Paradox SA

One consistent question is how much is too much. The amount that one has (financially, environmentally, socially, etc.) is relative, always being compared to someone else. Wanting just one single thing when anything in the world is possible doesn’t seem like much to ask. But, when that one single thing that you want completely yours is another person is becomes a much more complex wish. Switching between theoretical and first person language in “I Just Want You” Ozzy Osbourne uses ironic understatement, sly imagery, and uncommon paradox to discreetly demean people’s limitlessly selfish infatuations.             

            In some situations wanting to be a part of someone’s life and them a part of yours isn’t too much to ask. Once it advances past that point, into wanting someone completely as yours, even with purely good intentions it becomes a huge request. Osbourne says “I don’t ask much” before leading into the chorus of repeating “I just want you”. Understatement is used through saying “I don’t ask much” and “I just” to show how very selfish people are. Also, the understatement is increased by juxtaposing the simple first person chorus against the verses, which talk of anything being possible.

            In each verse Osbourne talks of anything being possible to make “just wanting” one person seem less significant. Slight imagery is used to help contradict “indisputable truths” like “there are no identical twins” and “no invisible seams”, making it more powerful to juxtapose against other imagery and diction. Imagery in “buy myself some plastic water” opposed to saying simply get some water adds to expressing people’s extravagant actions.    

            Paradox is a contradicting statement that when analyzed becomes one true statement. Throughout “I Just Want You” paradox is used, as well as the entire song being a parody. Through saying “there are no indisputable truths” Osbourne argues that no matter what something says it not necessarily superficially true, just as it’s not asking for much to “just want you” is superficially untrue. Also, the entire song forms a paradox by saying wanting one person all to oneself isn’t a lot to ask, which is untrue. But, once the song is analyzed and found to demean peoples infatuation the contradiction is proven true.