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The name “Odd But Not Unusual” came from a Douglas Coupland book called J-Pod. The phrase itself I really liked from the outset, regardless of its context in the original story, which I have by this point completely forgotten. But I do thank Coupland for a brilliant line. The line inspired me to write a song of the same title which became one of the tracks on Life After Darla’s last album, 20/20. The lyrics very much present a side of me that is not infrequently in the fore of my mind. It’s how I see the world in so many words. As Dostoyevsky wrote: “a strange boy who views the world from a corner…”
Here’s the song.
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And here are the lyrics.
I locked myself in my car again.
I just can’t find the strength to step outside and face the day.
How can one man change the world, alone?
AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO MAKE ENDS MEET
I FEEL THE SAME INSIDE
SIT THERE AND WONDER WHY
The street signs make me feel so sad.
They only stand to remind me of all the things
That I do not have.
Does everything come pricetagged?
So I look around
At all the normal normal people.
Is there anybody out there who feels the way that I really feel?
So the streetlights tell me it’s okay to go inside
Maybe tonight’s news
Will bring some hope to a stifled mind
BUT INSTEAD, BURNING TEARS
OF A MOTHER’S FACE REMIND ME THAT
NOTHING’S CHANGED AND I STILL FEEL THE SAME...
This is my cry
For help can’t you see?
(This is my sorrow...)
(This is my plea…)
So I look around
At all the normal normal people
Is there anybody out there who feels the way that I really feel?
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The line “Has the world changed or have I changed?” is taken from Morrissey in the Smith’s song “The Queen is Dead.” Morrissey, Dostoyevsky, Goethe, Wilde, and to some extent Coupland seem to just ‘get it,’ or get me. Take your pick. Since unlike the rest, I think, Morrissey was gifted with a luscious voice, many of his lines are deeply embedded in my mind and I like to recall them often.
This website shouldn’t be taken too seriously- even when I write serious things, which I tend to find it impossible to avoid. It’s just a website that I enjoy keeping. I enjoy writing and doing the HTML stuff. Just know that I’m happy you’re reading this and I hope you enjoy what you read and see and smell while you’re here.
Have happy thoughts. That’s all the ‘about me’ I care to give at this moment. More another time, I’m sure.
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