Though the band had previously experimented with synthesizers on Sabotage’s “Am I Going Insane (Radio),” “Johnny Blade” features them more prominently than ever. With a warped electronic intro, followed by some breakneck snare work by Bill Ward, the song details the life of ‘Johnny Blade,’ a knife-w...
[Verse 1]
Tortured and twisted, he walks the streets alone
People avoid him, they know the street's his home
Cold blade of silver, his eyes, they burn so wild
Mean as a tiger, society's own child
[Pre-Chorus]
Those that tried to burn him paid
You don't do that to Johnny Blade
[Chorus]
He's the meanest guy around his town
One look and he will cut you down
Johnny Blade, Johnny Blade
[Verse 2]
Life has no meaning and Death's his only friend
Will fate surprise him, where will he meet his end?
He feels so bitter, yes, he's so full of hate
To die in the gutter, I guess that's Johnny's fate
[Pre-Chorus]
Rivals all across the land
He kills them with his knife in hand
[Chorus]
He's the meanest guy around his town
One look and he will cut you down
Johnny Blade, Johnny Blade
Johnny Blade, Johnny Blade
[Bridge]
Well you know that Johnny's a spider
And his web is the city at night
He's a victim of modern frustration
That's the reason he's so ready to fight
He's the one who should be afraid
What will happen to you, Johnny Blade?
[Verse 3]
Oh, he knows his future's decided
And he ain't gonna change it, no way
He was born to die in the gutter
He'll keep fighting till the end of his days
[Bridge]
Been alone all through his life
His only friend is a switchblade knife
He's the one who should be afraid
What will happen to you, Johnny Blade?
[Outro]
You fool the people
Who's fooling who?
It's time to listen
The fool is you
Johnny Blade was written by Bill Ward & Ozzy Osbourne & Tony Iommi & Geezer Butler.
Johnny Blade was produced by Black Sabbath.
Black Sabbath released Johnny Blade on Thu Sep 28 1978.
According to Butler, the song
was inspired by Ward’s brother, who used to run with a violent gang as a teenager.