Meaning of "Ordinary World" by Red

The lyrics of "Ordinary World" by Red explore themes of loss, longing, and the struggle to find purpose and meaning in a changed world. The song opens with the narrator describing a rainy day and their longing for someone who is no longer there. They feel haunted by the memories and presence of this person, questioning what has happened to the life they once recognized. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and disorientation, as the narrator wonders where their friend is when they need them the most. The line "passion or coincidence once prompted you to say, 'pride will tear us both apart'" suggests that the relationship ended due to pride or ego, leading to a profound sense of emptiness and longing.

The repetition of the phrase "ordinary world" throughout the song emphasizes the narrator's desire to find this sense of normalcy again. They acknowledge the need to move on and survive in a world that feels unfamiliar and daunting. The lyrics capture a struggle to come to terms with loss and find their place in a world that has changed without them. The final lines, "Everyone is my world, I will learn to survive, everyone, everyone, somehow I have to find," suggest a determination to find a sense of belonging and purpose despite the challenges they face.

The overall meaning of the song can be interpreted as a reflection on the universal human experience of loss and the resilience needed to rise above it. It speaks to the feelings of loneliness, confusion, and longing that come with the absence of a loved one, while also conveying a message of hope and the strength to carry on. The lyrics remind listeners that even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, there is an ordinary world waiting to be found, and that survival is possible through resilience and adaptability.