Heyward's second album, titled 'Postcards From Home', was released in 1986, spawning two further top U.K. 40 hits in "Love All Day" (#31) and "Warning Sign" (#25). Heyward's subsequent albums include 'I Love You Avenue' (1988), 'From Monday To Sunday' (1992), which landed Heyward an American radio hit with "Kite", and 'Tangled' (1995). Although his mainstream popularity has faded since the 80s, he continues to tour.
Mr. Plain
Nick Heyward Lyrics
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You know you sweep, you love
But you got to face up to the fact
That you're just a bag of nerves
Your house is just a normal house
Your name is just as plain
Hey, Mr. Life
Hey, Mr. Plain
All in a daze
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Into some ordinary very varied life
You think your wife is made for life
You do the best for her
But still you don't know who he was
The man who came to share
Your flash Formica plastic mac
And almost classic stare
Hey, Mr. Life
Where's your life?
Hey, Mr. Plain
All in a daze
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Into some almost very varied
Mr. Life, Mr. Life
Hey, Mr. Plain
You've changed your name into some
Almost very, very varied life
Show me, just show me
Mr. Life
Where's your life?
Hey, Mr. Plain
You need a change
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Into some almost very varied
Mr. Life, I missed a life
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Into some very, very, very, very, very, very life
Mr. Life
Hey, Mr. Plain
The song "Mr. Plain" by Nick Heyward is a commentary on the monotony of everyday life and the longing for something more fulfilling. The lyrics address a man who goes about his daily routine, doing his laundry and taking care of his family, but seems to be lacking passion and purpose. The use of "Mr. Plain" throughout the song portrays someone who is mundane and unremarkable.
The first verse references the laundry man, suggesting that even someone who appears to love their work can still feel overwhelmed and anxious. The lyrics then move on to describe the main character's house and name as plain, further emphasizing their lack of excitement or distinction.
The second verse questions why the man's life feels so dull and unfulfilling. The lyrics suggest that he feels like he is in a daze, going through the motions without any real sense of direction or purpose. The chorus repeats the questions "Hey, Mr. Life, where's your life?" and "Hey, Mr. Plain, you need a change," highlighting the desire for something more meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello there, Mr. Laundry Man
Greetings to the man who does laundry
You know you sweep, you love
You are well aware of what you do and enjoy it
But you got to face up to the fact
However, you need to confront the reality
That you're just a bag of nerves
You are excessively anxious
Your house is just a normal house
Your dwelling is merely an ordinary one
Your name is just as plain
Your name is simple and unremarkable
Hey, Mr. Life
Hey, you, the person who's alive
Where's your life?
What are you doing with your life?
Hey, Mr. Plain
Hello, you who's unremarkable
All in a daze
Being confused and unfocused
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
You changed your name, Mr. Plain
Into some ordinary very varied life
In exchange, you created a common, diverse life
You think your wife is made for life
You believe that your spouse will remain yours permanently
You do the best for her
You make an effort to provide the best for her
But still you don't know who he was
But you still don't know who the person she met is
The man who came to share
The gentleman who came to visit with her
Your flash Formica plastic mac
Your impressive coat made of plastic Formica
And almost classic stare
Combined with an almost timeless gaze
You need a change
You need a transition
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Hey, you, who used to be plain, changed your name
Into some almost very varied
Into something that is nearly, incredibly diverse
Mr. Life, I missed a life
Mr. Life, I failed to seize an opportunity
Hey, Mr. Plain, you've changed your name
Hey, you, who were plain, have renamed yourself
Into some very, very, very, very, very, very life
Into an extremely, extremely, extremely, extremely, extremely vivid life
Mr. Life
Mr. Life, the person who is alive
Hey, Mr. Plain
Hello, Mr. Plain
Contributed by Lucy S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.