Ordinary World

Duran Duran's 'Ordinary World' is a song that resonates with the themes of loss, change, and the search for stability in the midst of chaos. Released in the early 1990s, a period that saw the band's commercial popularity waning, the song reflects a sense of nostalgia and the struggle to adapt to a new reality. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning for a simpler, more recognizable life – the 'ordinary world' that the protagonist longs to return to.

The opening verse sets a melancholic tone, with the singer recalling a memory triggered by a rainy day. The 'ghost' of a past relationship haunts the protagonist, symbolizing the lingering pain of a lost love. The chorus emphasizes resilience in the face of this emotional turmoil, with a determination to move forward and find a sense of normalcy despite the heartache. The phrase 'I will learn to survive' serves as a mantra, suggesting that through the trials of life, one can find strength and eventually heal.

The song also touches on broader themes beyond personal loss. References to 'suffering and greed' and 'holy war and holy need' suggest a commentary on the state of the world, hinting at the social and political issues of the time. Yet, despite the global unrest, the song's message is ultimately one of hope and perseverance. The repeated lines in the outro, 'Every world is my world' and 'I will learn to survive,' affirm the universal nature of the struggle and the shared human experience of seeking solace in the familiar amidst the ever-changing landscape of life.