Beyond the Glam: A Mature Rock Anthem About Confronting Life’s Realities and the Struggle for Success
The Osmonds‘ compelling and often-overlooked track, “Business”, stands as a powerful testament to their artistic evolution and their deep desire to be taken seriously as a formidable rock band beyond their teen idol image. Released in 1972 as an album track (and not a single) on their groundbreaking album, “Phase III”, this song is a significant, raw cut that showcased their burgeoning songwriting prowess and their heavier, more complex sound. While it didn’t generate chart positions as a single, the album “Phase III” itself was a massive commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and selling over a million copies, achieving platinum status. Its success was a testament to The Osmonds‘ undeniable appeal and their willingness to experiment with more mature themes and a harder rock edge. “Business” quickly became a beloved deep cut for fans who cherished its driving rhythm, its philosophical lyrics, and The Osmonds‘ incredibly energetic and authentic vocal performance. It further solidified The Osmonds‘ reputation as a dynamic and powerful rock act, appealing to millions who were captivated by their blend of raw intensity and their honest exploration of life’s challenges, proving they were far more than just a pop phenomenon.
The story behind “Business” is intrinsically linked to The Osmonds‘ journey of artistic growth and their determination to control their own creative destiny. By 1972, the brothers – Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Donny – were keenly aware that their initial bubblegum pop success, while immense, had pigeonholed them. They yearned to write and perform their own material, reflecting their true musical interests, which leaned heavily into rock and even progressive rock influences. “Phase III” was their ambitious statement album, and “Business” was a key track written by Merrill Osmond, who often took the lead in crafting their more serious, introspective material. The song’s narrative is a mature and somewhat cynical look at the struggles and realities of life, particularly in the cutthroat world of show business, but also applicable to life in general. It speaks to the constant grind, the pressures, the compromises, and the unwavering need to stay resilient. It’s a reflection on the “business” of living, with its ups and downs, its demands, and the inherent loneliness that can come with constant striving. Recorded during the pivotal sessions for “Phase III”, “Business” was a clear signal to both their record label and their audience that The Osmonds were not just a manufactured pop act; they were a self-contained unit, playing their own instruments, writing their own songs, and singing with a conviction that came from personal experience. This track was a powerful testament to their evolution and their commitment to rock music.
The meaning of “Business” is a raw and introspective examination of the relentless demands, inherent struggles, and often overwhelming pressures of navigating life, particularly when pursuing ambitious goals or a demanding career like music. It’s a song about the gritty reality of constant striving, the need for resilience in the face of setbacks, and the often-lonely journey of personal and professional growth. The lyrics convey a powerful sense of weariness, yet also an unwavering determination to keep going, recognizing that life itself is a challenging “business” that requires relentless effort and strategic thinking. The repeated phrase “It’s all business” underscores the transactional and often impersonal nature of these pursuits, where personal feelings often take a back seat to objective goals. Lines like “Every day’s a battle, every night’s a fight / Tryin’ to make ends meet, tryin’ to make things right” perfectly capture this blend of daily struggle and persistent effort. It speaks to the universal human experience of confronting life’s relentless demands, the pressure to perform and succeed, and the profound understanding that growth often comes through perseverance and resilience, making it a timeless anthem for the gritty realities of ambition and the hard work of simply living.
The Osmonds‘ performance on “Business” is a powerful and surprisingly raw display of their burgeoning rock capabilities. Merrill Osmond‘s lead vocal is gritty and impassioned, delivering the philosophical lyrics with a compelling blend of weary sincerity and determined strength. His voice, typically vibrant, here carries a slight edge that perfectly suits the song’s more mature themes. The harmonies from the other brothers are rich and powerful, adding a layer of depth and conviction, especially during the chorus, which feels anthemic and cathartic. The instrumentation is incredibly tight and dynamic, showcasing their genuine musical prowess. Alan Osmond‘s guitar work is notably strong, providing heavy, driving riffs and a powerful, blues-infused solo that screams rock and roll. Jay Osmond‘s drumming is powerful and precise, anchoring the track with an undeniable groove, and Wayne Osmond‘s bassline is solid and propulsive. The production, more raw and less polished than some of their earlier work, perfectly suits the song’s no-nonsense, hard rock aesthetic, allowing the instrumental muscle and honest vocal delivery to truly shine. This track was a pivotal moment for The Osmonds, proving their capabilities as self-contained rock musicians and showcasing their growth beyond the teen idol phenomenon.
Listening to “Business” today evokes a particular kind of profound appreciation, transporting us back to a pivotal moment in The Osmonds‘ career when they were fiercely asserting their identity as serious rock artists. It reminds us of their often-underestimated musical talent and their courage to tackle more complex, mature themes. For those of us who recall its powerful presence from their seminal album, this song remains a cherished deep cut, a timeless anthem for confronting life’s relentless demands and the quiet, courageous act of simply enduring and striving. It’s a melody that, even after all these years, continues to resonate with its honest truth, gently reminding us that life itself is a constant “Business,” and sometimes, all we can do is keep moving forward, one determined step at a time.