By Alex Warren
Introduction:
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” is a soulful ballad that juxtaposes the mundane with the extraordinary power of love. The lyrics express a profound connection that transcends the everyday, a love so intense it’s almost heavenly. The song’s melody perfectly complements the lyrics, building to passionate crescendos that reflect the depth of the emotional experience.
Guitar Chords for Ordinary:
This arrangement uses E minor (Em), D major (D), D major/F# (D/F#), G major (G), A major (A), and B minor (Bm).
(Intro)
| [Em] | [Em] | [D] | [D] |
(Verse 1)
[Em]
They say, “The holy water’s watered down
[D]
And this town’s lost its faith, our colors will fade eventually”
[Em]
So if our time is runnin’ out
[D]
Day after day, we’ll make the mundane our masterpiece
(Pre-Chorus)
[Em]
Oh my, my
[D]
Oh my, my love
N.C.
I take one look at you
(Chorus)
[Em]
You’re takin’ me out of the ordinary
[D]
I want you layin’ me down ’til we’re dead and buried
[Em]
On the edge of your knife, stayin’ drunk on your vine
[D]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
[Em] [D/F#] [G]
Somethin’ so out of the ordinary
[A] [Bm] [A]
You got me kissin’ thе ground of your sanctuary
[D/F#] [Em] [D/F#] [G]
Shatter me with your touch, oh Lord, return mе to dust
[A] [Bm] [A]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
(Verse 2)
[Em] [D]
Hopeless hallelujah
[Em]
On this side of Heaven’s gate
[D]
Oh, my life, how do ya
[Em]
Breathe and take my breath away?
[Em]
At your altar, I will pray
[D]
You’re the sculptor, I’m the clay, oh my, my
(Chorus)
txt
[Em] [D/F#] [G]
You’re takin’ me out of the ordinary
[A] [Bm] [A]
I want you layin’ me down ’til we’re dead and buried
[D/F#] [Em] [D/F#] [G]
On the edge of your knife, stayin’ drunk on your vine
[A] [Bm] [A]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
[Em] [D/F#] [G]
Somethin’ so out (Out) of the ordinary (Ordinary)
[A] [Bm] [A]
You got me kissing the ground (Ground) of your sanctuary (Sanctuary)
[D/F#] [Em] [D/F#] [G]
Shatter me with your touch, oh Lord, return mе to dust
[A] [Bm] [A]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
(Bridge)
[Em] [D/F#] [G] [A] [Bm]
Somethin’ so heavenly, higher than ecstasy
[A] [D/F#]
Whenever you’re next to me, oh, my, my
[Em] [D/F#] [G] [A] [Bm]
World was in black and white until I saw your light
[A]
I thought you had to die to find
(Chorus)
[Em]
Somethin’ so out of the ordinary
[D]
I want you laying me down ’til we’re dead and buried
[Em] [D/F#] [G]
On the edge of your knife, stayin’ drunk on your vine
[A] [Bm] [A]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
N.C. [Em] [F#m] [G]
Somethin’ so out (Out) of the ordinary
[A] [Bm] [A]
You got me kissing the ground (Ground) of your sanctuary (Sanctuary)
[D/F#] [Em] [D/F#] [G]
Shatter me with your touch, oh Lord, return me to dust
[A] [Bm] [A]
The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowin’ we found
Tips for Playing Ordinary on Guitar:
- Chord Changes: Pay close attention to the smooth transitions, especially between the minor and major chords. Practice the D/F# chord for a more sophisticated sound.
- Strumming Pattern: A consistent strumming pattern works well for verses, but experiment with variations in the chorus to emphasize the emotional build-up. Consider using a more complex rhythm pattern.
- Tempo: A moderate tempo allows for both the emotional depth and the slightly more complex chord progressions to be fully presented.
- Dynamics: Vary your strumming intensity to reflect the song’s ebb and flow – softer strumming in the verses, then building to stronger strums in the chorus.
Conclusion:
“Ordinary” beautifully captures the transformative power of love. By mastering the chords and creating dynamic strumming patterns, you can fully communicate the song’s passionate message.
