sometimes out of nowhere
    There’s demented sounds of laughter
    • After All (The Dead)
 
You’ll see you’ve got invisible chains
They’re only lies
Not what it seems
  • Looking for the world
    When you’ve opened up your eyes
    You’ll see you’ve got invisible chains
    They’re only lies
    Not what it seems
    I hear your silent screams
    • Time Machine
 
You better run from the holy man, the eyes that will are set upon you. Listen not to verse and prayer, songs that thrill and voices tempt you.
The inner flame has fear of death, never, has light ever seemed so dark. Pilgrims of sabbocracy, hear the hounds of heaven, as they bark

All songs written by Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Tony Martin, unless noted.

  • You better run from the holy man, the eyes that
    Will are set upon you,
    Listen not to verse and prayer, songs that thrill
    And voices tempt you
    The inner flame has fear of death, never, has
    Light ever seemed so dark.
    Pilgrims of sabbocracy, hear the hounds of
    Heaven, as they bark
    • I Witness
  • Can you hear, the people sing their song
    To tunes of glory, they move as one.
    Refugees of liberation marching on. Sing your songs, rock the nation, write of wrongs.
    • Dying for Love
  • What’s the use of power
    When the battle isn’t equal
    And we’re all too scared to use it anyway

    What’s the point of reason
    When no one wants to listen
    Deliverance is all too far away

    • What's the Use?
 
All of your life,
they try to take your cover,
Turn you into another,
and make you change your name.

All lyrics written by Tony Martin, unless noted.

  • Fool, you’re caught in a complex catacomb of your own inadequcies and pitiful weaknesses,
    Your soul secretes insecurity.
    So you live on the reflection side of the mirror; you’re terrified of true power.
    You Fear
    • The Illusion of Power, written by Tony Martin and Ice-T
  • All of your life, they try to take your cover,
    Turn you into another, and make you change your name.
    When you fall, it’s up to you to recover,
    You can’t depend on another, to help you with the pain
    • Shaking Off the Chains

13 (2013)

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All lyrics written by Geezer Butler, unless noted.

  • Regeneration of your Cyber sonic soul,
    transformed in time and space beyond control.
    Rise up resist and be the master of your fate.
    Don’t look back, live for today, tomorrow is too late.
 
To safeguard my philosophy
Until my dying breath
I transfer from reality
Into a living dead
  • To safeguard my philosophy
    Until my dying breath
    I transfer from reality
    Into a living dead
    I empathize with enemies until the time is right
    With God and Satan at my side, from darkness will come light
    I watch the rain as it turns red
    Give me more wine I don’t need bread
    These riddles that live inside my head
  • Politics, religion, love of money too.
    It’s what the world was built for but not for me and you
    • Age of Reason
  • Guess we’re all running out of time
    So live your own life and let me live mine
    To each their own to question why
    We’re all just links that forge the chain of life
    • Naïveté in Black

Other

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  • There are whispers between the screams
    That this deed can be done
    Even sinners must dream
    And I can be the one to make the Devil cry

Quotes about Black Sabbath

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  • I brought melody and classicalness and a great amount of musicality to this band. Ozzy began it, and he deserves all the accolades he can get because he helped invent this kind of music. What he did was absolutely right for what it was, but music grew at that point, and I think it grew beyond what Ozzy was capable of giving an audience from a musical standpoint.
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