Ordinary People (John Legend song)

Last updated
"Ordinary People"
Ordinary People single.jpg
Single by John Legend
from the album Get Lifted
ReleasedApril 7, 2005
Recorded2004
Genre
Length
  • 4:41 (album version)
  • 4:01 (single version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
John Legend singles chronology
"Used to Love U"
(2004)		"Ordinary People"
(2005)		"Number One"
(2005)
Music video
"Ordinary People" on YouTube

"Ordinary People" is a song by American recording artist John Legend. It was written and produced by Legend and will.i.am for his debut album Get Lifted (2004). It was released as the album's second single and later certified gold by the RIAA. Critics were positive towards the song, praising it for its raw emotion and simplicity. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards "Ordinary People" received three nominations for Song of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, ultimately winning the latter. The song appears on Now 19 .

Contents

Music video

The music video for "Ordinary People", directed by Chris Milk and Legend's then-label boss Kanye West, features Legend playing a grand piano in an all-white space, while couples and families fight and reconcile around and in front of the piano. For the final minute of the video, Legend is joined by a string section and a harmonica (played offscreen). Legend walks to and from the piano with a glass of water, as a short bookending to the video proper.

Composition

The main chord progression is derived from the introduction to Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour", transposed to the key of F major. This is punctuated in the music video version, when the string section and harmonica are brought in at the last chorus of the song.

The song's lyrical themes include contrast, contradiction, guilt, doubt and fear.

Legend sings about how people make errors of judgment in relationships ("I know I misbehaved/And you've made your mistakes/And we both still got room left to grow."), and that fighting and making up in the end is a regular obstacle: "And though love sometimes hurts/I still put you first/And we'll make this thing work/But I think we should take it slow." The lyrics include parallel structure to address the common ups-and-downs of maintaining a relationship: "Maybe we'll live and learn/Maybe we'll crash and burn/Maybe you'll stay/Maybe you'll leave/Maybe you'll return/Maybe another fight/Maybe we won't survive/Maybe we'll grow, we never know." The song's title itself is taken from its chorus, "We're just ordinary people/We don't know which way to go/'Cause we're ordinary people/Maybe we should take it slow."

Legend explained the song's lyrical content in the book Chicken Soup For the Soul: The Story Behind The Song: "The idea for the song is that relationships are difficult and the outcome uncertain. If a relationship is going to work, it will require compromise and, even then, it is not always going to end the way you want it to. No specific experience in my life led me to the lyrics for this song, although my parents were married twice to each other and divorced twice from each other. Their relationship is, of course, one of my reference points, but I didn't write this to be autobiographical or biographical. It is just a statement about relationships and my view on them." [1]

Reception

Critics were overwhelmingly positive towards "Ordinary People", many of whom complimented the song's juxtaposition of simple stark piano and John Legend's vocal range. Entertainment Weekly noted "Ordinary People" as being both "the simplest" and "perhaps the most perfectly realized song" of the Get Lifted album, describing it as "an exquisite ballad" that is "both immediately familiar and intensely exotic." [2] A review from The Guardian called the song "a real gem", and lauded further: "[I]t's not only sonically arresting but lyrically reflective. Refusing to tie up loose ends, Legend is ambivalent about the relationship described in the song, admitting that there's 'no fairy-tale conclusion'. Good for him." [3] PopMatters was favorable towards the single, stating it "is representative of true talent." [4] Jonathan Forgang, reviewing for Stylus magazine, stated: "'Ordinary People,' the first of the piano and voice ballads, is a bit more derivative than the earlier tracks but expertly performed. Legend's voice has a naked quality to it, warm and full without any of the drawbacks of virtuosity." [5] The Times thought the song was full of "remorseful reflection" and said that "the album as a whole is a stunning advertisement for the less-is-more, from-the-soul approach, and Legend’s extraordinary voice (alternately angelic keen and cracked rasp) and piano-playing are equalled in quality by the depth of his songs." [6]

On 14 April 2012, the song was performed on BBC's The Voice UK by semi-finalist Jaz Ellington as a second song (requested by Jessie J), resulting in some members of the UK public buying the track on iTunes. The song re-entered the Official UK Top 40 at number 27 on 15 April, [7] and the following week climbed to number 4. [8]

Cover versions

Personnel

Recorded at Record Plant, LA and Sony Music Studios

Track listing

Charts and certifications

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesNovember 29, 2004 Urban contemporary radio Columbia [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Radicals</span> American alternative rock band

New Radicals was an American alternative rock band formed in 1997 in Los Angeles. The band was centered on the duo of Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois, and augmented by session and touring musicians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanda Marshall</span> Canadian singer (born 1972)

Amanda Meta Marshall is a Canadian pop-rock singer. She has released four studio albums; the first was certified diamond in Canada, with the second and third certified 3× platinum and platinum respectively. She is best known for her 1996 single, "Birmingham", which reached number 3 in Canada and was her only song to reach the US charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday We'll Know</span> 1999 single by New Radicals

"Someday We'll Know" is a song by the New Radicals. It was released in March 1999 as the second single off their album Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too (1998). Lyrically, the song explores the confusion over why a relationship ended. The group dissolved before the single's release, and as a result the song failed to match the success of the preceding single, "You Get What You Give", which had topped the charts in New Zealand and Canada and peaked within the top 5 in the United Kingdom. In contrast, "Someday We'll Know" became a top 40 hit only in Brazil where it made number 38 there, and failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is the group's second and final single, and has been covered by numerous artists, including Mandy Moore & Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, America and Hall & Oates.

<i>Get Lifted</i> 2004 studio album by John Legend

Get Lifted is the debut studio album by American singer John Legend. It was released by GOOD Music, Sony Urban Music, and Columbia Records on December 28, 2004 in the United States. The production on the album was handled by Legend's then-manager, Kanye West, who also served as the album's executive producer, as well as Dave Tozer, will.i.am, and Devo Springsteen. The album also features guest appearances by West, Snoop Dogg and Miri Ben-Ari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Yellow Taxi</span> 1970 single by Joni Mitchell

"Big Yellow Taxi" is a song written, composed, and originally recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell in 1970, and originally released on her album Ladies of the Canyon. It was a hit in her native Canada as well as Australia and the UK. It only reached No. 67 in the US in 1970, but was later a bigger hit there for her in a live version released in 1974, which peaked at No. 24. Charting versions have also been recorded by The Neighborhood, and most notably by Amy Grant in 1994 and Counting Crows in 2002. The song was also sampled in Janet Jackson's "Got 'til It's Gone" (1997).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)</span> 1977 single by Fleetwood Mac

"Dreams" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, written by singer Stevie Nicks for the band's eleventh studio album, Rumours (1977). In the United States, "Dreams" was released as the second single from Rumours in March 1977, while in the United Kingdom, the song was released as the third single in June 1977. A stage performance of "Dreams" was used as the promotional music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lost Without You (Delta Goodrem song)</span> 2003 single by Delta Goodrem

"Lost Without You" is a song written by Matthew Gerrard and Bridget Benenate, produced by Gerrard for Australian singer Delta Goodrem's first album, Innocent Eyes (2003). The song was released as the album's second single on 3 March 2003 in Australia and in the middle of 2003 for the rest of the world. The song became Goodrem's second number-one single in Australia and also peaked within the top 10 in New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Goodrem re-mixed and recorded the song for the United States; it was released to American adult contemporary radio on 27 June 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not in Love</span> 1975 song by British band 10cc

"I'm Not in Love" is a song by British group 10cc, written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. It is known for its innovative and distinctive backing track, composed mostly of the band's multitracked vocals. Released in the UK in May 1975 as the second single from the band's third album, The Original Soundtrack, it became the second of the group's three number-one singles in the UK between 1973 and 1978, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. "I'm Not in Love" became the band's breakthrough hit outside the United Kingdom, topping the charts in Canada and Ireland as well as peaking within the top 10 of the charts in several other countries, including Australia, West Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Under the Milky Way</span> 1988 single by the Church

"Under the Milky Way" is a single by Australian alternative rock band the Church, released on 15 February 1988, and appears on their fifth studio album Starfish. The song was written by bass guitarist and lead vocalist Steve Kilbey and his then-girlfriend Karin Jansson of Curious (Yellow). It peaked at No. 22 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, No. 24 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and No. 25 on the New Zealand Singles Chart; it also appeared in the Dutch Single Top 100. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1989, the song won 'Single of the Year'. It was issued simultaneously in both 7" vinyl and 12" vinyl formats by Arista Records (internationally) and Mushroom Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody's Changing</span> 2003 single by Keane

"Everybody's Changing" is a song performed by English alternative rock band Keane. It was released as the second single from their debut studio album, Hopes and Fears (2004). After a single release on Fierce Panda in May 2003, which peaked at number 122 in the UK Singles Chart, it was re-released on Island on 3 May 2004 after the success of "Somewhere Only We Know" and reached number four. It is also used in the TV series, In Plain Sight and can also be heard in the final moments of One Tree Hill episode "Truth Doesn't Make a Noise" and Scrubs episode "My Day at the Races".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somewhere Only We Know</span> 2004 single by Keane

"Somewhere Only We Know" is a song composed and performed by English alternative rock band Keane, officially released as the first single from their debut album, Hopes and Fears (2004). The single peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart during its first week of sales, becoming the band's signature song and biggest hit single to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Father and Son (song)</span> 1970 single by Cat Stevens

"Father and Son" is a popular song written and performed by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens on his 1970 album Tea for the Tillerman. The song frames a heartbreaking exchange between a father not understanding a son's desire to break away and shape a new life, and the son who cannot really explain himself but knows that it is time for him to seek his own destiny.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">See It in a Boy's Eyes</span> 2004 single by Jamelia

"See It in a Boy's Eyes" is a song by English singer Jamelia. It was written by Jamelia and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin for the reissue of Jamelia's second studio album, Thank You (2003). Production was helmed by Cameron McVey and Matt Kent. Released in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2004, the song became Jamelia's third consecutive top-five hit in the UK, peaking at number five and spending 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart. It also peaked at number 11 on the Irish Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleeping Satellite</span> 1992 single by Tasmin Archer

"Sleeping Satellite" is a song by British singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer, released in September 1992 as the first single from her debut album, Great Expectations (1992). Co-written by Archer, the song received favorable reviews from music critics and became an international hit. It peaked at number one in the United Kingdom, Greece, Ireland, and Israel and reached the top 20 in 13 other countries as well as number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1993. There were two different music videos produced to promote the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lips of an Angel</span> 2006 single by Hinder

"Lips of an Angel" is a song by American rock band Hinder, produced and co-written by Brian Howes and Joseph Lombardo. It was released in April 2006 as the second single from their 2005 debut album, Extreme Behavior. It was their breakthrough hit, charting within the top ten on several US Billboard genre charts, reaching number three on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and peaking at number one in Australia and New Zealand. It has sold 3.6 million copies in the US as of January 2015, making it one of the most downloaded rock songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Used to Love U</span> 2004 single by John Legend

"Used to Love U" is the debut single by American singer John Legend. It was written and produced by Legend and rapper-producer Kanye West for his debut album Get Lifted (2004). Released as Legend's debut single as well as the album's leading single in August 2004, the song reached number 30 in New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well as number 11 in the Flemish region of Belgium. "Used to Love U" also peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ordinary Day (Vanessa Carlton song)</span> 2002 single by Vanessa Carlton

"Ordinary Day" is a song written and performed by Vanessa Carlton from her 2002 debut album, Be Not Nobody. Carlton wrote the song when she was 17 and was the first song that she had ever written in only one sitting. Released as a single on July 1, 2002, the song peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Legend discography</span> R&B recording artist discography

The discography of American singer John Legend consists of nine full-length studio albums, five live albums, two video albums, three extended plays, 39 singles and two promotional singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soon We'll Be Found</span> 2008 single by Sia

"Soon We'll Be Found" is a song by Sia. Released on 13 October 2008, "Soon We'll Be Found" is Sia's third single from Some People Have Real Problems (2008). The single is only available for download in the UK, but the music video for "Soon We'll Be Found", in which Sia signs the lyrics in American Sign Language, was featured on the United States iTunes Store main page when it became the free music download of the week of 4 November 2008. Sia performed the song on Later... with Jools Holland on 7 October 2008, and on the Late Show with David Letterman on 13 November 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clown (Emeli Sandé song)</span> 2013 single by Emeli Sandé

"Clown" is a song by the Scottish recording artist Emeli Sandé. It was released on 3 February 2013 as the fifth single from her first studio album, Our Version of Events (2012). "Clown" was written by Sandé, Shahid Khan and Grant Mitchell, and produced by Khan under his production name of Naughty Boy.

References

  1. ↑ "Ordinary People by John Legend Songfacts". songfacts.com.
  2. ↑ "Get Lifted - EW.com". ew.com. Archived from the original on 2009-04-21. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  3. ↑ Caroline Sullivan (10 December 2004). "CD: John Legend, Get Lifted". the Guardian.
  4. ↑ "Music Reviews, Features, Essays, News, Columns, Blogs, MP3s and Videos - PopMatters". PopMatters.
  5. ↑ "John Legend - Get Lifted - Review - Stylus Magazine". stylusmagazine.com.
  6. ↑ Cairns, Dan (2 January 2005). "John Legend: Get Lifted" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
  7. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company .
  8. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company .
  9. ↑ Amazon.co.uk (6 June 2005). "Ordinary People: John Legend: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon . Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  10. ↑ Juno Records (6 June 2005). "Ordinary People (CD): John Legend: Juno Records". Juno.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  11. ↑ Juno Records (6 June 2005). "Ordinary People (12"): John Legend: Juno Records". Juno.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  12. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Issue 811 (Week Commencing 12 September 2005)" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Issue 814" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – John Legend" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  15. ↑ "John Legend – Ordinary People" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2020-05-18.
  16. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  17. ↑ "John Legend Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  18. ↑ "John Legend Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  19. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 16, 2012". Irish Singles Chart.
  20. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  21. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  22. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  23. ↑ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2005" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 2005". billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2005". Billboard. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  26. ↑ "End of Year 2012" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  27. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Danish single certifications – John Legend – Ordinary People". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  29. ↑ "British single certifications – John Legend – Ordinary People". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  30. ↑ "American single certifications – John Legend – Ordinary People". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1583. November 26, 2004. p. 21. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.