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Paranoid (song)

"Paranoid" is a song by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in 1970 as the lead single from their second studio album, *Paranoid*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Paranoid" is a song by the English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released in 1970 as the lead single from their second studio album, *Paranoid*. It became the band's first and only Top 20 single in the UK, reaching number 4, and also charted on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is widely regarded as one of the most influential heavy metal tracks.

Background

"Paranoid" was written and recorded by Black Sabbath in 1970 and released on their second studio album of the same name. It was later issued as the album's lead single.

Composition and lyrics

The song is associated with heavy metal and is commonly described as a short, fast track built around a distinctive guitar riff. Sources describe its lyrics as reflecting depression and paranoia.

Release and chart performance

Released as a single in 1970, "Paranoid" became Black Sabbath's first song to chart in both the UK and the US. It peaked at number 4 in the UK and number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Reception and legacy

The song is widely regarded as one of Black Sabbath's signature works and one of the most important early heavy metal songs. It has remained a standard reference point in histories of the genre.

Key facts

  • "Paranoid" appears on Black Sabbath's second studio album, *Paranoid*, released in 1970.
  • It reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 61 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
  • The song is often cited as one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal songs.
  • The B-side of the single was "The Wizard".
  • A music video for "Paranoid" was filmed in Belgium in 1970.
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Canadian context

Black Sabbath has had a long-running audience in Canada, and "Paranoid" is a foundational heavy metal song that is widely known to Canadian rock listeners and radio audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Paranoid"?
It is credited to Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne.
What album is "Paranoid" from?
It is from Black Sabbath's second studio album, *Paranoid*.
Was "Paranoid" Black Sabbath's first single?
Yes. It was the band's first single release.
How did "Paranoid" chart?
It reached number 4 in the UK and number 61 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What is the B-side of the single?
The B-side was "The Wizard".

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_(Black_Sabbath_song)
    Supports: Song release date, album, first single, B-side, chart positions, and general significance.
  2. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qanF-91aJo
    Supports: Official video note stating the video was filmed in Belgium in 1970.
  3. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_(chanson_de_Black_Sabbath)
    Supports: Runtime, genre, writers, and producer-related metadata.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_(album)
    Supports: Album context and the song's role on the *Paranoid* album.