Ordinary Joe
Boozoo Bajou Lyrics

And for my opening line
To start off this song, I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to express my current emotional state.

I'm not trying to indicate my state of mind.
I don't want you to assume or infer anything about how I'm feeling based on what I'm about to say.

I turn you on,
I captivate your attention and interest.

I tell you that I'm laughing just to keep from crying
I share with you that sometimes I use laughter as a way to mask my true emotions.

Pretty music when you hear it,
There's something beautiful and appealing about the music you're listening to.

Keep on trying to get near it.
You're compelled to try and get closer to the music you're hearing.

A little rhythm for your spirit
This music has the power to move and uplift your soul.

Oh but that's what it's for
The purpose of this music is to bring joy and upliftment.

Come on in, here's the door
You're invited to join and partake in the positive energy that this music is creating.

And I've seen a sparrow get high
I've witnessed a bird soar to great heights in the sky.

And waste his time in the sky
The bird is freely soaring without a clear sense of purpose or direction.

He thinks it's easy to fly
The bird assumes that flying is effortless and easy.

He's just a little bit freer than I
In some ways, that bird is more liberated and unconstrained than I am.

Now here's a mystery
I'm about to introduce a perplexing question or concept.

And maybe you can help to make it clear to me
Perhaps you, the listener, can bring clarity to this enigmatic idea.

When you're fast asleep
When you're in a deep slumber and your conscious mind is dormant.

Then what is it that's lighting up the dreams you see
What is the source or cause of the vivid and imaginative visions you experience during sleep?

Only your tears can't conceal it
Even if you try to hide or suppress your emotions, they can still manifest in other ways.

And only your prayers may not reveal it
Even if you seek spiritual guidance or intervention, you may not necessarily find the answers or solutions you're looking for.

You've got soul so you can feel it
Because you have a sensitive and passionate spirit, you're able to sense and experience deeper emotions and sensations.

And when you make the scene
When you participate in certain activities or social situations.

Well you know what I mean
You understand the specific context and connotations of these situations.

Hey, I've seen a sparrow get high
As I mentioned before, I've observed a bird soaring to great heights.

And waste his time in the sky
Despite the bird's freedom and mobility, it's not necessarily achieving anything productive or meaningful.

He thinks it's easy to fly
The bird takes for granted the skill and effort required to fly and navigate through the air.

He's just a little bit freer than I
Although the bird may be more free in some ways, it's still limited by its basic instincts and physical capabilities.

Down here on the ground
Back in the realm of reality and practicality.

When you find folks are giving you the runaround
When you encounter people who are trying to deceive, confuse or evade you.

Keep your game uptight
Stay alert and sharp, don't let your guard down.

And if you must just take your secrets underground
If necessary, keep certain things hidden or private.

Now politicians are trying to speech you
Politicians often use speeches and rhetoric to manipulate or persuade people.

Mad color watchers are trying to teach you
People who fixate on superficial differences or nuances like race or ethnicity are trying to indoctrinate you.

Very few will really try to reach you
There are only a handful of individuals who genuinely want to connect with and understand you.

If you're lost in a stack
If you're overwhelmed or lost in a sea of information or options.

That's OK, come all black
It's alright to simplify things and rely on your intuition and instincts.

Now I'd be the last to deny
I don't want to ignore or gloss over the fact that.

That I'm just an average guy
I'm not particularly special or exceptional.

And don't you know each little bird in the sky
Even a small and seemingly insignificant creature like a bird has its own unique qualities and traits.

Is just a little bit freer than I
In some ways, that bird may have more liberty and independence than I do.

Hey ordinary Joe
Addressing the common and average person.

Although they say you're just a lazy so-and-so
Even if some people belittle or underestimate you.

What they think is real
Their assumptions or perceptions aren't necessarily accurate or factual.

Is nothing but an animated puppet show
Their perspective is artificial and shallow, lacking true depth or authenticity.

So don't let time and space confuse you
Don't let abstract concepts or overwhelming factors throw you off.

And don't let name and form abuse you
Don't let superficial labels or categorizations oppress or dictate your worth and identity.

Let that Big Joe Williams blues you
Allow the music of Big Joe Williams to move and inspire you.

In the light of the sun you can see how they burn
When you observe things in the clarity and truth of daylight, their true nature and essence are revealed.

Oh I've seen a sparrow get high
As I mentioned before, I've witnessed a bird soaring to great heights.

And waste his time in the sky
Despite the bird's freedom and mobility, it's not necessarily achieving anything productive or meaningful.

He thinks it's easy to fly
The bird takes for granted the skill and effort required to fly and navigate through the air.

He's just a little bit freer than I
Although the bird may be more free in some ways, it's still limited by its basic instincts and physical capabilities.