Just Another Day
Original Cast Recording - Next to Normal Lyrics
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They're the perfect
Loving family, so adoring...
And I love them
Every day of every week.
So my son's a little shit,
My husband's boring,
Though a genius, is a freak.
Still I help them
Love each other
Father, mother,
Sister, brother,
Cheek to cheek!
[Spoken]
Natalie? It's four in the morning—is everything ok?
Natalie: [Spoken]
Everything's great, why wouldn't it be great? It's great!
Diana: [Spoken]
Honey, you need to slow down, take some time for yourself.
I'm going to have sex with your father.
Natalie: [Spoken]
Great. Thanks. I'm so glad I know that.
[Sung]
So it's times like these
I wonder how I take it—
And if other fam'lies
Live the way we do...
If they love each other
Or if they just fake it,
And if other daughter
Feel like I feel too...
'Cause some days
I think I'm dying—
But I'm really only
Trying to get through.
Gabe:
For just another day...
For another stolen hour,
When the world will
Feel my power and obey.
Gabe & Natalie:
It's just another day...
Gabe:
Feeling like I'll live forever...
Natalie:
Feeling like this feeling never goes away...
Gabe & Natalie:
For just another day.
Dan:
When it's up to you
To hold your house together...
A house you built with
Patience and with care...
But you're grappling with
That grey and rainy weather,
And you're living on a latte Diana:
And a prayer— Prayer—
Dan & Diana:
Can you keep
The cup from tipping?
Can you keep
The grip from slipping in despair?
For just another day.
Dan & Gabe:
In the hustle and the hurry.
Dan:
You want to wipe
Your worry clean away.
Diana, Dan & Gabe:
For just another day.
Diana:
I will keep the
Plates all spinning—
Diana & Natalie:
With a smile so white
And winning all the way—
All:
'Cause what doesn't kill me
Doesn't kill me,
So fill me up
For just another day.
Diana:
It only hurts when I breathe.
Dan:
It only hurts when I try.
Gabe:
It only hurts when I think.
Natalie:
It only hurts when I cry.
Dan:
It only hurts when I work.
Gabe:
It only hurts when I play.
Natalie:
It only hurts when I move.
All:
It only hurts when I say...
Dan, Natalie & Gabe: Diana:
It's just another day A busy, busy day.
And the morning sun
Is stunning, I will hold it all together.
And you wish that you
Were running far away. I will hide the mess away.
It's just another day— And I'll survive another day.
Birds are singing,
Things are growing, And I will pray
And you wish To hold on
You could be going Just this way,
But you stay.
And you stay
And stay forever, And for my fam'ly's sake
Though you know I'll take what I can take—
It's now or never,
And you know I'm only just awake...
That for forever...
Diana:
Every day is just another...
And another... and another...
I will hold it all together.
We're the perfect loving fam'ly.
If they say we're not, then fuck 'em—
The perfect loving fam'ly.
I will keep the plates all spinning,
And the world just keeps on spinning,
[Spoken]
And I think the house is spinning...
The song "Just Another Day" from the musical Next to Normal captures the complex dynamics within a seemingly perfect family. The lyrics sung by Diana highlight the facade of perfection that they present to the outside world, despite the internal struggles and conflicts she faces with her son, husband, and daughter. She acknowledges the imperfections within her family but expresses her love for them nonetheless, showcasing her resilience in trying to maintain a sense of unity.
Natalie's spoken lines reveal a sense of denial and detachment, trying to convince herself and others that everything is great even when it may not be. This reflects the different coping mechanisms each family member employs to navigate their challenges, with Diana attempting to reach out and connect with her daughter in her own way.
Gabe's and Natalie's shared verses delve into their inner struggles and desires for control and recognition. Gabe yearns for power and permanence, while Natalie grapples with feelings of isolation and questioning the authenticity of relationships within families. Their yearning for validation and stability underscores the underlying tensions that exist beneath the surface of their family life.
The collective verses of Dan, Diana, Gabe, and Natalie echo the daily battles and uncertainties that come with trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of adversity. They each express their individual pains and struggles but ultimately find solace in the act of persevering through each day, clinging onto hope and resilience to endure the challenges that come their way. The song culminates in Diana's defiant declaration of the family's resilience and unity, emphasizing their determination to weather the storms together, despite the chaos and uncertainties that surround them.
Line by Line Meaning
They're the perfect Loving family, so adoring...
They may seem perfect and loving, but that's just a façade.
And I love them Every day of every week.
Despite their flaws, I still care for them every single day.
So my son's a little shit, My husband is boring, And my daughter, Though a genius, is a freak.
My family members have their own issues and quirks.
Still, I help them Love each other Father, mother, Sister, brother, Cheek to cheek!
I do my best to encourage love and closeness in my family.
It's just another day...
Despite the challenges, it's just another ordinary day.
It only hurts when I breathe.
The pain is constant and ever present, even in simple actions.
And for my family's sake I'll take what I can take— I'm only just awake...
For the sake of my family, I endure whatever comes my way, even when barely conscious of my surroundings.
And I think the house is spinning...
Metaphorically, my life feels chaotic and out of control.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind