Gather 20 was released online last Friday. The video showcased some of the musical, dance, drama and written word talent that we have here at Norwich School. One of the pieces was a song written by Alice Nnene in L6 called 'Normal Paradise'. In this blog, Alice tells us more about the inspiration for her song, and shares the touching lyrics.

You can hear her song in our first Gather video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHdzO9js-6k

My inspiration for ‘Normal Paradise’

I was sat by my keyboard toying between ideas for a song (seeing as I had a considerable amount of time on my hands). The idea initially came from wanting to write a song about the close friendships that I have. In and amongst my brainstorming, I remembered that I had forgotten to FaceTime a friend that I had arranged to speak to earlier in the day.

This then got me thinking about the current situation and how I am now unable to see friends at all. I then realised that what was normal before, our everyday, arguably ‘mundane’ routine was, in essence, a paradise. After further reflection, I realised that we are so privileged to be able to meet up on a day-to-day basis, go for a McDonald’s whenever we so desire, have good health and stay up chatting about utter nonsense that would be forgotten about the next day!

In the song, I’m referring to life both in and out of lock down and the key lesson I’ve taken away from this experience: never take normality for granted.

LYRICS:

I’ve missed both your calls now

I swear it’s not some hideout

I miss the little things, the normality

I’d talk to you, you’d talk back to me

We can’t escape this reality

It’s insanity, just need clarity, just need clarity

 

For when I can have a conversation that is not over the phone

Make a reservation so we don’t all feel alone

Go out for dinner somewhere nice mayb’s get a Big Mac and Large Fries

And not even think twice about it

Stay up chatting about things that’ll never see the light

Basking in our presence with our eyes open wide

Our normal paradise, our normal paradise

 

The days are passing by now,

but the time’s not flying by

They say the heart grows fonder with a little bit of distance

But when all you’ve got to look at are some videos and pictures

It cries for more, it cries for more

 

So when can I have a conversation that is not over the phone

Make a reservation so we don’t all feel alone

Go out for dinner somewhere nice mayb’s get a Big Mac and Large Fries

And not even think twice about it

Stay up chatting about things that’ll never see the light

Basking in our presence with our eyes open wide

Our normal paradise, our normal paradise

 

Normal paradise