Mama, I'm Coming Home

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Mama, I'm Coming Home" by Ozzy Osbourne from his 1991 album No More Tears, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This power ballad, co-written with the late Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister and guitarist Zakk Wylde, holds a special place in Osbourne's catalog as his only solo Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 28, while climbing to No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song's lyrics, inspired by Osbourne's pet name for his wife Sharon, reflect a softer, reflective side of the Prince of Darkness, as he grappled with sobriety during the album's creation. In the 1997 compilation The Ozzman Cometh liner notes, Osbourne shared that the melody had been stuck in his head for years but only came together when working with Wylde on No More Tears. Zakk Wylde, in a 2022 interview, recalled crafting the song’s foundation on a piano in his North Hollywood apartment before transposing it to guitar in the studio, giving it that signature pedal steel vibe.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s music videos—yes, there were two! The first, a surreal attempt, was disliked by Osbourne for not matching the song’s emotional tone. He opted for a second video, directed by Samuel Bayer, which better captured the ballad’s heartfelt essence. Fans on Reddit’s Ozzy Osbourne community have shared personal stories about the song’s impact, with one user recounting how it became a poignant anthem after losing a friend’s mother and the friend himself, tying the song to moments of grief and remembrance. Even country star Carrie Underwood covered it in 2022 for her Apple Music Sessions EP, noting its country-like qualities and calling it one of her all-time favorite songs. Osbourne himself praised Lemmy’s lyrical prowess in a 2017 interview, recalling how Lemmy handed him five sets of stellar lyrics in just a couple of hours, cementing their fruitful collaboration.

Ozzy Osbourne’s journey to becoming a heavy metal legend began in Birmingham, England, where he was born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948. Raised in a working-class family, Osbourne dropped out of school at 15, taking odd jobs and engaging in petty crime, even landing in prison for two months at 17 for burglary. His musical spark ignited when he started singing in local rock bands, eventually forming the group Earth with guitarist Tony Iommi. To avoid confusion with another band, they renamed themselves Black Sabbath, inspired by a Boris Karloff horror film. Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut in 1970, with its dark, blues-infused, amplified sound, laid the groundwork for heavy metal, earning them a devoted following in Britain and the U.S. After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched his solo career with the help of Sharon Arden, whom he later married in 1982. His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring guitarist Randy Rhoads, went multiplatinum, propelled by the hit "Crazy Train."

Stay connected with Ozzy Osbourne through his official website, where you can find the latest news, music, and tour updates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes glimpses and fan interactions. Fans can dive deeper into the Ozzy universe by joining the Ozzy Osbourne Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing memories, photos, and discussions. Another great spot is r/OzzyOsbourne on Reddit, where Zoo Freaks and metalheads alike swap stories and celebrate the Prince of Darkness. For a fan-driven experience, check out Ozzyhead.com, a dedicated site packed with discographies, photos, and fan content.