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Ordinary World
Red Lyrics


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Came in from a rainy Thursday on the avenue
Thought I heard you talking softly
I turned on the lights, the TV and the radio
But still I can't escape the ghost of you

What has happened to it all?
Crazy, some'd say
Where is the life that I recognize?
Gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world I will learn to survive

Passion or coincidence once prompted you to say
Pride will tear us both apart
Well, now pride's gone out the window
Cross the rooftops, run away
Left me in the vacuum of my heart

What has happened to me?
Crazy, some'd say
Where is my friend when I need you most?
Gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world I will learn to survive

What has happened to it all?
Crazy, some'd say
Where is the world that I recognize?
Gone away

And I don't cry for yesterday
There's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way
To the ordinary world I will learn to survive

Every one
Is my world (I will learn to survive)
Every one, every one
Somehow I have to find

Overall Meaning

"Ordinary World" by Red is a cover of the song by Duran Duran, originally released in 1993. The song is about loss and trying to find one's way back to a sense of normalcy after that loss. The lyrics describe a sense of confusion and longing for what was once familiar, with lines like "Where is the life that I recognize?" and "Where is my friend when I need you most?". The singer of the song is trying to come to terms with the fact that things have changed and they are in a new, more challenging world. However, they are determined to learn to survive and find their way back to the ordinary world they once knew.


The song's lyrics and message have resonated with many people over the years, as loss and change are universal experiences. The cover by Red features powerful vocals and instrumentation that add to the emotional weight of the lyrics. The band's rendition of the song has received praise from fans of both Red and Duran Duran.


Line by Line Meaning

Came in from a rainy Thursday on the avenue
Walking in the rain on a Thursday, I felt downhearted and lonely


Thought I heard you talking softly
I imagined that I heard your voice whispering to me


I turned on the lights, the TV and the radio
To forget about your absence, I turned on every device I could find


But still I can't escape the ghost of you
You haunt me constantly, and I cannot shake your memory


What has happened to it all?
Why has everything changed so drastically?


Crazy, some'd say
Perhaps some people would view my emotions as foolish or irrational


Where is the life that I recognize?
Why have things become so unfamiliar and strange?


Gone away
It seems that what I once knew and held dear has vanished


But I won't cry for yesterday
I won't dwell on the past and let it bring me down


There's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
I must discover a way to exist in this newly-altered reality


And as I try to make my way
As I navigate this difficult path


To the ordinary world I will learn to survive
I will teach myself how to go on living in this unrecognizable world


Passion or coincidence once prompted you to say
At some point, you told me that our connection was either due to strong feelings or chance


Pride will tear us both apart
Your ego and sense of self-importance will drive us apart


Well, now pride's gone out the window
You have apparently learned to let go of your pride


Cross the rooftops, run away
You fled and left me alone with my loneliness


Left me in the vacuum of my heart
You left a void in my heart and soul


Where is my friend when I need you most?
I feel abandoned by someone who was once dear to me


Every one, somehow I have to find
I must discover how to live in a world where it seems everyone has left me behind




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Nigel Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Simon Le Bon, Warren Cuccurullo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@YagaKawaiOokami

"Ordinary World"

[Duran Duran cover]

Came in from a rainy Thursday on the avenue
thought I heard you talking softly
I turned on the lights the TV and the radio
but still I can't escape the ghost of you

What is happening to me crazy some would say
Where is the life that I recognize, gone away

And I won't cry for yesterday
there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Passion or coincidence once prompted you to say
pride will tear us both apart
Well now pride's gone out the window
cross the rooftops, runaway
Left me in the vacuum of my heart

What is happening to me crazy some will say
where is my friend when I need you most gone away

But I won't cry for yesterday there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world
I will learn to survive

Papers in the roadside tell of suffering and grief
Fear today forgot tomorrow beside the news of holy war and holy need
Our's is just a little sorrowed talk, just blown away

And I won't cry for yesterday there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find
And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world I will learn to survive
Every world is my world (I will learn to survive)
Any world is my world (I will learn to survive)
Any world is my world, every world is our world, every world



All comments from YouTube:

@kennethrivera7962

I still think this is the best cover version of the song. Thank you Red for making this possible for me in my life.

@J0sh00

I didn't find this out till a few hours ago. I listened to the original and these both are great

@KhyrisEidan

I'd beg to differ, I like Hyde's (japanese musician). I like his rendition better.

@ESLTeacherinTraining

I agree. I discovered this version on a TV show... exhilarating 😊

@RangerMcFriendly

@@KhyrisEidanyou are a king for turning me on to Hyde’s version!!

@Maitland-76

I remember back in '93 when Duran Duran released this.  I'd walk to high school ( Gr.11 ) and listen to this 4 times, both there and back, and think "Wow, this is one of the greatest songs ever written" !  I can truly say I enjoy BOTH versions.

@thegodphreaker

Red did a great job.  I like this more, just because I like modern music and tones better. If they're done right. But the writers of this song deserve credit too. It's truly beautiful. 

@mistreme8341

This was my graduation song from the University. I embarked on my ‘real life’ with this song playing in my car. I found my Ordinary World and, like always, Duran Duran had a soundtrack for that phase in my life.

@ommokashi

This song and "Come Undone"

@jasonpeters9865

Irony is it is Duran Duran's best song imo. Long after the heights of fame.

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