Ordinary Man
Shearer Lyrics
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where does it hide
they say the economy grows
but my share's been denied
where has my money gone
my life's in the red
just like the years I lost
we are at home
decades, years and centuries return
we know what it's like to burn
[..one stanza not printed in booklet..]
where is my attitude
where is my voice
when did I lose my faith
when have I been destroyed
we are at home decades
years and centuries return
we know what it's like to burn
we know what it's like to be on fire
we know what it's like to burn
The lyrics to Shearer's song "Ordinary Man" seem to be about the struggle of everyday people trying to make a living and survive in an economic system that seems to be leaving them behind. The opening lines "where has my money gone, where does it hide, they say the economy grows, but my share's been denied" suggests the frustration of working hard and yet not being able to make ends meet. We are then taken through the inner thoughts of the character in the song who is struggling with financial difficulties and is wondering when things will turn around for him.
The lyrics touch on themes of loss, the passage of time, and a loss of faith, as the song talks about losing an attitude and a voice, and just going through the motions of everyday life. The repeated phrase, "we know what it's like to burn" seems to suggest that, despite the struggles faced, there is still some glimmer of hope, some light still burning, powering these ordinary people through difficult times.
Overall, Shearer's song "Ordinary Man" is a poignant tribute to the unsung struggles of everyday people. It speaks to the challenges and difficulties faced by many in trying to make a living and find meaning in life against the backdrop of an economic system that often seems stacked against them.
Line by Line Meaning
where has my money gone
Questioning where his money has disappeared to
where does it hide
Questioning where his money is concealing itself
they say the economy grows
Acknowledging that the economy is thriving
but my share's been denied
Even though the economy is prospering, he has not received his fair portion
my life's in the red
His life is in debt
just like the years I lost
Similar to the time that has passed and is irretrievable
it will never be back
His lost time and financial stability are irreparable
where is my attitude
Questioning where his positive outlook has disappeared to
where is my voice
Questioning where his ability to speak out has vanished to
when did I lose my faith
Questioning when he lost his belief system
when have I been destroyed
When was he broken down
we are at home decades
Despite the passage of years, they are still situated in the same place
years and centuries return
The years come and go, but their situation abides
we know what it's like to burn
They are familiar with the sensation of destruction, inside and out
we know what it's like to be on fire
They are familiar with the feeling of being consumed by inner chaos
we know what it's like to burn
Reiterating the knowledge of the sensation of destruction
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.