Ozzy Osbourne – Ordinary Man

By Paul Turner | Disciple Project Ministries | Birmingham, Alabama

NOTE: Team interlinc member Paul Turner’s re:Tuned discussion guide of this song will be included in the next edition of Youth Leaders Only. YLO members will get it, will you? Join now!

I was a big fan of Ozzy Osborne growing up. Now, if all you know about Ozzy is that he bit off the head of a bat and led everyone to hell, move along, this isn’t for you. I want to talk about one of Ozzy’s new songs that I can’t get out of my head. It’s called “Ordinary Man” – and it’s a duet with Elton John if you can believe it. 

In the song Ozzy says, 
Don’t forget me as the colors fade
When the lights go down, it’s just an empty stage
Okay

This is a love letter song for his fans. You see, Ozzy has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. His next album may be his last – depending on how his disease progresses. 

Here’s a man who sings, 
Yes, I’ve been a bad guy
Been higher than the blue sky
And the truth is I don’t wanna die an ordinary man
I’ve made momma cry
Don’t know why I’m still alive
Yes, the truth is I don’t wanna die an ordinary man

Ozzy was and is anything but ordinary, yet he realizes that even the self-proclaimed “Prince of Darkness” has an expiration date.

We are not unlike Ozzy. Every human I know, if I asked them, “Would you like to die an ‘ordinary’ person, or would you have like to have made an impact on others?” – just about all would say, “I’d like to have made an impact with the life I’ve been given.”

Whether this impact is with family, friends, or on a world stage, we all want to believe we’ve contributed something before we go.

I refuse to die an ordinary man, and you should refuse as well. God has given us way too much to waste it on petty things like on who has what, where’s mine, and how come I don’t have… and the reason I’m not such and such is that it’s so-and-so’s fault. Regret, unforgiveness, and bitterness is a waste. Live that way, and you will die ordinary. 

Want to rise above? Love people. 

Want to be unforgettable? Be generous with your time.

Want to make a difference? Invest in others without asking for anything in return. 

Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly.” How much life are you experiencing? What’s holding you back? 

If you die ordinary, it won’t be because you weren’t afforded the opportunity, it will be because you chose to be ordinary.