Douglass's evocative, alternative sound has been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. His numerous accolades include being a finalist for both the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and the 2004 Independent Music Awards; he was the winner of the 2003 Grammy Fest Awards in New York City, as well as the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross "Save A Life Tour" in 2003. Douglass actively appears at listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and campuses throughout the United States and has shared the stage with artists like They Might Be Giants,Grace Potter, Melissa Ferrick, Jason Mraz, Regina Spektor, Third Eye Blind and Margaret Cho. Douglass' music video for "Hang Around" charted for six consecutive months on LOGO TV's "Click List" Top 10 Video Countdown in 2008, following similar success on LOGO TV with his video for "I Wanted To Run".
Ordinary Man
Gregory Douglass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Long the days recovering and there you are
I can't believe your faith in me there's nothing in my way
While everyone else stands around and prays for someday
I used to make believe that everything was going to be okay
It's just an ordinary morning with a humble helping hand
Now that you're right next to me
It's just an ordinary morning with an ordinary man
It was nearly ten years ago when we were in high school
While you've been with me all this time I never knew
You're giving me the kind of chance that I've only dreamed of
And I could never thank you quite enough so thank you
Now we're harboring a new world order
And welcoming the changing
Because everything will change
The song "Ordinary Man" by Gregory Douglass is about finding hope and support from someone who believes in you when you feel lost and alone. The opening lines, "Northern winds come 'round again and I can't get too far/ Long the days recovering and there you are," suggest that the singer may be struggling with something and feeling stuck in their current situation. However, with the voice of someone who has faith in them, they feel like they can face anything. The line, "I can't believe your faith in me there's nothing in my way/ While everyone else stands around and prays for someday," expresses gratitude for the belief and encouragement that comes from this special person.
The chorus, "I used to make believe that everything was going to be okay/ It's just an ordinary morning with a humble helping hand/ Now that you're right next to me/ I'm starting to think that everything's okay/ It's just an ordinary morning with an ordinary man," highlights the idea that the little things in life, like having someone to lean on, can make all the difference in how we feel. The singer realizes that despite the challenges they may face, having someone beside them to share the journey with makes each day just an ordinary, but meaningful morning.
Line by Line Meaning
Northern winds come 'round again and I can't get too far
Despite the difficulties (the northern winds) that come my way, I feel like I am not making any progress in my life.
Long the days recovering and there you are
Although I have been going through tough times and trying to recover, you have been there by my side through it all.
I can't believe your faith in me there's nothing in my way
Your unwavering faith in me is astonishing, and it makes me feel like there are no obstacles I can't overcome.
While everyone else stands around and prays for someday
While others wait for their dreams to come true, you have given me the motivation and support to make them a reality.
I used to make believe that everything was going to be okay
I used to pretend that everything was fine, but now I realize that I can't keep pretending and ignoring my problems.
It's just an ordinary morning with a humble helping hand
With your guidance and support, what seems like an ordinary day has become a day with new opportunities and possibilities.
Now that you're right next to me
Having you close to me has brought clarity and hope to my life.
I'm starting to think that everything's okay
I am starting to see that everything will work out in the end, despite the obstacles I am facing.
It's just an ordinary morning with an ordinary man
I may be an ordinary person, but with your help and support, I can achieve extraordinary things.
It was nearly ten years ago when we were in high school
We have been friends for almost a decade, and I am grateful for the bond we've shared throughout the years.
While you've been with me all this time I never knew
Although you have always been there for me, I didn't truly appreciate it until now.
You're giving me the kind of chance that I've only dreamed of
You are providing me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams, which I never thought was possible before.
And I could never thank you quite enough so thank you
I am forever grateful for everything you have done for me, and I don't think I could ever express my appreciation enough.
Now we're harboring a new world order
Together, we are creating a new reality and shaping our lives in a positive way.
And welcoming the changing
We are embracing change and the unknown, and we are excited about the possibilities that it brings.
Because everything will change
Change is inevitable, but with you by my side, I am ready to face whatever comes my way.
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.