Cade Thompson - New Normal Lyrics

Album: Bigger Story
Released: 10 Sep 2021

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Lyrics

Walking through these high school halls afraid
Locks on the doors but I don’t feel safe
Too many guns in the hands of hate
It’s the new normal

We’re supposed to be young and innocent
But it feels like those days just came and went
World’s looking darker than it’s ever been
It’s the new normal

We’re too young for all this hurting
Give us peace, give us peace
We can’t carry all this heavy
Give us strength give us strength
We’re so tired of all the anger
Give us love, give us love
We want a new normal
We want a new normal

You’re not a stranger to our pain
You see every tear on every face
And one day they’ll all be wiped away
In a new normal

We’re not alone in the in between
Be our hope when hope is unseen
Give us a glimpse of the greater dream a new normal

In this world there will be trouble
But take heart, take heart
He has overcome the world
In this world there will be trouble
But take heart, take heart

Video

Cade Thompson - New Normal (Official Music Video)

Meaning & Inspiration

Cade Thompson's "New Normal," released on September 10, 2021, as part of his album *Bigger Story*, arrives as a potent and timely anthem for a generation grappling with unprecedented challenges. This song isn't just music; it's a poignant reflection on the anxieties of our present world, masterfully articulating the deep yearning for a divine intervention that only faith can provide. Thompson captures the disquiet of young people facing realities that contradict the innocence they're "supposed to be" experiencing, from fears within school halls to a general perception of a world that feels increasingly darker. He gives voice to a collective lament, recognizing that the current state of affairs, marked by pervasive fear and anger, has become an unwelcome "new normal" that leaves many feeling overwhelmed and desperate for change.

The profound core of "New Normal" lies in its heartfelt petition to the Divine. Thompson and the voices he represents cry out, "We’re too young for all this hurting / Give us peace, give us peace / We can’t carry all this heavy / Give us strength give us strength / We’re so tired of all the anger / Give us love, give us love." This isn't merely a request; it's a profound declaration of human limitation and a complete surrender to a higher power. This desperate plea resonates deeply with the biblical invitation to cast our anxieties upon the Lord, as echoed in 1 Peter 5:7, where we are reminded that He cares for us. Similarly, the desire for peace, strength, and love finds its ultimate fulfillment in God, who is the source of all these things. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God, promising a peace that transcends all understanding. In seeking strength, we lean into Isaiah 41:10, where God assures us, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." And against the tide of anger, the call for love points us directly to God’s nature, as 1 John 4:8 declares that "God is love." The song, therefore, transforms a generational lament into a powerful prayer, acknowledging the weight of the world while actively seeking divine relief.

As the song progresses, it shifts from expressing immediate pain to embracing an enduring hope. Thompson asserts, "You’re not a stranger to our pain / You see every tear on every face / And one day they’ll all be wiped away / In a new normal." This profound recognition of God's empathy serves as a cornerstone of Christian comfort. It assures us that our suffering is not unseen or unheard by the Creator. Psalm 56:8 beautifully captures this sentiment, stating, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." This acknowledgment then propels us towards the ultimate promise found in Revelation 21:4, which speaks of a future where God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This is the truly everlasting "new normal" that believers anticipate, a future devoid of suffering in His glorious presence.

The journey of faith through uncertain times is further explored with the lyric, "We’re not alone in the in between / Be our hope when hope is unseen / Give us a glimpse of the greater dream a new normal." This speaks to the constant companionship of God even when circumstances obscure our path or dim our outlook. Matthew 28:20 provides the timeless assurance that Jesus is "with you always, to the very end of the age," ensuring we are never truly isolated in our struggles. When hope itself seems to vanish, our faith becomes the very substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, as articulated in Hebrews 11:1. The song inspires us to hold onto the "greater dream"—the vision of God's Kingdom and His ultimate plan—knowing that even amidst present troubles, His unwavering presence offers an anchor for our souls and a glimpse into His perfect design.

The transformative power of "New Normal" culminates in its triumphant bridge, a direct and profound echo of Christ's victory: "In this world there will be trouble / But take heart, take heart / He has overcome the world." This is not just a comforting thought; it's a direct quote from Jesus Himself in John 16:33. In that passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for the trials ahead, but immediately follows with a declaration of His absolute triumph, urging them to "take heart." Thompson masterfully integrates this foundational truth, shifting the "new normal" from a descriptor of present despair to a prophetic promise of future glory. It redefines what it means to take heart in a troubled world: not an absence of problems, but the certainty that Christ has already conquered them. This divine assurance transforms our perspective, reminding us that no matter how dark the world appears, the light of Christ's victory shines brighter, guaranteeing a true and everlasting new normal under His sovereign rule. Through this inspiring composition, Cade Thompson offers a powerful testament to enduring faith, channeling the raw pain of a generation into a passionate plea and, ultimately, a vibrant declaration of hope in God's unwavering faithfulness.