Normal Person

Arcade Fire's 'Normal Person' delves into the complexities and contradictions of what it means to be 'normal' in society. The song opens with a provocative question, 'Is anything as strange as a normal person?' This sets the tone for a critical examination of societal norms and the pressure to conform. The lyrics suggest that normalcy is not only elusive but also potentially harmful, as it often involves cruelty and a loss of individuality. The repeated questioning of whether the narrator is 'normal' highlights the internal conflict many people face when trying to fit into societal expectations.

The song also explores the idea that societal norms are enforced through subtle and overt means. Lines like 'And they will break you down till everything is normal now' suggest a coercive process where individuality is suppressed to maintain a facade of normalcy. The imagery of 'burning the jungle down' while it grows unnoticed speaks to the destructive nature of these societal pressures, which often go unchallenged until it's too late. The reference to dreaming in 'proper English' further underscores the loss of cultural and personal identity in the quest to be 'normal.'

In the latter part of the song, there's a glimmer of hope as the lyrics suggest that collective action can bring about change. 'Maybe if you hang together, you can make the changes in our hearts' implies that unity and solidarity can challenge and redefine what is considered normal. The repeated assertion that the narrator has 'never really ever met a normal person' serves as a powerful reminder that normalcy is a myth, and everyone is unique in their own way. This song is a poignant critique of societal norms and a call to embrace individuality and collective action for change.