Normal
Ximena Sariñana
The Illusion of Normalcy in Love
Ximena Sariñana's song "Normal" delves into the complexities and often disillusioning nature of love and relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a routine life where the protagonist finds comfort in the mundane aspects of a relationship, such as making dinner and the security of knowing someone is waiting for them. However, this sense of normalcy is juxtaposed with a deeper sense of dissatisfaction and the inevitable passage of time, suggesting that what feels 'normal' might actually be a mask for deeper emotional voids.
The song opens with a reflection on loneliness and the difficulty of taking decisive steps, hinting at a fear of change or the unknown. The heart, described as something that stops functioning with age, symbolizes the emotional wear and tear that comes with time. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of time passing and the sun setting, metaphors for the end of a relationship or the fading of emotions.
Sariñana also touches on the transient nature of love, describing it as something that ultimately disappears. The lyrics suggest that the words spoken in the relationship were only half-truths, a language the protagonist will never fully understand. This adds a layer of complexity, indicating that the comfort found in routine and normalcy might be built on shaky foundations. The repeated lines about the happiness of making dinner and the security of being awaited are tinged with irony, as they contrast with the underlying sense of impermanence and emotional ambiguity.
In essence, "Normal" is a poignant exploration of the dualities in relationships—the comfort of routine versus the unsettling reality of emotional disconnection. It challenges the listener to question what 'normal' really means in the context of love and whether it is truly fulfilling or just an illusion.