Meaning of "Working Class Hero" by Ozzy Osbourne

"Working Class Hero" is a powerful critique of social hierarchy and the exploitation of the working class. The lyrics explore the idea that from the moment of birth, individuals are made to feel insignificant and small by those in positions of power. The line "giving you no time instead of it all" suggests that the working class is denied opportunities and rights, leading to a sense of helplessness and worthlessness.

The song highlights the various ways in which the working class is oppressed. It mentions being hurt at home and school, reflecting the abuse and violence faced by individuals in these environments. The lyrics also criticize the disdain for intelligence, implying that the ruling class despises those who possess knowledge and actively discourages education.

The idea of being "crazy" is introduced to convey the psychological toll of this oppression. It suggests that the working class, subjected to constant mistreatment, can become mentally unstable and struggle to conform to societal rules. The repeated assertion that "a working class hero is something to be" serves as a rallying cry, urging the audience to embrace their identity and resist the expectations imposed upon them.

The lyrics also delve into the role of institutions in maintaining control over the working class. The mention of being "doped with religion and your sex and tv" implies that these distractions are utilized to keep the working class compliant and unaware of their own oppression. It criticizes the illusion of freedom and intelligence that individuals within this class may believe they possess, asserting that they are still "fucking peasants" in the eyes of the ruling elite.

In the final verse, the song discusses the false promise of upward mobility. It suggests that although the ruling class claims there is "room at the top," the path to success requires compromising one's morals and being complicit in the exploitation of others. The song challenges the notion that aspiring to be like those in power is desirable, emphasizing that being a working class hero requires resistance and defiance.

Overall, "Working Class Hero" serves as a searing critique of the oppressive forces faced by the working class, urging individuals to reject conformity and reclaim their own power.