According to author Paul Wilkinson in his book "Rat Salad," Black Sabbath wasn't entirely sure of what the word "paranoid" meant when they wrote their hit song of the same name — it was just a "vogue word" people were using. So perhaps it isn't entirely surprising that one of the most famous misheard lyrics in rock history occurs in the song, since the songwriters had a pretty shaky grasp of the English language to begin with.
According to lead singer Ozzy Osbourne, in his book "I Am Ozzy," people misheard the closing lines of the song, "I tell you to enjoy life," as "I tell you to end your life." He has attempted to correct reporters when asked about the lyrics, but the rumor persists.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, this misheard lyric crossed over from mildly amusing to tragic when a music fan named John Daniel McCollum died by suicide while listening to another Osbourne song. McCollum's parents sued, claiming Osbourne's lyrics encouraged his fans to end their lives. "Paranoid" and its misheard lyric became a key point during the trial. Ironically, the real lyric is a positive, life-affirming sentiment.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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