Hero

Well, this song was (and still is) very profound to me. Here's my take:

I was in the prime of my teenage years when this song came out (1988). I was a struggling teenager transitioning from being a kid to becoming an adult. Many teens think they have a lot of problems during this transition. I was one of them. Music is a common way for people 'to keep their sanity'. Well, people often relate to the music they listen to.

I think this song kinda correlated to the John McCollum suicide lawsuit brought against Ozzy around 1987 (Another similar situation around this time occurred with Judas Priest where they were being sued after 2 young men killed themselves listening to their music). The trial was going on probably about the time Ozzy was making the No Rest For The Wicked album (this song was originally hidden on this album).

I think Ozzy wrote this song to say, 'I am not your hero, king, or god. I can't solve your problems so please don't think I can.' He even suggests he's got his own problems, 'don't think you'll ever understand me, I don't even understand me' without being expected to assume the problems of some of his fans (I've got a life of my own).

The reference to 'I don't wanna disappoint the fools no more'... Meaning, don't be foolish enough to think he has the power to whisk away your problems. Or worse, be foolish enough to commit suicide listening to his music. It's really in his best interest his fans live so they'll continue to buy his music, ha ha (please don't go). Kinda like, 'Be a good fan and enjoy my music, but don't die because of it (Or, make really bad life-choices).'

I think this was a hidden bonus track because they probably weren't sure how it would be received by his fans following the outcome of the trial (around that time). I think it was included on the album to kinda remind fans to enjoy his music, but don't be foolish enough to think he's all so powerful. Plus, I think it was to ensure no other fans in the future would misinterpret his music in such a drastic way. He really doesn't wanna be directly responsible for the lives (or deaths) of his fans.

I think that this has a somewhat similar theme to "Walk on Water". It sounds like this is almost a lament for Ozzy, of everyone viewing him as being something "larger than life", when that is not how he sees himself at all.

A terrific song. I was shocked when i first heard it, because as mentioned by others, it does not show up on the list of songs for the album. I think that also tends to let one read into this that this song represents some personal thoughts for Ozzy.

I never knew this song was considered a hidden track. I had this on cassette when it first came out and the song was simply in the line up with the rest.

what cd is this on?

It can be found on "No Rest For The Wicked"

It's song 9

Fucking awesome tune, one of the best on that cd. Nice surprise when you get to the end and - A. There's a bonus track.
and B. Its actually a fucking GOOD bonus track, as good if not better than others on the album!!

This album is totally underrated anyways. Ozzy and Zakk should play at least one or two songs off of it one of these days.

it's a beautiful song, one of Ozzy's best, not bad for a bonus track at all! i see the lyrics on multiple levels, from his point of view it's most likely about him and his many fans, but depending on the situation it means alot. i especially like the keyboard solo in the intro, Ozzy!

He says "Randy" please don't go. Not baby. Referring to Randy Rhodes his former guitarist, best friend and despite the age difference his hero. Randy got Ozzy cleaned up off of alcohol. He reminded Ozzy that there was no limit to creating. He (Randy) used to look up to Ozzy, oftentimes calling him his hero. Ozzy blamed himself for not being able to protect Randy and for the longest time he felt the weight of guilt on his shoulders when Randy was killed. Through the next few albums he subsequently wrote songs that increasingly told of his eventual freeing himself of that burden.

“The fools no more” doesn’t make sense. Perhaps that line should be “the fools know more”?