What's Normal Anyway

Album: Wildheart (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This loner anthem was inspired by Miguel's middle years at school, when he was "too proper for the black kids" but "too black for the Mexicans."

    "I always stuck out like a f--king sore thumb," he told Spin. "Look at me, man. My name is Latin, but I'm obviously black too. And my eyes make me look Asian. I've always been creative, always dressed the way I wanted, always spoke properly… You know how middle school can be. It was like, 'What the f--k is he?'"
  • The song finds Miguel exploring his racial identity. "It was a challenge for people to understand. It was always a question of, 'What are you? Where do you come from?'" the black and Mexican singer told Billboard magazine. "And I guess it kind of rubs off on you... and you wonder, 'Who do I identify with more?' The ("Too proper for the black kids, too black for the Mexicans") opening line is kind of like the beginning - it was part of my personal journey."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.