Ozzy Osbourne – See You On The Other Side. Lyrics Meaning: A Promise of Reunion Beyond Goodbye

Ever had that gut-wrenching moment of saying goodbye to someone, knowing it might be for the last time? That heavy, hollow feeling in your chest, where a million things are left unsaid, but the clock has run out. It’s a universal punch to the gut, a feeling that connects us all in our most vulnerable moments. It’s a mix of grief, love, and a desperate hope for… something more.

Well, every now and then, a song comes along that just gets it. A piece of music that wraps itself around that exact emotion and holds it up to the light. Ozzy Osbourne’s epic power ballad, “See You On The Other Side,” is one of those masterpieces. But this song isn’t just about the sadness of parting; it’s a powerful declaration that goodbye isn’t the end. Let’s dive into what makes this track such a profound and comforting anthem for anyone who’s ever had to let go.

Cracking the of Ozzy Osbourne’s “See You On The Other Side”

The song kicks off with a haunting, almost surreal atmosphere. You can almost feel the air get thick as Ozzy sings. It’s not about one person’s voice, but a chorus of whispers from somewhere beyond our understanding.

Voices, a thousand, thousand voices
Whispering, the time has passed for choices
Golden days are passing over, yeah

This intro immediately sets the stage. We’re at a point of no return. The “golden days” are over, and a decision has been made for him. It feels like the final moments of life, a transition from one state of being to another. It’s somber, for sure, but there isn’t a sense of panic. It’s more like an acceptance of the inevitable.

A Glimpse Beyond the Veil

But right after setting this melancholic scene, the song’s core message bursts through like a ray of light. This isn’t a song about finality; it’s about a promise. It’s a direct message to a loved one left behind.

But I know I’ll see you once more

When I see you, I’ll see you on the other side
Yes, I’ll see you, I’ll see you on the other side

This is the heart and soul of the song. It’s a statement of absolute certainty. It’s not “I hope” or “I wish,” but a firm, unwavering I know. The “other side” isn’t presented as a scary unknown, but as a future meeting place. It immediately transforms the song from a lament into an anthem of hope.

Lyrics: "See You On The Other Side" by Ozzy Osbourne

[O.Osbourne – L.Kilmister – Z.Wylde]

Voices, a thousand, thousand voices
Whispering, the time has passed for choices
Golden days are passing over, yeah

I can’t seem to see you baby
Although my eyes are open wide
But I know I’ll see you once more

When I see you, I’ll see you on the other side
Yes, I’ll see you, I’ll see you on the other side

Leaving, I hate to see you cry
Grieving, I hate to say goodbye
Dust and ash forever, yeah

Though I know we must be parted
As sure as stars are in the sky
I’m gonna see when it comes to glory

And I’ll see you, I’ll see you on the other side
Yes I’ll see you, I’ll see you on the other side

Never thought I’d feel like this
Strange to be alone, yeah
But we’ll be together
Carved in stone, carved in stone, carved in stone

Hold me, hold me tight, I’m falling
Far away. Distant voices calling
I’m so cold. I need you darling, yeah

I was down, but now I’m flying
Straight across the great divide
I know you’re crying, but I’ll stop you crying

When I see you, I see you on the other side
Yes. I’ll see you. See you on the other side
I’m gonna see you. See you on the other side
God knows I’ll see you, see you on the other side, yeah

I’ll see you. See you on the other side
I’m gonna see you. See you on the other side
God knows I’ll see you, see you on the other side, yeah
I wanna see you, yeah, yeah, yeah, see you on the other side
God knows I’ll see you, see you on the other side, yeah
I’m gonna see you. See you on the other side

The Pain of Parting, The Certainty of Tomorrow

Ozzy doesn’t shy away from the raw pain of the moment, though. He acknowledges the grief his loved one is feeling, and it pains him to be the cause of it. The imagery here is stark and powerful.

Leaving, I hate to see you cry
Grieving, I hate to say goodbye

Dust and ash forever, yeah

The phrase “Dust and ash forever” is so final, so rooted in the physical reality of death. Yet, this is immediately contrasted with a cosmic promise that makes the earthly pain seem temporary. He compares his certainty of their reunion to a fundamental truth of the universe.

Though I know we must be parted
As sure as stars are in the sky
I’m gonna see when it comes to glory

It’s such a beautiful sentiment, isn’t it? The idea that their future meeting is as guaranteed as the existence of the stars. It elevates their bond from something earthly to something celestial and eternal.

From Loneliness to an Eternal Bond

The song’s bridge is where the narrator grapples with his new reality. There’s a moment of shock and loneliness, a feeling of being utterly alone in a strange new existence. But that feeling is quickly replaced by the strength of their connection.

Never thought I’d feel like this
Strange to be alone, yeah
But we’ll be together
Carved in stone, carved in stone, carved in stone

“Carved in stone.” That’s not a temporary promise written in the sand; it’s permanent. It’s a testament to a love so strong that not even death can break it. The repetition of the line hammers the point home—this bond is unbreakable and forever.

The Final Journey: Fear, Flight, and an Unbreakable Promise

The final verses paint a vivid picture of the soul’s journey. There’s a moment of fear and confusion, a sense of falling and being cold, a cry for comfort. But then, a glorious transformation occurs.

I was down, but now I’m flying
Straight across the great divide
I know you’re crying, but I’ll stop you crying

This part always gives me chills. He’s not just fading away; he’s flying. He’s actively crossing “the great divide” and his final thought is of comforting the one he left behind. His ultimate goal is to end their tears with the promise of seeing them again, which he repeats with growing passion until the song fades out.

At its core, “See You On The Other Side” is a beacon of light in the darkness of grief. It’s a powerful message that love transcends physical existence and that the connections we make are truly eternal. The song doesn’t deny the pain of loss, but it refuses to let it be the final word. It offers a spiritual perspective, a comforting hand on the shoulder that says, “This isn’t the end of our story, just the end of a chapter.”

But that’s just how I hear it. Music like this is so personal, and its meaning can shift from person to person. What does this song mean to you? Do you see it as a story of spiritual reunion, or perhaps a metaphor for overcoming a different kind of separation? I’d love to hear your take on it.

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