In the world of music, few songs manage to capture the complexity of human emotion and experience as effectively as “My Ordinary Life” by The Living Tombstone. Through a mix of catchy beats and thought-provoking lyrics, this song has captivated audiences and left many pondering its deeper meanings. But what exactly is the song trying to convey? And why has it resonated with so many listeners? This blog post aims to dissect the layers of “My Ordinary Life,” uncovering its themes, messages, and impact.
The Meaning of “My Ordinary Life” by The Living Tombstone
“My Ordinary Life” by The Living Tombstone is more than just an infectious tune with an upbeat tempo; it’s a profound exploration of the human experience. The song artfully juxtaposes catchy electronic beats with introspective lyrics that capture the essence of navigating daily struggles and aspirations. Through clever wordplay and evocative imagery, it reflects on the often overlooked beauty and complexity of ordinary moments. It’s a reminder that even in the routine of life, there are layers of meaning and depth waiting to be discovered. Whether you find yourself dancing to its rhythm or contemplating its message, “My Ordinary Life” invites you to appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Lyrics
[Intro]
Jā, iku zo
Jan, ken, pon
[Verse 1]
They tell me keep it simple, I tell them take it slow
I feed and water an idea so I let it grow
I tell them take it easy, they laugh and tell me no
It’s cool, but I don’t see them laughin’ at my money though
They spittin’ facts at me, I’m spittin’ tracks, catch me?
I’m spinning gold out my records, know you can’t combat me
They tell me Jesus walks, I tell them money talks
Bling got me chill, ’cause I’m living in an ice box
They tell me I’ve been sleepin’, I say I’m wide awake
Tracks hot and ready, so they call me Mister Easy-Bake
They say the grass is greener, I think my grass is dank
Drivin’ with a drank on an empty tank to the bank
[Pre-Chorus]
Do you feel me? Take a look inside my brain
The people always different but it always feels the same
That’s the real me, pop the champagne
The haters wanna hurt me, and I’m laughin’ at the pain
[Chorus]
Stayin’ still, eyes closed
Let the world just pass me by
Pain pills, nice clothes
If I fall, I think I’ll fly
Touch me, Midas
Make me part of your design
None to guide us
I feel fear for the very last time
[Verse 2]
They tell me that I’m special, I smile and shake my head
I’ll give them stories to tell friends about the things I said
They tell me I’m so humble, I say I’m turning red
They let me lie to them and don’t feel like they’ve been misled
They give so much to me, I’m losing touch, get me?
Served on a silver platter, ask for seconds, they just let me
They tell me I’m a god, I’m lost in the facade
Six feet off the ground at all times, I think I’m feelin’ odd
No matter what I make, they never see mistakes
Makin’ so much bread, I don’t care that they’re just being fake
They tell me they’re below me, I act like I’m above
The people blend together, but I would be lost without their love
[Pre-Chorus]
Can you heal me, have I gained too much?
When you become untouchable, you’re unable to touch
Is there a real me? Pop the champagne
It hurts me just to think, and I don’t do pain
[Chorus]
Stayin’ still, eyes closed
Let the world just pass me by
Pain pills, nice clothes
If I fall I think I’ll fly
Touch me, Midas
Make me part of your design
None to guide us
I feel fear for the very last time
[Outro]
Lay still, restless
Losing sleep while I lose my mind (Yeah)
All thrill, no stress
All my muses left behind (Left behind)
World is below
So high up, I’m near divine (I’m so high up)
Lean in, let go
I feel fear for the very last time
The Opening Lines
“Jā, iku zo
Jan, ken, pon”
The song opens with a Japanese phrase that translates to “Yes, let’s go” followed by “Rock, paper, scissors.” This playful introduction sets the stage for a song that will explore the dichotomy between simplicity and complexity.
Verse 1: The Struggles of Simplicity
Balancing Ideas and Reality
“They tell me keep it simple, I tell them take it slow
I feed and water an idea so I let it grow”
The first verse immediately dives into the tension between keeping things simple and allowing ideas to flourish. The protagonist seems to struggle with societal expectations to “keep it simple” while nurturing his creative aspirations.
The Irony of Success
“I tell them take it easy, they laugh and tell me no
It’s cool, but I don’t see them laughin’ at my money though”
Here, the lyrics highlight the irony of success. People may mock the protagonist’s laid-back approach, but they can’t deny the financial success that comes with it. This line underscores the superficial judgments people often make.
Spitting Facts and Tracks
“They spittin’ facts at me, I’m spittin’ tracks, catch me?
I’m spinning gold out my records, know you can’t combat me”
The protagonist is confident in his abilities, turning his music into gold and challenging anyone to combat his success. This line is a testament to self-belief and the power of creativity.
Pre-Chorus: The Duality of Fame
Inside the Mind
“Do you feel me? Take a look inside my brain
The people always different but it always feels the same”
The pre-chorus invites listeners to take a peek inside the protagonist’s mind, revealing that despite different people and situations, his experiences remain constant. This highlights the repetitive nature of fame and life in the spotlight.
Pop the Champagne
“That’s the real me, pop the champagne
The haters wanna hurt me, and I’m laughin’ at the pain”
Celebrating success with champagne while laughing at the pain inflicted by haters shows the protagonist’s resilience. It also reflects the duality of fame—joy and pain coexist.
Chorus: The Calm Amidst Chaos
A Moment of Stillness
“Stayin’ still, eyes closed
Let the world just pass me by”
The chorus captures a moment of stillness amidst the chaos, suggesting a desire to escape and find peace.
The Illusion of Flight
“Pain pills, nice clothes
If I fall, I think I’ll fly”
This line juxtaposes material comforts with the existential fear of falling, hinting at the fragility of success and the illusion of invincibility.
The Midas Touch
“Touch me, Midas
Make me part of your design”
The reference to King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold, symbolizes the desire for everything to be perfect and valuable. However, it also hints at the potential curse of such perfection.
Verse 2: The Burden of Expectations
The Myth of Humility
“They tell me that I’m special, I smile and shake my head
I’ll give them stories to tell friends about the things I said”
The second verse explores the burden of living up to others’ expectations. The protagonist is aware of his influence and the stories people tell about him, but he remains humble.
The Facade of Success
“They tell me I’m so humble, I say I’m turning red
They let me lie to them and don’t feel like they’ve been misled”
Despite being praised for his humility, the protagonist admits to lying and creating a facade. This line reveals the complexity of his persona and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
The Cycle of Giving and Receiving
“They give so much to me, I’m losing touch, get me?
Served on a silver platter, ask for seconds, they just let me”
The protagonist receives so much from others that he’s losing touch with reality. The metaphor of being served on a silver platter suggests a life of privilege but also a loss of connection.
Pre-Chorus Revisited
The Weight of Untouchability
“Can you heal me, have I gained too much?
When you become untouchable, you’re unable to touch”
The pre-chorus revisits the theme of untouchability, highlighting the paradox of achieving a status where one becomes unapproachable and disconnected from reality.
The Pain of Success
“Is there a real me? Pop the champagne
It hurts me just to think, and I don’t do pain”
The protagonist questions his own identity and acknowledges the pain that comes with success. The act of popping champagne becomes a bittersweet celebration.
Chorus Revisited
Seeking Refuge
“Stayin’ still, eyes closed
Let the world just pass me by”
Once again, the chorus emphasizes the need for stillness and refuge amidst the chaos of life.
The Illusion Continues
“Pain pills, nice clothes
If I fall I think I’ll fly”
The theme of material comforts masking deeper fears continues, highlighting the ongoing struggle between appearance and reality.
The Midas Touch Reimagined
“Touch me, Midas
Make me part of your design”
The desire for perfection and value remains, but the potential curse of such a touch becomes more apparent.
Outro: The Final Descent
Restless and Lost
“Lay still, restless
Losing sleep while I lose my mind (Yeah)”
The outro captures the protagonist’s restless state, losing sleep and sanity despite his success.
Thrill and Stress
“All thrill, no stress
All my muses left behind (Left behind)”
The thrill of success comes without stress, but at the cost of losing inspiration and creativity.
Near Divine
“World is below
So high up, I’m near divine (I’m so high up)
Lean in, let go
I feel fear for the very last time”
The final lines depict the protagonist as being near divine, yet ready to lean in and let go, facing his fears one last time.
Unpacking the Layers of “My Ordinary Life”
At first listen, “My Ordinary Life” appears as a catchy tale of the humdrum—an upbeat melody that masks its profound message. The song’s protagonist, whose daily grind could easily engender monotony, instead finds solace in the predictable. This dichotomy sets the stage for an exploration of how acknowledging the ordinary paves the way for an extraordinary existence.
In the face of routine, the resistance and rebellion that the song subtly hints at provide an indirect call to action for listeners to find the extraordinary within their own everyday lives. But what does that entail? Recognizing the moments of silence in a bustling city, finding wonder in the unremarkable, and seeing beauty in the most trivial details are all part of the mosaic that defines the exceptional in the ordinary.
Music as a Medium for Reflection
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything,” said Plato. Melodies like “My Ordinary Life” transcend mere entertainment; they serve as a canvas on which to paint one’s perspectives. The vibrant sounds and captivating rhythm induce a state of reflection, allowing us to re-evaluate our experiences in a novel light.
Through music, existential questions are presented, and various responses are woven into the song’s fabric. What makes a life truly extraordinary? Is it the grandiose milestones, or the accumulation of small, meaningful moments? “My Ordinary Life” nudges us to ponder these as one compound narrative.
The Mundane as a Gateway to Mindfulness
The key to unlocking the extraordinary in conformance with “My Ordinary Life” lies in the practice of mindfulness. The song underscores the importance of being present, fully engaged with the here and now. Within this state, the ordinary is stripped of its monotonous cloak, revealing an inexhaustible wealth of experiences.
By slowing down and savoring the mundane, we not only enhance our overall well-being but also foster appreciation for the unsung aspects of our lives. This act of noticing and being grateful leads to a heightened sense of living in the extraordinary, as every encounter, no matter how commonplace, holds the potential for growth and fulfillment.
Unconventional Role Models and Inspirations
Navigating through life’s labyrinth, the protagonist of “My Ordinary Life” is a modern-day hero. They are neither adorned with accolades nor are their exploits immortalized in the annals of history. Yet, their resilience, contentment, and joy in the simple act of living are an inspirational narrative for many.
Unconventional role models such as these challenge the conventional notion of what it means to lead a successful life. They beckon us to redefine our aspirations and benchmarks of achievement, making way for the unconventional and the underappreciated in our measure of greatness.
Cultivating an Unshakeable Sense of Self
Perhaps the most striking aspect of “My Ordinary Life” is its ode to self-acceptance. The song embodies the idea that one’s life need not mirror a grand narrative of conquests and firsts to be meaningful. This anthem to authenticity encourages us to take pride in our story, regardless of how it contrasts with societal standards.
In a world that often equates worth with notoriety, the ability to stand firm in one’s ordinary life is an act of rebellion. It is a testament to self-love and a declaration that we, in our most basic form, are enough. By celebrating the ordinary, we forge an unshakeable sense of self, impervious to the tides of external validation.
The Legacy of “My Ordinary Life”
“My Ordinary Life” is more than a song; it’s a cultural artifact that resonates beyond the confines of its melodies. It has become a touchstone for individuals seeking to inject purpose into their daily existence. This legacy is a testament to the power of music in shaping minds and hearts.
The Song as a Call to Action
Ultimately, “My Ordinary Life” is a beckoning to all to cast off the veil of expectation and see the untold wonders of the present. It serves as a call to action to cherish the ordinary moments, which, in their compounding, give life its vibrancy and meaning.
Conclusion
“My Ordinary Life” by The Living Tombstone is a rich tapestry of themes and emotions, exploring the complexities of success, identity, and the human experience. Through its lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist’s internal struggles and triumphs, making it a relatable and thought-provoking piece for listeners. Whether you’re a fan of electronic music or simply someone who appreciates deep, meaningful lyrics, “My Ordinary Life” offers a unique perspective on the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life.