Now You See It (Now You Don't)

Ozzy Osbourne's 'Now You See It (Now You Don't)' delves into the complexities of perception and the often deceptive nature of reality. The song opens with the image of an 'overbearing woman,' suggesting a relationship fraught with tension and control. This figure seems to lay bare the protagonist's vulnerabilities, making it difficult for him to maintain his composure. The line 'Can I ask a question, D'ya think you can take a blow' hints at a confrontational dynamic, where emotional blows are exchanged, leading to a cycle of coming and going, a dance of visibility and invisibility.

The chorus, 'Now you see it, now you don't,' serves as a metaphor for the fleeting and unreliable nature of appearances. Osbourne warns of the dangers of words that can 'get caught in your throat,' emphasizing the importance of facing the truth head-on, even if it is uncomfortable. The phrase 'Face the music, take it like a man' suggests a call to confront reality with courage and resilience. The protagonist is urged to accept whatever comes his way, highlighting the inevitability of facing one's fears and challenges.

In the latter part of the song, Osbourne touches on themes of material comfort and existential dread. The request for 'central heating' and the hope of being able to 'pay the bill' symbolize a desire for stability and security. However, this is juxtaposed with the fear of 'hell,' indicating an underlying anxiety about the future. The mention of 'luck in odd numbers' and the feeling of being 'so far up' that he's 'afraid to come back down' reflect the precarious balance between success and failure, and the constant tension between aspiration and fear. Through these vivid metaphors and themes, Osbourne captures the elusive and often contradictory nature of human experience.