This Means War!

Album: Extinction Level Event (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This samples "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. The metallic vocals mumbling "I am Iron Man" are replaced with Busta emitting a long, dragged out shout of the title. Ozzy Osbourne, who originally sang the song, performed on this as well, singing between Busta's rapped verses the way he originally performed the song, although with different lyrics.
  • "This Means War!!" was the song's title when it was originally released on Busta's album Extinction Level Event (The Final World Front). When it appeared on the compilation album Nativity in Black II: A Tribute to Black Sabbath, it was called "Iron Man (This Means War)".
  • Busta Rhymes: "He (Ozzy) was great. I remember when I first heard the song 'Iron Man.' The lyrics like 'Is he live or is he dead?' just affected me. The power he puts behind it. The intensity, the effect - it's the same way I approach my sh**, whether I'm recording or performing. To be able to do this on E.L.E. blew me away."
  • Ozzy had previously recorded another version of "Iron Man" with Therapy? for Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath.
  • Busta Rhymes: "Just to bring it even more so closer to the home plate of undisputed full blast hot record, I reached out to Ozzy."
  • Ozzy Osbourne: "Busta Rhymes is a trip. The rap world is totally different, not very rock and roll. But, Busta Rhymes was nothing but a gentleman, a really good guy to be around."
  • This song is an elaboration on "Iron Man." It adds that the Iron Man led a team into the future, but when he returned and was deemed insane, one of the team members betrayed him and convinced the people not to believe him, even causing other members of the team to join him. When the Iron Man has his revenge (leading the remaining loyal members of the team), he exacts it first on the traitors.
  • The music was performed by The Lordz of Brooklyn. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for all above

Comments: 2

  • Mike from Bristol, TnSir Mix-a-Lot did a rap version of "Iron Man" on his album "Swass" back in '88.
  • George from Hanover, Germany"This means War!" is also the title of a PC game, produced by Jeff "Johann" Johannigman in 1996 (Microprose) ;)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.