Ordinary
Joriah Kwamé
Embracing Uniqueness: The Journey of Self-Acceptance in 'Ordinary' by Joriah Kwamé
Joriah Kwamé's song 'Ordinary' delves into the internal struggle of a person who feels out of place in a world that values conformity. The protagonist notices a girl who seems to see something special in him, but he is hesitant to acknowledge it. This hesitation stems from his experiences of feeling different and not fitting into the conventional mold. The lyrics reflect his internal dialogue, where he grapples with the idea of embracing his uniqueness versus succumbing to societal pressures to be 'ordinary.'
The song uses metaphors and references to literature to highlight the protagonist's feelings of alienation. He mentions how the characters in the books he reads never resemble him, emphasizing his sense of isolation. This literary reference serves as a metaphor for his life, where he feels like an outsider looking in. The tension between his desire to be true to himself and the fear of being judged is palpable throughout the song. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, where he questions whether he should hide his quirks or embrace them.
As the song progresses, the protagonist begins to realize that being 'ordinary' is not something he aspires to. He acknowledges his awkwardness and nervousness but decides that these traits are part of what makes him unique. The turning point comes when he decides to be brave and kind, to make choices and change his mind, and to accept that he will mess up but still be fine. This realization leads him to reject the idea of following the herd and instead, embrace his individuality. The song concludes with a powerful affirmation of self-acceptance, where the protagonist declares that he will be anything but ordinary, highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self.