“Patient Number 9” by Ozzy Osbourne (ft. Jeff Beck)

It has been ascertained that in “Patient Number 9”, Ozzy Osbourne is taking on the role of a patient inside of a mental institution. As expressed in the lyrics, the vocalist feels as if he’s being interned unjustifiably, though that sounds exactly like the type of a thing a crazy person, if you will, is likely to believe. Indeed, what it seems is being implied here is that this character is dealing with some type of mental issues.

But as for Osbourne’s personal assessment of this track, he has explained that this piece is about “Sharon and I”. At the time of this song’s release, Sharon and Ozzy have been married for about 40 years. And to note, neither of them are mental patients.

So arguably, more to the point of “Patient Number 9” is it being an allusion to the notion that sometimes the system may overreact to people who are dealing with various psychological issues.

In the process of doing so, i.e. labeling, interning and/or drugging them or what have you, the system may actually be making the situation worse. Or in any event, this song clearly illustrates that no one in their right – or even wrong mind for that matter – would want to be institutionalized inside a mental ward. 

It also should be pointed out that, all things considered, it would appear that the number “nine”, as referenced, has some type of numerological significance to the people who created this song.

Release of “Patient Number 9”

This is the title track and opening song on the playlist of a 2022 Ozzy Osborne’s studio album. In a way, the entirety of “Patient Number 9” can be described as a collaborative album. This is because all but two tracks on its 13-song playlist feature another artist. For example, Zakk Wylde and Jeff Beck do make a number of appearances on the project.

This track was officially released through Epic Records on 24 June 2022. 

Credits

This was produced by Watt, one of the most-ubiquitous behind-the-scenes’ men active these days. He also had a hand in writing this song with another recognizable name in that regard, Ali Tamposi. Other names that contributed songwriting to this piece are:

• Ozzy Osbourne
• Chad Smith (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers)
• Robert Trujillo (of Metallica fame)

The music video to this track was animated and directed by Todd McFarlane. Some readers would recognize Todd as a very-prominent comic book creator.

Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck is a rock musician who has practically been in the game since said genre began. For instance, he is currently a member of the legendary 1960s’ group The Yardbirds. In fact Ozzy, whose own discography is over four decades’ long and is an industry mainstay in his own right, has expressed strong admiration for Beck. Ozzy also showed so much appreciation for Beck’s participation on this project.