Regular Life
Jen Chapin Lyrics

This was a sad day
Today, I am feeling overwhelmed with sadness and despair.

When the disappointment that was my shadow
My negative thoughts and self-doubt caught up with me and became a physical manifestation of my shadow.

Came into the sun
My internal struggles became more visible to others, leading to more vulnerability and shame.

And he slapped me dull on the forehead
I received a harsh wake-up call from myself or someone else, reminding me of my failures and shortcomings.

And he told me he had won
My inner critic or someone else's critique made me feel defeated and like I had lost the battle.

So I sink into my gentle home
I retreat into the comfort of my own dwelling, seeking solace and refuge from the world.

The streets won't mind if they don't feel my heavy feet today
I feel like a burden to the world and would rather disappear because my problems seem too heavy to bear.

The bed's inclined to ask me back to stay
I am tempted to escape from reality by sleeping or hiding under the covers indefinitely.

But if I stay
If I succumb to the temptation to avoid reality, I will not make progress towards improving my life.

If I stay
I am contemplating whether to give up or keep going despite the challenges.

Then I'll stay
I will make a decision to stay or leave, but I must accept the consequences of my choice.

So now I wonder
I am curious and reflective about life's big questions and how they apply to me.

Is there a method to quantify both pain and joy?
Can we measure or compare the amount of pain and pleasure experienced by different people or in different situations?

Does mine hurt as bad as yours does?
I am wondering if my pain is as intense or valid as someone else's, highlighting feelings of insecurity and shame.

Does yours feel as good as mine?
I am also questioning if my happiness or success is as significant or deserved as someone else's, showing feelings of envy and self-doubt.

And if you live in war
In situations of conflict, violence, or oppression, where survival is a constant struggle,

Can you still keep score
Is it possible to track or compare the hardships and losses of people impacted by war?

Of the burdens like bodies piled at your door?
Can you maintain a sense of humanity and empathy while witnessing and processing the trauma, death, and destruction around you?

And the bodies that lost their chance to be more than bodies
The victims of war are more than just casualties or numbers, but they are people who had dreams, aspirations, and identities that were cut short.

Just bodies
Despite their humanity and worth, the victims of war are often dehumanized and reduced to lifeless objects or statistics.

What muffled meaning does it hold
I am reflecting on the significance and impact of the painful experiences and injustices that we face.

To be told that your story is not the only one?
We are reminded that our struggles are not unique and that others have also faced similar or worse challenges, making us feel less alone but also less special.

No, not the first nor the last
We are not pioneers or prophets, but part of a continuous stream of human struggle and progress, both past and future.

Not the best not the worst
We are not superior or inferior to others, but part of a diverse and complex web of humanity and nature, all equally valued.

You are cursed by a regular life
Despite the uniqueness and complexity of our lives, we are also limited and constrained by the conventions and expectations of society, which can make us feel stagnant, mediocre, or unfulfilled, leading to a sense of despair or dissatisfaction.