Phair's 1993 debut studio album, Exile in Guyville, was released to acclaim; it has been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Phair followed this with her second album, Whip-Smart (1994), which earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, and Whitechocolatespaceegg (1998). Ten years after the release of her debut, Phair's fourth album, Liz Phair (2003), released on Capitol Records, moved towards pop rock, earning her a mainstream audience but alienating critics.
After the release of her fifth album, Somebody's Miracle (2005), Phair left Capitol and released her sixth album Funstyle independently in 2010. In 2018, it was announced that Matador Records would be releasing a retrospective set for Phair's debut album Exile in Guyville which includes remastered recordings from her original Girly-Sound demo tapes. Phair released her seventh studio album, Soberish, in 2021.
Extraordinary
Liz Phair Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take off my clothes, turn out the lights
But I burn letters that I write to you
To make you love me
Yeah, I drive naked through the park
And run the stop sign in the dark
Stand in the street, yell out my heart
I am extraordinary
If you'd ever get to know me
I am extraordinary, I am just your ordinary
Average, everyday, sane, psycho, super-goddess
Average, everyday, sane, psycho
You may not believe in me but I believe in you
So I still take the trash out
Does that make me too normal for you?
So dig a little deeper 'cause
You still don't get it yet
See me lickin' my lips, need a primitive fix
And I'll make, I'll make you love me
I am extraordinary
If you'd ever get to know me
I am extraordinary, I am just your ordinary
Average, everyday, sane, psycho, super-goddess
Average, everyday, sane, psycho (super-goddess)
See me jump through hoops for you
You stand there watching me performing
What exactly do you do?
Have you ever thought it's you that's boring?
Who the hell are you?
I am extraordinary (extraordinary)
If you'd ever get to know me (get to know me)
I am extraordinary, I am just your ordinary (extraordinary)
Average, everyday, sane, psycho, super-goddess
Average, everyday, sane, psycho
Average, everyday, sane, psycho, super-goddess
Average, everyday, sane, psycho
Average, everyday, sane, psycho, super-goddess
Average, everyday, sane, psycho
Average, everyday, sane, psycho
The song "Extraordinary" by Liz Phair speaks to the complex nature of human desire and the lengths that people will go to in order to feel loved and accepted. The lyrics explore the idea that individuals often hide their true selves from the people they love, trying to present a perfect image instead of being honest about their flaws and imperfections. The chorus of the song - "I am extraordinary, if you'd ever get to know me/ I am just your ordinary, average, everyday, sane, psycho, supergoddess" - highlights this paradox, as Liz Phair simultaneously tries to convince herself and her lover of her unique qualities while acknowledging that she is just another flawed human being.
The lyrics also touch on themes of sexuality and power dynamics, as Liz Phair sings about driving naked through the park, running stop signs, and standing in the street yelling out her heart. These actions are all about asserting her own desires and demanding that her lover acknowledge her as an equal partner, rather than someone to be manipulated or controlled. However, even as she does these things, Liz Phair questions whether her lover truly sees her as an extraordinary person or whether he is just using her for his own pleasure.
Overall, "Extraordinary" is a complex and nuanced exploration of love, desire, and the human psyche. It delves into the ways that individuals try to present themselves as perfect and desirable, even as they yearn for deeper connections and greater acceptance. The song's contradictions and complexities make it a powerful commentary on the human condition and a timeless exploration of what it means to be truly extraordinary.
Line by Line Meaning
You think that I go home at night
I know you think I'm a certain way, but you don't truly know me
Take off my clothes, turn out the lights
You think I live a routine life
But I burn letters that I write
I hide my true feelings for you
To you, to make you love me
And yet, I still long for your love and affection
But I drive naked through the park
Sometimes I act impulsively, and let go of my inhibitions
And run the stop sign in the dark
I break the rules, to feel alive
Stand in the street, yell out my heart
I'm not afraid of expressing my emotions
To make, to make you love me
Because I know deep down, that I want your love
I am extraordinary
I am unique and exceptional
If you'd ever get to know me
But you still don't really know me
You may not believe in me
You may doubt me or think I'm not worth your time
But I believe in you
But I see value and worth in you
So I still take the trash out
I still do normal things despite my extraordinary nature
Does that make you too normal for you?
But maybe that makes you feel uncomfortable or not special
So dig a little deeper, cause
So try to understand me a bit more
You still don't get it yet
You still don't truly understand me
See me lickin' my lips, need a primitive fix
I have primal desires and needs
And I'll make, I'll make you love me
And yet, I still seek your love and affection
See me jump through hoops for you
I'll go to great lengths to please you
You stand there watching me performing
But you're just a passive observer
What exactly do you do?
What do you contribute to this dynamic?
Have you ever thought it's you that's boring?
Maybe it's you who lacks excitement and intrigue
Who the hell are you?
Who are you to judge or criticize me?
I am extraordinary
I embrace my unique qualities and characteristics
I am just your ordinary, average, everyday, sane, psycho, supergoddess
I'm a complex mix of average and extraordinary, sane and crazy, human and divine
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Liz Phair, Graham Edwards, Scott Spock, Lauren Christy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sir Abyss
How the fuck does this video only have 7,115 views in three years?! Liz Phair deserves more recognition.
Edward Fights
Everyone hated this song when it came out. Different standards back then.
Kekoa Kaawa
This brings back good memories. This song was playing when I was in high school. I like it then and I still like it. Liz was really doing her thing in this time period; I hope she makes more hits that chart again ❤
petya143
This song reflects me :D The lyrics,the beat and the energy!
safehaven11
She has talent!
Mother Rosie
Dude. I'm really drunk but I thought of this song. I haven't heard it in like 14 years since I was seven. We had the 999 on demand channel and it had a thing for music. I hated this song every time it came on but now that I'm 21 and old, I feel like it encapsulates an entirely different time in my life. It's super nostalgic to hear this banger after a decade and a half.
J O
This is an awesome song for those that struggle with mental health.
Ben Hamilton
This jam was n still is an epic track.
Amy J
i remember listening to this on my juicebox in like 1st grade. :)
c r
oh, shit! this is great!