The British occultist and founder of the religious movement of Thelema Aleister Crowley was a mysterious person. His name is shrouded in numerous legends, the number of which is still growing. Led Zeppelin musician Jimmy Page is known to have admired his teachings.
But now it’s not about his work, but about the song Mr. Crowley shocking Ozzy Osbourne.
History of the creation of the song Mr Crowley
This composition became the first solo project of the former Black Sabbath singer after his dismissal from the group.
In the liner notes for The Ozzman Cometh, Ozzy wrote:
I have read several books about Aleister Crowley. He was a very strange guy and I always wanted to write a song about him. When we were recording Blizzard of Ozz, there was a deck of Thoth Tarot cards he had drawn in the studio. And so one thing led to another, and the song Mr. Crowley.
It happened in 1980. The recording featured guitarist Randy Rhoads, drummer Lee Kerslake and bassist Bob Daisley. The organ introduction was performed by Don Airey. Randy Rhodes’ solo is considered one of the best in the history of rock music. It has been included in several lists of the greatest guitar solos.
The meaning of the song Mr. Crowley
There are several interesting lines in the text of Ozzy Osbourne’s composition. The meaning of some of them can be interpreted in different ways, which Ozzy fans are willing to do.
For example, the words “won’t you ride my white horse” can be considered an allusion to the opium that Osborn smoked, or a symbol of death (think of the four horsemen from the Bible). However, this is far from the only phrase in the song, the meaning of which can be argued.
Interesting Facts
- Ozzy pronounces the song’s character’s name as “Crowley”, although the correct spelling is “Crowley”.
- A character named Mr. Crowley is in the computer game Fallout 3. His murder on the order of a former companion is one of the optional tasks.
- The album Diary of a Madman was named after Aleister Crowley’s autobiography.
- Don Airey often inserted a solo from Mr. Crowley to various songs while already playing in Deep Purple.
Lyrics Crowley-Ozzy Osbourne
Mr. Crowley, what went on in your head?
Oh Mr. Crowley, did you talk to the dead?
Your life style to me seemed so tragic
With the thrill of it all
You fooled all the people with magic
Yeah, you waited on Satan’s door
Mr. Charming, did you think you were pure?
Mr. Alarming, in nocturnal rapport
Uncovering things that were sacred
Manifest on this Earth
Conceived in the eye of a secret
And they scattered the afterbirth
Mr. Crowley, won’t you ride my white horse?
Mr. Crowley, it’s symbolic, of course
Approaching a time that is classic
I hear that maiden’s call
Approaching a time that is drastic
Standing with their backs to the wall
Was it polemically sent
l want to know what you meant
I want to know, I want to know what you meant, yeah
Translation of the song Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne
Mr. Crowley, what was going on in your head?
Oh, Mr. Crowley, have you spoken to the dead?
Your way of life seems so tragic to me
He is so exciting
You fooled everyone with magic
Yes, you’ve been waiting at Satan’s door
Mr Charming, did you think you were clean?
Mister Confusion, in the nightly accord
Revealing all that was sacred
Tell the earth about it
born in secret
And they scattered the last
Mr. Crowley, would you like to ride my white horse?
Mr. Crowley, of course, this is symbolic
Approaching the classical era,
I hear the call of the maiden
Approaching the era of change
They stand with their backs to the wall
Was it a call for controversy
I want to know what you mean
I want to know, I want to know what you mean
