1) A Montreal, Can… Read Full Bio ↴There are, at least, three artists named The Box.
1) A Montreal, Canada new wave band, formed 1981 by Jean-Marc Pisapia (an early member of Men Without Hats). The band was re-started, in 2003, with new lineup.
Originally, Jean-Marc recruited guitarist Guy Florent and bassist Jean-Pierre Brie for the band, who were originally known as Checkpoint Charlie before settling on the name The Box. After a 15-year hiatus the band released their fifth album, the progressive-rock flavored "Black Dog There" on Komfy-Universal. They released an all-French concept album in 2010 - "Le Horla De Maupassant" theBoxBand.com
2) Sheffield group 1981-1985, formed out of the ashes of the first Clock DVA. Former DVA members Paul Widger, Charlie Collins and Roger Quail linked up with bassman Terry Todd, and worked with several vocalists including Ken Bingley and Stephen Mallinder (of Cabaret Voltaire) before recruiting Peter Hope. The Box were the first group to sign for Go! Discs for whom they released 2 LPs and several singles. Parting company in 1984 they released further records on the Cabs' Doublevision imprint before splitting in 1985. Several members were later involved with the groups Flex 13, Pete Hope & The Jonathan S. Podmore Method and Hula.
Discography:
Secrets Out (UK Go! Discs, 1983)
The Box EP (UK Go! Discs, 1983)
Great Moments in Big Slam (UK Go! Discs, 1984)
Muscle In EP (UK Doublevision, 1985)
Muscle Out (UK Rough Trade, 1985)
3) AKA TACS, an MC/Producer from Oceanside,CA (San Diego) The core member of the short lived group PandorasBox, TACS is back as THE BOX with help from good friend and label mate Reason the Citizen. He is a firm believer in the DIY ethic.
Ordinary People
The Box Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We are ordinary people leading ordinary lives
We use lots of simple ways to get simple happiness
We have ordinary problems, and ordinary fears
We all take care of our business
Life goes on, and nothing changes
We don't understand much 'bout those big shot politicians
I bet my shirt that way back there in the U.S.S.R.
People think like you and me, but
Life goes on, and nothing changes
We are ordinary people
And our star bears no colour black or white
We are ordinary people
No matter what we stand for all in all
We're all the same
And it don't matter
In the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.....
I wonder what the Soviet president looks like in their pictures
I'm sure as hell he's just as sweet as ours
There's got to be some Russian singer who sings about his people
And how strong is the will to live in peace, but
Life goes on, and nothing changes
And I say:
We are ordinary people
And our star bears no colour black or white
We are ordinary people
No matter what we stand for all in all
We're all the same
And it don't matter
All right, everybody stand!
We are ordinary people
And our star bears no colour black or white
We are ordinary people
No matter where we come from all we are
We are ordinary people
And our star bears no colour black or white
We are ordinary people
No matter what we stand for all in all
We're all the same
And it don't matter
In the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.....
In the song Ordinary People by The Box, the lyrics draw attention to the fact that despite the perceived differences between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, ordinary people in both nations experienced similar routines and problems in their daily lives. The song asserts that people in both nations wanted peace and a better life for themselves and their families, despite the animosity between their leaders. The lyrics also acknowledge the lack of understanding and trust between the two governments, but emphasize that ordinary people can find common ground and relate to one another.
The song's message is pertinent to contemporary times as well, when political rhetoric and international tensions can create hostility and barriers between nations and peoples. The song advocates for recognizing the shared humanity in each other and understanding that everyone has similar aspirations, regardless of nationalities or political beliefs.
In addition to its reflective lyrics, Ordinary People became an instant hit for The Box in 1984, with its catchy beat and sing-along chorus. The song was featured on their self-titled album, which peaked at number 38 on the Canadian Albums chart. Ordinary People also reached the top 10 on the Canadian Singles chart and received a Juno nomination for Single of the Year in 1985. The song has remained a popular nostalgic track for many Canadians, and its message is still relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
In the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.....
People in the US and USSR are the same
We are ordinary people leading ordinary lives
We are typical people living normal lives
We use lots of simple ways to get simple happiness
We find joy in small, uncomplicated things
We have ordinary problems, and ordinary fears
We face common struggles and anxieties
We all take care of our business
We handle our responsibilities
Life goes on, and nothing changes
Everything stays the same despite our daily concerns
We don't understand much 'bout those big shot politicians
We are unfamiliar with high-ranking officials
And whose got most of them firecrackers to blow up in our faces
We don't know who has the power to inflict harm on us
I bet my shirt that way back there in the U.S.S.R.
I'm willing to wager that in the USSR there are people like us
People think like you and me, but
They have similar thoughts and emotions as us
We are ordinary people
We are regular, everyday individuals
And our star bears no colour black or white
Our identity is not defined by race
No matter what we stand for all in all
We are all equal
We're all the same
We share common humanity
And it don't matter
Our differences are not important
I wonder what the Soviet president looks like in their pictures
I'm curious about the appearance of their leader
I'm sure as hell he's just as sweet as ours
I'm certain he's a decent person like our leader
There's got to be some Russian singer who sings about his people
I believe there's a Russian artist who celebrates their culture
And how strong is the will to live in peace, but
Their desire for harmony is powerful, yet
We are ordinary people
We are just like other people
And our star bears no colour black or white
Our identity is not limited by race
No matter where we come from all we are
Our origins don't define who we are
All right, everybody stand!
Let's all stand together!
Contributed by Ruby D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@regitmeisner3546
I was today years old when I realized The Box was Canadian!....I'm a 55 yr old Canuck ! lol.. Love this tune even more now !
@nostaglic
Jean-Marc Pisapia's voice is amazing and unique
@patriciasoebagio1035
as are his gestures/moves~fantastic
@jeffpoirier4374
Wow this song could easily apply to what's going on in the world right now
@demolitiondan1188
It’s literally timeless. As long as this system goes on, we’ll always have “big shot politicians” and “ordinary people” who just want peace and “ordinary lives”…….🤔
@patty109109
Nah, only one country is cheering on a genocidal despot.
@johnnywishbone932
Yeah the media and politics never change much.
@pamelarolston9905
A case of the more things change the more they stay the same! They want us all to stay inside The Box, where they can keep us under control! 🤣🕊️🇨🇦
@George196207
USSR went away but NEW World Order Crowd took over the lead roll of bad guys we should all fear !
@MarkJones-gd9lg
I was a security guard in the 80's in Ottawa, and these guys had a concert at this venue. They were the nicest guys you'd ever meet, so nice to grunts like me, and they put on an awesome show.