Black Sabbath – Sign of the Southern Cross

About the song

Black Sabbath Embraces Faith and Rebellion in “Sign of the Southern Cross”

Released in 1981 on their album Mob Rules, “Sign of the Southern Cross” marked a turning point for Black Sabbath. This song showcased a shift in lyrical themes while retaining the band’s signature heavy sound.

A Song About Faith and Identity:

Unlike many of Black Sabbath’s earlier songs that explored darkness and the occult, “Sign of the Southern Cross” delves into themes of faith and cultural identity. The lyrics reference the constellation Crux, also known as the Southern Cross, which holds religious significance in some cultures. Lines like “Born beneath the Sign of the Southern Cross” establish a sense of belonging and connection to a higher power.

Ronnie James Dio’s Powerful Vocals:

The song features the powerful vocals of Ronnie James Dio, who had recently joined Black Sabbath as their lead singer. His distinctive high-pitched range and dramatic delivery add a new dimension to the band’s sound and perfectly complement the song’s anthemic qualities.

Tony Iommi’s Signature Riffs:

Despite the lyrical shift, “Sign of the Southern Cross” doesn’t abandon Black Sabbath’s heavy metal roots. The song is driven by Tony Iommi’s distinctive and powerful guitar riffs, creating a dense and atmospheric soundscape.

A Rebellion Against Conformity:

While the song explores themes of faith, it can also be interpreted as a rebellion against conformity. Lines like “We may be different, but we stand as one” can be seen as a celebration of individuality and the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs.

An Enduring Fan Favorite:

Despite the change in lyrical direction, “Sign of the Southern Cross” became a fan favorite. It showcased the band’s musical versatility and Dio’s powerful vocals, while retaining the heavy sound that made Black Sabbath legends.

Video

Lyrics

“The Sign Of The Southern Cross”

 

If there isn’t light when no one sees
Then how can I know what you might believe?
A story told that can’t be real
Somehow must reflect the truth we feel, yeahFade away, fade away
Vanish into small
Fade away, fade away
Break the crystal ball
Oh

It’s the sign
Feels like the time!

On a small world, west of wonder
Somewhere, nowhere all
There’s a rainbow that will shimmer
When the summer falls
If an echo doesn’t answer
When it hears a certain sound
Then the beast is free to wander
But never is seen around

And it’s the Sign of the Southern Cross
It’s the Sign of the Southern Cross
All right
Sail away
To the sign
Oh

From the book, the word is spoken
Whispers from forgotten song
Gather all around the young ones
They will make us strong
Reach above your dreams of pleasure
Give a life to those who died
Look beyond your own horizons
Sail the ship of sighs

And it’s the Sign of the Southern Cross
It’s the Sign of the Southern Cross
Fade away, fade away
Break the crystal ball
Fade away, fade away
I can’t accept it anymore

On a real world, west of wonder
Somewhere, nowhere all
There’s a rainbow, see it shimmer
When the summer falls
From the book, the word is spoken
Whispers from forgotten song
Gather all around the young ones
They will make us strong!

It’s the Sign of the Southern Cross
It’s the Sign of the Southern Cross

Don’t live for pleasure
Make life your treasure
Fade away!
Eight miles high, about to fall
And no one there to catch you
Look for the sign, the time
The Sign of the Southern Cross, yeah