Ordinary Boy
Altadore Lyrics
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But Diane’s on her own
I just want to be her ordinary boy
In the back of a taxi cab
With the windows down
And she’s looking back
I’m always right where I belong
I just want to be her ordinary boy
In the back of a taxi cab
With the rain outside
And I’m holding back
I’m only lonely in a song
When Diane moves along
She’s looking at an ordinary boy
Through the back of a taxi cab
With the windows down
And I’m looking back
In these lyrics from Altadore's song "Ordinary Boy," the singer reflects on feelings of loneliness and a desire for connection with someone named Diane. The repeated image of being in the back of a taxi cab with the windows down creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as if these moments are fleeting and transient. The singer longs to be seen as an ordinary boy in Diane's eyes, seeking validation and companionship in a world that may often feel isolating.
The line "I'm only lonely in a song" suggests that the singer's feelings of loneliness are perhaps a poetic exaggeration or a temporary state of mind, as if they are able to express these emotions through their music but seek connection and understanding in real life. Diane is portrayed as independent and perhaps distant, symbolized by the repeated image of her looking back through the taxi cab's windows. The singer's desire to be seen as an ordinary boy hints at a wish for simplicity and authenticity in their relationship with Diane, rather than any romanticized or idealized version of themselves.
The mention of Diane laughing along and the rain outside in the taxi cab adds a layer of atmosphere and emotion to the scene, enhancing the sense of longing and bittersweet nostalgia in the lyrics. The singer finds comfort and a sense of belonging when Diane is present, emphasizing the importance of her presence in their life. The imagery of holding back and looking back suggests a conflict or hesitation within the singer, as if they are torn between expressing their true feelings and maintaining a distance or facade.
Overall, these lyrics convey a complex mix of emotions - from loneliness and longing to fleeting moments of connection and intimacy. The imagery of the taxi cab serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of relationships and the fleeting moments of closeness we may experience in life. Through the repeated motifs and evocative language, Altadore captures a sense of yearning and introspection in "Ordinary Boy," painting a vivid portrait of a person grappling with their emotions and desires in the face of uncertainty and impermanence.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m only lonely in a song
Feeling isolated and disconnected only comes to me when I express my emotions through music.
But Diane’s on her own
Despite my feelings, Diane is dealing with her own struggles and challenges independently.
I just want to be her ordinary boy
I aspire to be the person who can provide comfort and stability for Diane, wanting to be a source of normalcy in her life.
In the back of a taxi cab
Imagery of being in a confined space, symbolizing the closeness and intimacy desired in the relationship.
With the windows down
Creating an openness and vulnerability, allowing for a connection and shared experiences.
And she’s looking back
Symbolizing a longing for mutual affection and attention from Diane.
I’m always right where I belong
Feeling a sense of purpose and contentment when I am with Diane, knowing that being by her side is my rightful place.
When Diane laughs along
Finding joy and happiness in sharing moments of laughter and levity with Diane.
With the rain outside
Reflecting external obstacles or difficulties that exist beyond the relationship, adding an element of challenge and contrast.
And I’m holding back
Experiencing a sense of restraint or reservation in expressing my true feelings and emotions towards Diane.
When Diane moves along
Acknowledging Diane's progression or journey in life, separate from my own experiences and presence.
She’s looking at an ordinary boy
Recognizing that Diane sees me as just a regular, everyday individual, despite my aspirations to be more to her.
And I’m looking back
Reflecting on the past or the moments shared with Diane, while also hoping for a future together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: David Katz, Graham Barton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind