Drum sheet – U2 – Ordinary Love

“Ordinary Love” by U2 is a song deeply connected to the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Written specifically for the 2013 film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the song reflects themes of resilience, love, and hope—values that Mandela himself championed throughout his life. For fans of the drums in this track, Larry Mullen Jr.‘s performance adds a rhythmic depth that complements the song’s emotional weight.

The song was composed in a unique way compared to U2’s usual writing process. The band was invited to contribute a song to the Mandela film’s soundtrack, and they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Bono and The Edge worked on the melody and lyrics while Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. crafted the rhythm section. The lyrics, written with Mandela’s story in mind, explore the idea that love is not always grand or dramatic but is instead built through everyday struggles and perseverance. The line “We can’t fall any further if we can’t feel ordinary love” captures the balance between vulnerability and strength.

Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming in Ordinary Love is a masterclass in subtlety and precision. The song features a gentle, flowing rhythm that feels both organic and steady, reinforcing the song’s reflective nature. The groove is driven by a lightly syncopated beat, with delicate hi-hat patterns and dynamic snare work. Mullen’s ability to create a heartbeat-like pulse gives the song warmth and movement, allowing the vocals and melodies to shine while maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation. His use of ghost notes and soft cymbal accents adds texture without overpowering the song’s intimate atmosphere.

The song was first released in November 2013 as a limited-edition vinyl single for Record Store Day, before being made available digitally. It quickly gained attention, winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 2014 and earning an Academy Award nomination.

U2 performed Ordinary Love at various special events rather than on their main tours. One of the most notable performances was during the 2014 Oscars, where Bono and the band delivered a stripped-down, emotional rendition of the song. Another memorable performance took place at the Songs of Innocence tour, where it was played acoustically on select nights.

For drum enthusiasts, Ordinary Love showcases how a restrained yet expressive drum performance can elevate a song’s emotional depth, proving that sometimes, the most powerful rhythms are the ones that breathe and support the melody rather than dominate it.