Album: Vol. 4 (1972)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a short instrumental song consisting of echo noises from lead guitarist Tony Iommi's crucifix, worn around his neck, knocking against his guitar with added echo "effects" - hence the title "FX." Iommi explained in his book Iron Man: My Journey through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath, "We were mostly naked at the time when we recorded [FX]... We started playing and were dancing around half naked, just being stupid. I hit my guitar with my cross, it went 'boing!' and we went: 'Ooh!' Everybody then danced past the guitar, hitting it."

Comments: 6

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganOkay, why is this "song" on here but not "Changes". That's a great song and I can add some great facts to that song if needed, like I know that song was written after Ozzy divorced from his first wife.
  • Wayne from CrockettTony and the boys just goofing. Pretty cool actually.
  • Paul from California, PaHey uh, robert, please learn how to spell. Also, please do some research befor you go verbally (deleted) all over the place.
  • Ravyn from Hell, NyI love FX
  • Robert from Chicago, IlOkay here it the story with Vol. 4. While doing this album, the band was in a jakuzi all day snorting cokaine occasionally getting up to do a song (hence the song snowblind). so proably all of them discoved this and effect and since they were high out of their minds they thought this was the trippyest stuff in the world and made a song.
  • Michael Picard from Lapwai, IdThis is pretty random for the Vol. 4
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Harry Shearer

Harry ShearerSongwriter Interviews

Harry is Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, Mark Shubb in The Folksmen, and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Who Did It First?

Who Did It First?Music Quiz

Do you know who recorded the original versions of these ten hit songs?