Let's dive into U2's Ordinary Love, guys! This song is not just a tune; it's a heartfelt exploration of love in the midst of struggle. We're going to break down the lyrics and their meanings, and provide a translation to help you fully grasp the depth of this beautiful track. Whether you're a die-hard U2 fan or just discovering this gem, get ready to appreciate Ordinary Love on a whole new level. Understanding the lyrics and their translations can bring you even closer to this masterpiece. Let's get started, shall we?

The Story Behind Ordinary Love

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the lyrics, let's talk about the story behind Ordinary Love. This song was written for the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. It’s a tribute to Nelson Mandela and his wife, Winnie Mandela, and their extraordinary love story amidst the immense challenges of apartheid in South Africa. The song encapsulates the idea that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, love can remain ordinary, simple, and resilient. The band aimed to capture the essence of Mandela's spirit and his relationship with Winnie, portraying their unwavering commitment to each other and their cause.

The creation of Ordinary Love involved a deep dive into Mandela's life and his writings. U2 wanted to ensure the song resonated with the film's themes and honored Mandela's legacy. The result is a powerful and moving ballad that speaks to the universality of love and perseverance. When you listen to the song, you're not just hearing music; you're experiencing a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love. The song quickly gained critical acclaim, earning nominations and awards, further cementing its place as a significant piece of U2's discography and a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela.

The impact of Ordinary Love extends beyond its musical merit. It served as a reminder of Mandela's struggle for equality and justice, resonating with audiences worldwide. The song's message of hope and resilience struck a chord with many, inspiring them to reflect on their own relationships and commitments. Through its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody, Ordinary Love became more than just a song; it became an anthem for love, unity, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. So, as we delve into the lyrics and their translation, keep in mind the profound story and the legacy that this song represents. It’s a testament to the extraordinary power of ordinary love in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Ordinary Love: Lyrics and Meaning

Alright, let's break down the lyrics of Ordinary Love line by line, so you can really dig into what Bono is singing about. Understanding the meaning behind the words gives the song an even greater emotional impact. Each verse tells a part of the larger story of love, struggle, and resilience.

Verse 1

"The sea refuses no river"

This opening line is a powerful metaphor. The sea, vast and all-encompassing, accepts every river that flows into it, no matter how small or insignificant. It symbolizes unconditional acceptance and the idea that love should be all-embracing. Just as the sea accepts every river, love should accept every person, every flaw, and every difference. This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the theme of acceptance and unity.

"The mountain never denies"

Similarly, the mountain stands tall and unwavering, never denying its presence. Mountains have always represented steadfastness and strength. This line suggests that love should also be steadfast and reliable, offering a solid foundation in the face of adversity. It speaks to the importance of loyalty and commitment in a loving relationship. Together, these lines create a picture of unwavering support and acceptance.

"The clouds don't darken the sky"

Here, the clouds, even when they gather, don't completely darken the sky. There's always a glimmer of light, a sense of hope even in the darkest times. This line conveys the idea that even when challenges arise in a relationship, they don't have to overshadow the love completely. It's a reminder that love can endure even during tough times, and there's always a chance for things to get better. The clouds might bring rain, but they also eventually move on, revealing the sun once again.

"Every river runs to the sea"

This line circles back to the initial metaphor, reinforcing the idea of inevitability and destiny. Just as every river is destined to flow into the sea, love has its own natural course. It’s a reminder that love is a powerful force that cannot be stopped, and it will always find its way. This repetition emphasizes the natural and unstoppable nature of love, highlighting its enduring quality.

Chorus

"Ordinary love"

The chorus is simple yet profound. The term "ordinary love" might seem unassuming, but it carries a deeper meaning. It suggests that love, in its most basic and pure form, is what truly matters. Despite the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Mandela's life, the love he shared with Winnie was, at its core, ordinary – a connection, a bond, a shared humanity. It’s a reminder that love doesn't need to be extravagant or extraordinary to be powerful.

"Knows that nothing lasts forever"

This line acknowledges the transient nature of life and relationships. It’s a realistic perspective, recognizing that everything eventually comes to an end. However, it also implies that even though nothing lasts forever, the impact of love can endure. It encourages us to cherish the moments we have and appreciate the love we share, knowing that it's a precious gift that should be valued.

"Ordinary love"

Repeating the phrase reinforces the idea that love, in its simplicity, is the most enduring and meaningful force.

"We cannot reach it"

This line adds a layer of complexity. It suggests that true love is something that we can strive for, but never fully attain. It's an ideal, a goal that we constantly pursue. The elusiveness of perfect love makes it all the more precious and worth fighting for. It acknowledges the imperfections in relationships and the constant effort required to maintain them.

Verse 2

"A woman needs a man to love"

This line highlights the importance of companionship and mutual support in a relationship. It speaks to the fundamental human need for connection and intimacy. While seemingly straightforward, it emphasizes the reciprocal nature of love and the roles that partners play in each other's lives. It underscores the idea that love provides strength and comfort.

"A man must borrow strength"

Men, too, need support and strength from their partners. This line challenges traditional gender roles, suggesting that men aren't always strong and independent but also rely on their loved ones for support. It acknowledges the vulnerability that men often hide and the importance of mutual reliance in a healthy relationship. It promotes the idea of equality and shared strength in a partnership.

"Protection and the promise"

Love provides a sense of security and the promise of a future together. It's about protecting each other from harm, both physical and emotional, and committing to a shared journey. This line speaks to the long-term nature of love and the commitment required to build a lasting relationship. It's about creating a safe and nurturing environment where both partners can thrive.

"From the age of when they start"

This line emphasizes that the need for love and protection begins from a young age. It's a fundamental human need that shapes our lives and influences our relationships. It suggests that our early experiences with love and security can impact our ability to form healthy relationships later in life. It's a reminder of the importance of providing love and support to children.

Bridge

"Nothing seems to last forever"

The bridge emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and relationships. It echoes the earlier sentiment that nothing is permanent and everything eventually comes to an end. However, it also implies that even though things may not last forever, their impact can be profound and enduring.

"But some things are built to stay"

Despite the impermanence of life, some things are meant to last. This line offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that certain bonds and connections are strong enough to withstand the test of time. It’s a testament to the resilience of love and the power of commitment. It implies that with effort and dedication, some relationships can endure even the toughest challenges.

"After all that you've been putting me through"

This line acknowledges the struggles and hardships that relationships often face. It suggests that love can be tested by difficult times, but it can also emerge stronger as a result. It’s a recognition of the challenges that Mandela and Winnie faced and the resilience they demonstrated in overcoming them.

"I must be bulletproof"

This powerful line conveys a sense of resilience and strength. It suggests that love can make us feel invincible, capable of withstanding any challenge. It’s a metaphor for the emotional armor that love provides, protecting us from the pain and hardships of life. It highlights the transformative power of love and its ability to make us stronger.

Ordinary Love: Translation

To fully appreciate the song, having a clear translation is super helpful, especially if English isn't your first language. Here’s a breakdown of the lyrics with a straightforward translation:

Verse 1

• Original: "The sea refuses no river"

• Translation: Laut tidak menolak sungai mana pun.

• Original: "The mountain never denies"

• Translation: Gunung tidak pernah menyangkal.

• Original: "The clouds don't darken the sky"

• Translation: Awan tidak menggelapkan langit.

• Original: "Every river runs to the sea"

• Translation: Setiap sungai mengalir ke laut.

Chorus

• Original: "Ordinary love"

• Translation: Cinta biasa.

• Original: "Knows that nothing lasts forever"

• Translation: Tahu bahwa tidak ada yang abadi.

• Original: "Ordinary love"

• Translation: Cinta biasa.

• Original: "We cannot reach it"

• Translation: Kita tidak bisa mencapainya.

Verse 2

• Original: "A woman needs a man to love"

• Translation: Seorang wanita membutuhkan seorang pria untuk dicintai.

• Original: "A man must borrow strength"

• Translation: Seorang pria harus meminjam kekuatan.

• Original: "Protection and the promise"

• Translation: Perlindungan dan janji.

• Original: "From the age of when they start"

• Translation: Sejak usia mereka mulai.

Bridge

• Original: "Nothing seems to last forever"

• Translation: Tidak ada yang tampak abadi.

• Original: "But some things are built to stay"

• Translation: Tetapi beberapa hal dibangun untuk tetap tinggal.

• Original: "After all that you've been putting me through"

• Translation: Setelah semua yang telah kau lakukan padaku.

• Original: "I must be bulletproof"

• Translation: Aku pasti kebal peluru.

Final Thoughts on Ordinary Love

In conclusion, Ordinary Love is more than just a song; it's a profound reflection on love, resilience, and the human spirit. By understanding the lyrics and their translations, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the song's message and its significance in the context of Nelson and Winnie Mandela's extraordinary love story. This song reminds us that even in the face of immense challenges, love can endure and provide strength. So, next time you listen to Ordinary Love, remember the story behind it and let the lyrics resonate with your own experiences of love and perseverance. It’s a timeless piece that continues to inspire and move listeners around the world.