Singer/songwriter SZA brought “Normal Girl” to life for this year’s Roots Picnic.
The New Jersey native delivered a fresh, soothing vocal rendition of the CTRL track outdoors for the much anticipated performance. CTRL, which debuted in 2017, is still one of SZA’s most iconic bodies of work, which has resonated and maintained it’s influence upon listeners today.
“Normal Girl,” is an ode to all the young women who find themselves conflicted by gender roles, problems with family, love, perceptions of self and relationships. She pines to be the quintessential normal girl in hopes of fitting in.
Introduced by Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter as, “…the definition of Black Girl Magic,” she is captured in her element, being surrounded by trees and accompanied by just a guitarist. She then crooned about what it might be like to be the “type of girl you wanna take home to mama” and the “type of girl my daddy, he’d be proud of.” In what feels like the most normal, and organic background she pours her heart into every single note.
SZA was part of a star studded lineup for the virtual showing of the Roots Picnic, which kicked off with Michelle Obama urging viewers to take a minute and vote in this year’s elections. The Roots, H.E.R., Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin were among the many other performers.
SZA’s performance immediately went viral on Twitter as this songs powerful, and insanely relatable message still compels the masses.
Check out her full performance below.
