Album information
Before this album was recorded, Ozzy Osbourne quit the band and was briefly replaced by former Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac vocalist Dave Walker. Some songs were written with Walker, and the new group even performed an early version of "Junior's Eyes" with different lyrics on the BBC programme, Look Hear. Osbourne eventually rejoined the band, refusing to sing any of the songs written with Walker. These particular songs were rewritten, including "Junior's Eyes" (rewritten to be about the then-recent death of Ozzy's father). All four band members sing on "A Hard Road".
The album was recorded at Sounds Interchange Studios in Toronto, as were parts of Technical Ecstasy.
The sleeve was another by Hipgnosis and the US and UK releases differed slightly in the faint images seen in the sky. The inner-bag featured graphics in keeping with the sleeve and credits, but no lyrics.
In the UK the title-track, released well-ahead of the album and the band's first UK picture-sleeve single, reached #21 in the chart and gave the band its first Top Of The Pops appearances since 1970. The band twice appeared live in the studio, miming to the song. One of these appearances was included on the official The Black Sabbath Story Vol. 1 - 1970-1978 ]video release, in a poor b/w transfer from a fan's off-air archive.
In the UK the album reached #12, one place higher than Technical Ecstasy. In the US it peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Pop Album chart. It was certificatied Gold on November 7, 1997.
In the UK "A Hard Road" was released as the second single from the album and reached the UK Top 40, 25,000 copies being pressed in a limited-edition purple-vinyl. There was no picture-sleeve release.
Video from this period, professionally recorded on the UK tour at the Hammersmith Odeon in June 1978, can be seen on the Sanctuary Visual Entertainment DVD, also entitled Never Say Die.
Track listing
All songs by Butler, Iommi, Osbourne, Ward.
Side one
"Never Say Die" – 3:49
"Johnny Blade" – 6:28
"Junior's Eyes" – 6:42
"A Hard Road" – 6:04
Side two
"Shock Wave" – 5:15
"Air Dance" – 5:17
"Over to You" – 5:22
"Breakout" – 2:35
"Swinging the Chain" – 4:17
Personnel
Ozzy Osbourne – lead vocals
Tony Iommi – guitar, backing vocals on "A Hard Road"
Geezer Butler – bass guitar, backing vocals on "A Hard Road"
Bill Ward – drums, lead vocals on "Swinging the Chain", backing vocals on "A Hard Road"
Don Airey – keyboards
John Elstar – harmonica
Will Malone – brass arrangements
Never Say Die
Black Sabbath Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for the answers that they know inside
Searching for a reason, looking for a rhyme
Snow White's mirror said "partners in crime"
Don't they ever have to worry?
Don't you ever wonder why?
It's a part of me that tells you
Oh, don't you ever, don't ever say die
Never, never, never say die again
Sunday's satisfaction, Monday's home and dry
Truth is on the doorstep, welcome in the lie
All dressed up in sorrow, got no place to go
Hold back, 'till it's ready, taking it slow
Don't they ever have to worry?
Don't you ever wonder why?
It's a part of me that tells you
Oh, don't you ever, don't ever say die
Never, never, never say die again
Don't you ever say die
Don't you ever say die
Never say die
Panic, silver lining, writing's on the wall
Children get together, you can save us all
Future's on the corner, throwing us a die
Slow down, turn around, everything's fine
There's no need to have a reason
There's no need to wonder why
It's a part of me that tells you
Oh, don't you ever, don't ever say die
Never, never, never say die again
The lyrics of Black Sabbath's song "Never Say Die" are a reflection of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in life. The song talks about people who feel lost and taken for a ride, searching for answers they already know inside. They are looking for a reason and purpose in their lives, and are hoping to find some type of redemption or salvation. However, they are met with the harsh reality that life is full of sorrow and uncertainty.
The lyrics also suggest that people often live in denial and ignore the harsh truth that is right in front of them. They are so desperate for happiness and fulfillment that they are willing to accept lies and false promises. The line "Truth is on the doorstep, welcome in the lie" suggests that people are so blinded by their desire for happiness that they are willing to accept deceit as long as it brings them temporary relief.
However, the chorus of the song is a message of hope and resilience. The lyric "Oh, don't you ever, don't ever say die. Never, never, never say die again" is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
People going nowhere, taken for a ride
People are directionless and easily manipulated by others who take advantage of them.
Looking for the answers that they know inside
People search for answers to their problems within themselves rather than seeking external solutions.
Searching for a reason, looking for a rhyme
People try to make sense of their lives by looking for patterns and connections between events.
Snow White's mirror said "partners in crime"
People often end up working together with others who are equally lost and aimless.
Don't they ever have to worry?
People who appear carefree and irresponsible may have a hidden struggle.
Don't you ever wonder why?
Instead of being dismissive, we should take the time to understand people's behavior and motivations.
It's a part of me that tells you
Our intuition and gut feelings can guide us in life choices and decision-making.
Oh, don't you ever, don't ever say die
We should never give up on ourselves and our dreams, even when things get tough.
Never, never, never say die again
We should always strive to maintain hope and perseverance throughout our lives.
Sunday's satisfaction, Monday's home and dry
People find temporary relief and comfort on weekends, but return to routine on Mondays with no long-term solutions for their problems.
Truth is on the doorstep, welcome in the lie
People often choose to ignore the truth in favor of believing lies that make them feel better about their situation.
All dressed up in sorrow, got no place to go
People may put up appearances of being okay, but ultimately feel lost and alone.
Hold back, 'till it's ready, taking it slow
Sometimes we need to be patient and wait for the right time to take action or make change.
Panic, silver lining, writing's on the wall
Even in dark times, there is always a glimmer of hope and opportunity for positive change.
Children get together, you can save us all
The younger generation has the potential to make a difference and save society from its problems.
Future's on the corner, throwing us a die
The future is unpredictable and can veer in any direction.
Slow down, turn around, everything's fine
Sometimes we need to take a step back and refocus in order to realize that everything will be okay.
There's no need to have a reason
Not everything in life has a clear explanation or justification.
There's no need to wonder why
We should accept that some things are beyond our control and understanding.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANTHONY IOMMI, JOHN OSBOURNE, TERENCE BUTLER, WILLIAM WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ferenc Zakharides
on Sweet Leaf
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