Normal People (feat. Rei Brown)

Joji's 'Normal People' featuring Rei Brown is a hauntingly introspective track that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the facades we often put up. The song opens with the imagery of the devil dancing in the protagonist's path, which could symbolize the internal or external conflicts that one faces. The mention of the devil could also be a metaphor for temptation or the darker aspects of one's personality that they struggle to keep at bay. The lyrics suggest a sense of unease with the 'something in your laugh' that instills fear, indicating that there's something unsettling beneath the surface of normalcy.

The chorus of the song repeats the idea of pretending to be 'normal' or 'boring' people, which speaks to the universal desire to fit in and the pressure to conform to societal standards. This repetition emphasizes the struggle between one's authentic self and the persona they present to the world. Joji's use of the word 'pretend' suggests that this normalcy is a performance, a mask that people wear to hide their true feelings or to protect themselves from being hurt. The song captures the tension between the facade of normalcy and the reality of complex emotions that lie underneath.

The bridge of the song introduces the concept of a 'new planet' and 'covalence,' which could symbolize a new beginning or a strong bond between two people. However, the line 'the longer that we hide, everything starts to hit me harder' implies that avoiding the truth only intensifies the emotional impact over time. The safe space 'on the inside' might refer to the comfort found in intimacy or the inner world where one can be true to themselves. Overall, 'Normal People' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, the fear of vulnerability, and the yearning for genuine connection amidst the charades we play.