Of Monsters And Men – Ordinary Creature. Lyrics & Meaning

Of Monsters And Men – Ordinary Creature : Finding Comfort in Simple Connection

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Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where the world feels just a bit too big, too loud, and the weight of everything is pressing down on you. In those moments, all you really crave is a safe harbor, a simple, comforting place that feels like a warm hug for your soul. It’s a feeling that’s so universal, it’s almost primal.

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That exact feeling is perfectly bottled in a song. Of Monsters and Men have this incredible knack for painting vivid emotional landscapes with their music, and they’ve truly outdone themselves with this one. But here’s the thing: this track isn’t just about wanting to escape. It’s a beautiful, quiet journey about shedding our complex fears to embrace something wonderfully, refreshingly simple. Let’s dive into the gorgeous world of “Ordinary Creature”.

The Unspoken Longing in “Ordinary Creature” by Of Monsters And Men

The song kicks off with such a powerful and intimate image. It immediately pulls you into a deeply personal space, a world seen from a unique perspective.

I was on a train

Heading through the veins of your heart

You were lookin’ in

But the passenger window was dark

Wow, right? This isn’t just a literal train ride. It’s a metaphor for trying to navigate the very core of another person, to understand them from the inside. But there’s a barrier. The “dark passenger window” suggests a feeling of being unseen, of being close yet disconnected. It’s like you’re right there, traveling through their most intimate spaces, but they can’t quite see the real you. It’s a lonely and frustrating place to be, and the band captures that feeling of invisible longing perfectly.

Shedding Fear and Embracing the Mundane

The song then shifts, moving from this internal journey to an act of coping, and eventually, liberation. The lyrics paint a picture of someone trying to find their footing in a confusing world.

Finding Joy in the Labyrinth

Slow swim in sloe-gin, getting lost in the labyrinth

I’ve been grinnin’ through Easter like an ordinary creature

This part feels so relatable. The “slow swim in sloe-gin” sounds like a hazy, deliberate attempt to numb the sharp edges of anxiety. Life can feel like a “labyrinth,” and sometimes we just put on a brave face—grinning through holidays “like an ordinary creature”—pretending everything is normal. We’re all just trying to act like we have it together. But then comes the breakthrough, the moment of decision.

Farewell, my dreaded fear

Thank you, but I’m out of here now

This is the turning point! It’s not an angry dismissal of fear, but a polite, firm goodbye. It’s acknowledging that fear served a purpose (“Thank you”), but its time is up. It’s a conscious choice to step away from that anxiety and move toward something else, something simpler.

The Heart of the Song: A Simple, Powerful Wish

And that “something else” is beautifully expressed in the chorus. It’s the raw, unfiltered desire at the core of the entire song.

I wish I could run to your house when it gets dark out

This line is everything. It’s not a wish for riches, fame, or grand adventures. It’s a wish for safety, for a person who represents home. “When it gets dark out” is both literal and metaphorical. It’s about the fear of the night, but it’s also about when life gets difficult, when depression looms, or when loneliness feels overwhelming. The repetition of this line throughout the song isn’t laziness; it’s an echo of a thought that plays on a loop in your mind when you’re feeling vulnerable. It’s a desperate, heartfelt mantra.

From a Hazy Dream to a Grounded Reality

The second verse gives us a glimpse into what that “house” looks like. It’s an idealized, dream-like vision of peace and comfort.

I was in dream

Swimmin’ up the stream to your door

Flowers in the window

Sweater on the bed, what’s your day like?

This imagery is so gentle and domestic. It’s not about the person themselves, but the feeling of their space—the simple, comforting details like flowers and a sweater on the bed. It’s about wanting to be a part of their normal, everyday life, a life “without all the problems.” This is where the song shows its true colors. The escape isn’t about running away from life, but running towards a simpler, more authentic version of it.

This dream-like state evolves into something more tangible: “Slow life in low tide, gettin’ back to my clementine / I’ve been strolling the beaches like an ordinary creature.” The chaotic “labyrinth” is now a calm beach. The aimless wandering has become a peaceful stroll. The narrator is actively becoming that “ordinary creature” they longed to be—someone who can enjoy the simple, beautiful moments in life.

The song’s final plea, “I’ve been dying to reach you like an ordinary creature,” ties it all together. The ultimate goal is that simple, profound connection—to be able to be your plain, ordinary self with someone who makes you feel safe.

At its heart, “Ordinary Creature” is a powerful reminder that we don’t need extraordinary things to be happy. The most profound sense of peace often comes from the simplest desires: having a safe place to go, a person to turn to, and the freedom to just be ourselves, without fear. It’s a celebration of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

This song really strikes a chord with me, but I’m sure it means something different to everyone. What’s your take on it? Does the “dark passenger window” resonate with you, or is it the yearning for a safe house that hits home? Let’s talk about it!