"Ordinary Man" is a song by English musician Ozzy Osbourne, featuring fellow British musician Elton John on piano and vocals. It also features Slash on guitar, Duff McKagan on bass (both from Guns N' Roses), and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums.
With production by Andrew Watt, the song was released on 10 January 2020 as the third single from Osbourne's twelfth studio album of the same name. It won the 2021 Planet Rock Award for Best British Single.
Composition and lyrics The song is a self-reflection on Osbourne's life and career as a musician and media personality, particularly with his struggles with substance abuse, his relationship with his wife Sharon (whom he refers to as "Mama"), and how he wishes not to die as an "ordinary man" and thus leave a legacy to everyone especially his fans amidst his declining health at the time.
Personnel Personnel taken from Ordinary Man CD booklet.
Ozzy Osbourne – vocals Elton John – vocals, piano Slash – guitars Andrew Watt – guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals Duff McKagan – bass Chad Smith – drums Holly Laessig – backing vocals Jess Wolfe – backing vocals
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2020) Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (2020) Position US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) 80
References