Shot in the Dark
#OzzyOsbourne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear my heavy breathing.
Paid for the kill but it doesn't seem right;
something there I can believe in .
Voices are calling from inside my head.
I can hear them, I can hear them,
vanishing memories of things that were said,
But a shot in the dark, one step away from you.
A shot in the dark, always creeping up on you
Taught by the powers that preach over me
I can hear their empty reason
I wouldn't listen I learnt how to fight
I opened up my mind to treason
But just like the wounded and when it's too late
They'll remember they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark one step away from you
A shot in the dark not a thing that you can do
A shot in the dark always creeping up on you
But just like the wounded and when it's too late
They'll remember they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark one step away from you
A shot in the dark not a thing that you can do
A shot in the dark always creeping up on you
"Shot in the Dark" by Ozzy Osbourne is a rock song that muses on the fragile nature of life and the constant battle to survive. The opening lyrics suggest an ominous atmosphere that is both threatening and obscure. The singer of the song is on a quest for something meaningful, but his struggle is fraught with danger and uncertainty. His heavy breathing and the voices inside his head emphasize the intensity of his pursuit. He paid for the kill, but he doesn't believe in it, indicating that he has lost faith in the system that demands he take such actions. His restless search for truth and purpose is represented by the repeated refrain, "But a shot in the dark, one step away from you."
The lyrics go on to describe the singer's struggle against the powers that preach over him. His defiance is evident in the line "I opened up my mind to treason." Despite his willingness to fight, he acknowledges that he may end up just like the wounded, only remembered in defeat. The refrain is repeated once again, emphasizing that the threat of a shot in the dark is always present, always creeping up on him. The final lines are a declaration of his resilience and his refusal to be underestimated.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the street, I'm stalking the night,
I am wandering the streets at night, searching for some kind of purpose or direction.
I can hear my heavy breathing.
I am anxious and on edge as I walk the streets.
Paid for the kill but it doesn't seem right;
I have done things for money, but it doesn't feel morally just.
something there I can believe in .
I am searching for something real and meaningful in my life.
Voices are calling from inside my head.
I am struggling with my inner demons and hearing negative self-talk.
vanishing memories of things that were said,
I am forgetting important things that have been said to me.
they can't try to hurt me now.
My past mistakes cannot harm me anymore.
But a shot in the dark, one step away from you.
I am taking a risk, but it is one that brings me closer to you.
A shot in the dark, always creeping up on you
This risk is something that is always looming in the shadows, but ultimately unavoidable.
Taught by the powers that preach over me
I have been guided by authorities that try to control me.
I can hear their empty reason
I am aware that their teachings do not hold true meaning.
I wouldn't listen I learnt how to fight
I have chosen to stand up for my own beliefs and fight against the teachings of others.
I opened up my mind to treason
I have allowed myself to explore alternative beliefs and viewpoints.
But just like the wounded and when it's too late
As with those who have been hurt, change and redemption may only come when it is almost too late.
They'll remember they'll surrender
Those who hurt me or opposed my beliefs will eventually see the error of their ways and give up.
Never a care for the people who hate
I am not concerned with the opinions of those who oppose me.
Underestimate me now
Those who doubt me will be proven wrong in the end.
But a shot in the dark one step away from you
My risk-taking brings me closer to you, even though it is still uncertain.
A shot in the dark not a thing that you can do
The outcome of this risk is not predetermined and cannot be controlled.
A shot in the dark always creeping up on you
This risk will always remain a presence, even if the outcome is unclear.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN OSBOURNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind