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

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.