Normal
The Homeless Gospel Choir Lyrics

Nineteen-ninety-four
The year when the singer felt very insecure.

I felt so insecure
The singer was feeling unconfident and uneasy.

Growing in my hometown like a cancer
The singer felt like they were stuck and couldn't escape their hometown.

Something so unsure
There was a constant feeling of uncertainty within the artist.

Was knocking at my door
The feeling of uncertainty was persistent and continually present within the artist's life.

Eleven years old then and it was time to answer
At a young age, the singer was already seeking answers to their problems.

I found my escape
The singer discovered a way to escape their problems.

In that Green Day tape
The artist found solace in Green Day's music.

When the songs would end we'd just rewind them
The artist would listen to Green Day's music on repeat for comfort.

Kids with purple hair
Punks who had nonconforming aesthetics.

Were all out there somewhere
There were others who felt the same way as the singer.

And I would be goddamned if I didn't find them
The artist was determined to find others who shared their same interests and feelings.

Up until that time
Prior to discovering Green Day and punk culture.

I had no peace of mind
The singer's mind was constantly in a state of unrest and unease.

I was stuck inside of something I didn't sign up for
The singer felt trapped in a lifestyle they didn't choose.

So I met this kid with dreads
The artist met someone who looked different and fascinated them.

And I can't forget what he said
The artist's new friend had a lasting impact on them.

When I told him I didn't want to feel strange anymore (this is what he told me)
The singer confided in their new friend that they wanted to stop feeling out of place.

You're never gonna be normal
The singer's friend told them that they will never fit into society's idea of normal.

You're never gonna be normal
The artist's friend repeated that they will always be different and that's okay.

You're never gonna be normal cause you're a punk
The reason the artist will never be deemed as 'normal' in society's eyes is that they identify as a punk.

I started going to shows
The artist began attending punk shows for camaraderie.

And taking songs off the radio
The singer discovered punk music by taking it off the radio.

Then I figured out the radio was bullshit
The artist realized that the media only played what was deemed 'popular' and not what spoke to them.

Picked up a guitar
The singer began to learn to play guitar.

And played it with my heart
The singer began to write music from the heart.

I got inside my car and I stared driving
The singer sought to explore and break free from their hometown.

Twenty years and change
The artist has been living this lifestyle for over two decades.

Well this is more than just a phase
The artist has found a long-term identity in punk culture.

I found something that I can believe
Punk culture has given the singer something to have faith in.

Things are getting tough
The singer is currently facing challenges.

And feel like giving up
The artist is experiencing a desire to quit.

I remember what my one friend said to me (this is what he said)
The artist recalls what their friend told them in their time of need.

You're never gonna be normal
The artist's friend reminds them that they are not 'normal' in society's eyes.

You're never gonna be normal
The singer's friend emphasizes that they will always be considered different.

You're never gonna be normal cause you're a punk
The artist's friend reiterates that punk culture is what sets them apart from society's idea of normal.

We are the sons of no one
Punks are considered outcasts by society and are not considered to come from prestigious backgrounds.