In the late 1990s Callier began his comeback to recorded music, contributing to Beth Orton's Best Bit EP in 1997 and releasing the album Timepeace in 1998, which won the United Nations' Time For Peace award for outstanding artistic achievement contributing to world peace. His colleagues at the University of Chicago never learned of Callier's life as a musician, but after the award the news of his secret life became widely known and subsequently led to his firing.[3][9]
As well as touring internationally, Callier continued his recording career, releasing five albums since Timepeace, including Lifetime (1999), Alive (2001), Speak Your Peace (2002) and Lookin' Out (2004). May 2009 saw his album Hidden Conversations featuring Massive Attack released on Mr Bongo records.[7][9] In 2001, Callier performed "Satin Doll" for the Red Hot Organization's compilation album Red Hot + Indigo, a tribute to Duke Ellington, which raised money for various charities devoted to increasing AIDS awareness and fighting the disease. Callier died on October 27, 2012, after a long illness.
Ordinary Joe
Terry Callier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not trying to indicate my state of mind.
I turn you on,
I tell you that I'm laughing just to keep from crying
Pretty music when you hear it,
Keep on trying to get near it.
A little rhythm for your spirit
Oh but that's what it's for
And I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than I
Now here's a mystery
And maybe you can help to make it clear to me
When you're fast asleep
Then what is it that's lighting up the dreams you see
Only your tears can't conceal it
And only your prayers may not reveal it
You've got soul so you can feel it
And when you make the scene
Well you know what I mean
Hey, I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than I
Down here on the ground
When you find folks are giving you the runaround
Keep your game uptight
And if you must just take your secrets underground
Now politicians are trying to speech you
Mad color watchers are trying to teach you
Very few will really try to reach you
If you're lost in a stack
That's OK, come all black
Now I'd be the last to deny
That I'm just an average guy
And don't you know each little bird in the sky
Is just a little bit freer than I
Hey ordinary Joe
Although they say you're just a lazy so-and-so
What they think is real
Is nothing but an animated puppet show
So don't let time and space confuse you
And don't let name and form abuse you
Let that Big Joe Williams blues you
In the light of the sun you can see how they burn
Oh I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than i
The lyrics of Terry Callier's "Ordinary Joe" are full of messages about life, freedom, and faith. The opening line of the song indicates that the singer or narrator is not trying to express any emotional state but rather wants to present the broader theme of the song. The lines, "I turn you on, I tell you that I'm laughing just to keep from crying," suggest that the singer is engaging with the listener knowingly and with a sense of wry humor. The refrain of the song, "I've seen a sparrow get high," sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which are full of philosophical musings.
The idea that a sparrow can get high and be freer than the human narrator is repeated throughout the song. The singer seems to be saying that we should be content with our ordinary lives and avoid getting caught up in the "animated puppet show" that is life. And instead of being overwhelmed by things we don't understand, we should embrace faith, soul, and the blues. The message of "Ordinary Joe" is that despite the complexities of life, we should find joy in the simple things and let the blues guide us when we're lost.
Line by Line Meaning
And for my opening line
I am about to begin my song
I'm not trying to indicate my state of mind.
I am not trying to express how I feel
I turn you on,
I tell you that I'm laughing just to keep from crying
I cheer you up by pretending to be happy even though I am really sad
Pretty music when you hear it,
Keep on trying to get near it.
A little rhythm for your spirit
Oh but that's what it's for
Come on in, here's the door
You are attracted to beautiful music, so keep listening to it. The music has a healing effect on your soul. The door is open for you to come in and enjoy the music
And I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than I
I have observed a bird flying high in the sky, thinking it's effortless. However, it's just a little bit more liberated than me
Now here's a mystery
And maybe you can help to make it clear to me
When you're fast asleep
Then what is it that's lighting up the dreams you see
Only your tears can't conceal it
And only your prayers may not reveal it
You've got soul so you can feel it
And when you make the scene
Well you know what I mean
I am curious about what causes your dreams when you are sleeping. You cannot hide your feelings when you cry. You may not have all the answers by prayer alone, but you are blessed with a soul that allows you to feel. When you experience life, you know exactly what I mean
Hey, I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than I
I have seen a bird flying and enjoying its freedom. However, it's just a little bit more independent than I am
Down here on the ground
When you find folks are giving you the runaround
Keep your game uptight
And if you must just take your secrets underground
Now politicians are trying to speech you
Mad color watchers are trying to teach you
Very few will really try to reach you
If you're lost in a stack
That's OK, come all black
When you feel that people are lying to you, stay alert. If you must, keep your feelings hidden from these people. Some politicians will manipulate you with words, and some people will try to make you conform to their way of thinking. Few of them will genuinely care about you. If you cannot find your place in society, that is okay. You can still be true to yourself, even if you are different from others
Now I'd be the last to deny
That I'm just an average guy
And don't you know each little bird in the sky
Is just a little bit freer than I
I am not above average. And even the smallest bird in the sky is just a little bit more unrestricted than me
Hey ordinary Joe
Although they say you're just a lazy so-and-so
What they think is real
Is nothing but an animated puppet show
So don't let time and space confuse you
And don't let name and form abuse you
Let that Big Joe Williams blues you
In the light of the sun you can see how they burn
Hey, person on the street, even if others call you lazy, they are the ones who are not seeing things as they are. They are like puppets, blindly following the expectations of society. Do not let time and distance fool you. Do not let what people call you define you. Listen to music to let your passion and energy for life shine and thrive
Oh I've seen a sparrow get high
And waste his time in the sky
He thinks it's easy to fly
He's just a little bit freer than i
I have seen a bird soar in the sky, thinking it's effortless. However, it's just a little bit more liberated than me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: N PEEJAY, JAE JIN PARK, KYUNG WOOK CHOI, TERRENCE O CALLIER, HYUN BAE LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sonyabell9640
I'm crying. I've looked for this for 45yrs. I was a kid last time I heard this. Could only remember the scatting. Thank you google sound search!
@eMeXdubyah
this song has saved my life so many times...the mood and philosophy of the groove, melody and lyrics is just one of the most magical things i've ever heard in music...a song that makes me think and feel a higher purpose that is truly unmatched...thank you terry!
@crappyaccount
Glad you're still here. I generally find inspiration in the nujabes version, but whatever keeps you going man. They're both great versions
@osiruskat
Same here. Too many times including today.
@otherworld6715
@@osiruskat I'm right there with you, been listening non-stop for the last few days
@hansy3
Feeling it deeply today my brother/sister. Fist bump and good journey.
@richdarby2639
Me too, was first introduced to this at an after party in the early 90s, from that moment I ho back from time to time for an instant boost of happiness a massive smile and goose bumps.x
@davidpierce1761
This is my 1st time ever commenting on YouTube. That should tell you what I think of this song. I am a late 50's white male raised on the Beatles, Motown, Chicago etc. I have very diverse musical tastes with 25,000 songs on my computer. I can't believe I just discovered this song. Most songs need to grow on me but this is an instant classic. What I like about this song? The vocal delivery is as smooth as silk, the melody is extremely catchy without veering into bubblegum pop territory and the lyrics are perfection. This song has no weaknesses. This will be in heavy rotation alongside Porcupine Tree, Gerry Rafferty, Johnny Bristol, Mando Diao and Sonia Dada just to name a few. Make sure everyone you know hears this song, especially your neighbors.
@7swordsinc909
i couldnt agree more mister. once i raise a family, ill make sure that this is the first song my kids hear😊😊
@MarkArnold-lq3vb
❤