The song received a limited 10-inch vinyl release on Record Store Day[3] on 29 November 2013, less than a week before Mandela died.

"Ordinary Love" peaked at number one on the Top Digital Download chart in Italy, where it was certified platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.

[2] It was revealed on 17 October 2013, the band had written a song specifically for the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom entitled "Ordinary Love", after receiving an invitation from movie producer Harvey Weinstein.

[7] "Ordinary Love" was released on 29 November 2013 as part of the Record Store Day's "Back to Black Friday".

[11][better source needed] The song was performed by U2 with in-house band The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on 17 February 2014.

[citation needed] The cover art for the "Ordinary Love" single features a "striking painting of Nelson Mandela" by Oliver Jeffers.