Song Information
“It’s Not Unusual” is one of the most iconic songs in the career of Welsh singer Tom Jones. Written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills, the track was first released in January 1965 as Tom Jones’s debut single under Decca Records. At the time, Tom Jones was a newcomer with an incredibly powerful voice that immediately set him apart from other singers of the British Invasion era.
The single quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1965 and later breaking into the Top 10 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Its success established Tom Jones as an international star and laid the foundation for a career spanning decades. The song became a signature tune for him, often performed in his concerts throughout the 1960s, 70s, and even today. Its upbeat tempo, brassy arrangements, and irresistible energy made it a timeless classic of pop music.
Song Content
At its core, “It’s Not Unusual” is a song about love, heartbreak, and the confusing emotions that surround them. The lyrics describe the common experience of feeling jealous or heartbroken when someone you love is with another person. Jones sings that it’s “not unusual” to be loved by anyone, or to see someone fall in love, but what stings is when the love you desire doesn’t come your way.
The playful melody contrasts with the somewhat bittersweet theme. Instead of presenting heartbreak in a sorrowful ballad, the song delivers it in an energetic, almost celebratory style. This contrast is part of the reason why it remains memorable: the lyrics speak of loneliness, but the delivery makes people want to dance.
For many listeners, the song captures a universal truth about relationships—love and disappointment are both ordinary experiences. The lyrics acknowledge that almost everyone has felt the pain of unrequited love, yet the catchy arrangement makes the emotion easier to process. The charm of Tom Jones’s voice, full of both vulnerability and power, adds depth to the seemingly simple words. It is this combination of emotional honesty and musical brightness that turned the song into a lasting anthem of the 1960s.
Explaining the Theme
The main theme of “It’s Not Unusual” is the universality of emotional struggles in love. The repeated phrase “it’s not unusual” underlines the idea that feelings of jealousy, heartbreak, or longing are not rare or shameful. Everyone experiences them at some point. By emphasizing the normality of these emotions, the song reassures listeners that they are not alone in their pain.
This is important because pop songs of the mid-1960s often idealized romance, focusing on love as a magical, perfect experience. In contrast, Tom Jones and his songwriters introduced a more grounded perspective. Love is wonderful, but it also comes with rejection and disappointment. Yet rather than presenting this as a tragedy, the song suggests that such feelings are part of everyday human life.
Moreover, the upbeat delivery reflects resilience. Instead of sinking into despair, the singer acknowledges his emotions but keeps moving forward. This combination of emotional truth and musical optimism is what made the song stand out. It was relatable to anyone who had faced rejection, while also uplifting enough to make people sing and dance along. That dual quality—sadness wrapped in joy—helps explain why “It’s Not Unusual” still resonates across generations.