Legend’s “Ordinary People” was The Voice Coach’s first big hit, putting him on the map in 2004.

It’s a no-brainer that John Legend is a genius when writing a ballad; The Voice Coach has an affinity for tugging at the heartstrings. Legend’s hit “Ordinary People” remains one of his most defining songs, and it set the stage for his future as a titan in the music industry.

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Released as the second single off Legend’s 2004 debut album Get Lifted, “Ordinary People” was an instant classic, cementing Legend as an R&B powerhouse and helping him claim the “G” in his coveted EGOT. From Legend’s rich vocals to his elegant piano playing, “Ordinary People” is an intimate, timeless, and deeply vulnerable track. The stripped-down production highlights the emotional depth of Legend’s lyricism while also allowing his voice to claim the spotlight. Before “All of Me,” there was “Ordinary People.”

In a career jam-packed with songs, “Ordinary People” remains one of Legend’s standouts. Read more about it, below:

John Legend arrives for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

What is John Legend’s “Ordinary People” about?

“Ordinary People” is a ballad centered around an emotionally chaotic relationship. Legend sings of an up-and-down dynamic between two lovers who care for each other deeply but can’t seem to work out their differences. Instead of being two grandiose characters in a fantastical love story, the couple deals with typical, ordinary romantic issues like many other couples.

“We’re just ordinary people / We don’t know which way to go / ‘Cause we’re ordinary people / Maybе we should take it slow,” Legend sings during the chorus.

With lyrics like, “This ain’t a movie, no / No fairy tale conclusions / It gets more confusing every day, oh-oh,” Legend argues that modern love doesn’t always have the luxury of happily-ever-after. “Maybe we won’t survive / Maybe we’ll grow / We’ll never know / Baby, you and I,” Legend concludes the heartwrenching single.

John Legend breaks down the creative process of “Ordinary People”

Interestingly, “Ordinary People” was originally written for a rap group, not as a leading track off Legend’s debut album. Legend and the Black Eyes Peas’ frontman will.i.am wrote and produced the song.

Legend looked back on the writing process of “Ordinary People” during a 2020 Pitchfork interview, when he revealed that he initially devised the hook for a Black Eyed Peas song. However, after Legend found himself “haunted” by the small portion of “Ordinary People” he’d concocted, he told will.i.am. he needed to keep the hook for himself, inviting the Black Eyes Peas frontman to produce. Thus, “Ordinary People” became a Legend track and later one of his biggest hits.

Legend revealed his lyrical inspiration for “Ordinary People” in the book Chicken Soup For The Soul: Behind The Song. “The idea for the song is that relationships are difficult and the outcome uncertain,” Legend explained (via American Songwriter). “If a relationship is going to work, it will require compromise, and even then, it is not always going to end the way you want it to.”

John Legend for The Voice Season 27. Photo: Art Streiber/NBC

“Ordinary People” was a smash success, peaking at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending 20 weeks on the chart. “Ordinary People” and Get Lifted are largely to thank for skyrocketing The Voice Coach to meteoric success. Legend’s debut album scored eight Grammy nominations; in addition to winning Best New Artists and Best R&B Album, “Ordinary People” led Legend to take home the win for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.