Meaning of Ordinary Friend by Bob Moses

The Painful Reality of Taking Friends for Granted: Unpacking the Meaning of "Ordinary Friend" by Bob Moses

As I sat down to write this article, I couldn’t help but think back to the countless times I had taken my friends for granted. It’s a reality that we’ve all probably faced at some point – pushing those who care about us to the side while we pursue our own interests. But what does it mean when we lose those relationships due to our own actions? That’s the powerful question at the heart of "Ordinary Friend" by Bob Moses.

A Story of Self-Discovery and Regret

The opening lines of "Ordinary Friend" immediately convey a sense of introspection and regret. The speaker seems to be reflecting on past relationships that have fallen apart due to their own neglect and lack of attention. We’re drawn into a narrative of isolation, where the once-strong bonds between the speaker and their loved ones have been reduced to nothing.

"This is What You Get for Loving Me" – A Glimpse into the Consequences

The chorus, with its haunting repetition, drives home the point that the person in question was never an ordinary friend or partner to begin with. They were someone special, and the speaker realizes too late that they have been pretending they were okay with it. That repeated line – "This is what you get for loving me" – is both a recognition of the pain caused and a acknowledgment that the speaker knows they aren’t worth the love. It’s a difficult pill to swallow, and one that can lead to a deep sense of self-loathing.

Consequences of Selfish Desires

The second verse of the song paints a vivid picture of a speaker who was consumed by their own desires and needs, ultimately leading to the erosion of the relationship. It’s a painful recognition that comes from being willing to hurt those we love in pursuit of our own happiness. The realization that comes from this type of recklessness is harsh – the truth that our actions "cut holes" in the lives of those we care about, leaving irreparable damage in their wake.

Learning to Accept the Consequences

As the song builds towards its final repetition of the chorus, we’re left with a sense of acceptance, a recognition that the speaker cannot simply expect forgiveness. It’s a bittersweet acceptance, knowing that we must live with the consequences of our actions. That final refrain is a potent reminder of the importance of cherishing the people in our lives, rather than taking them for granted. We must learn to prioritize those relationships and tend to them with care and attention, lest we end up with nothing but regrets and the knowledge that we’ve wasted the love of those around us.

A Lesson Learned

I’ll be honest – hearing "Ordinary Friend" for the first time made me pause and reflect on my own relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in our own egos and desires, losing sight of the people who truly matter. The song served as a reminder that true friendship and love require effort and attention to thrive. As someone who’s had to come to terms with their own mistakes in the past, I know that it’s never too late to change and prioritize those relationships that truly make a difference.

The Power of Art to Teach Us

As I looked back on the lyrics, I was struck by the power of song to teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and our relationships. It’s easy to get complacent in our relationships, assuming that they’ll last forever or that we don’t have to put in the work to keep them strong. But the truth is, relationships are fragile and require constant effort to survive. The song reminds us that every moment counts, and that we must learn to cherish the people around us before it’s too late.

As I wrap up this article, I’m left thinking about the impact that "Ordinary Friend" by Bob Moses has had on me. It’s a painful reminder of my own flaws and the mistakes I’ve made in my relationships, but it’s also a powerful lesson about the importance of prioritizing those connections that truly matter. I hope that others will join me in this reflection, and that "Ordinary Friend" will serve as a catalyst for growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the importance of healthy relationships in our lives.

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