Common People
by Pulp
What is “Common People” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Common People” by Pulp is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Common People' by Pulp provides a poignant exploration of class disparities, focusing on the futility and insensitivity of the wealthy trying to emulate the lifestyle of the working class without understanding the underlying struggles or consequences.
So… what’s this song really about?
Pulp's 'Common People' dives deeply into the complexities of social class and the realities faced by the working class. The song narrates a story where a girl from a higher socio-economic background expresses a romanticized desire to live like the 'common people'. Through the lyrics, the narrator attempts to illustrate the harshness and rawness of working-class life by suggesting mundane and challenging living conditions, like renting a flat above a shop and dealing with pest infestations, things that the girl can easily escape from with a call to her father. The narrative grows increasingly intense, revealing the psychological gap and the stark hypocrisy when privileged individuals trivialize the actual adversities faced by the less fortunate.
The song resonates due to its raw emotional appeal and its pointed critique of those who superficially 'slum it' for novelty without enduring real hardship. It beautifully captures the sense of nihilistic escapism that pervades the lives of those who feel trapped by their socio-economic boundaries—dancing, drinking, and screwing because 'there's nothing else to do'. Pulp articulates a universal disdain for 'tourists' in class struggle who fail to grasp the permanence and impact of poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Common People' by Pulp released?
It was released in 1995.
Q: What is the main message of 'Common People' by Pulp?
The main message is a critique of the wealthy who try to mimic the lifestyle of the working class without understanding the true hardships involved.
Lyrics to “Common People”
70 ContributorsCommon People Lyrics
[Chorus 2]
You wanna live like common people
You wanna see whatever common people see
Wanna sleep with common people
You wanna sleep with common people like me?
But she didn’t understand
And she just smiled and held my hand
[Bridge]
Oh, rent a flat above a shop
And cut your hair and get a job
And smoke some fags and play some pool
Pretend you never went to school
But still you'll never get it right
'Cause when you're laid in bed at night
Watching roaches climb the wall
If you called your dad he could stop it all, yeah
[Chorus 3]
You'll never live like common people
You'll never do what ever common people do
Never fail like common people
You'll never watch your life slide out of view
And then dance, and drink, and screw
Because there's nothing else to do
Oh!
[Instrumental Interlude]
[Chorus 4]
Sing along with the common people
Sing along and it might just get you through
Laugh along with the common people
Laugh along, even though they're, they're laughing at you
And the stupid things that you do
Because you think that poor is cool
[Verse 3]
Like a dog lying in a corner
They will bite you and never warn you
Look out, they'll tear your insides out
'Cause everybody hates a tourist
Especially one who, who thinks it's all such a laugh
Yeah, and the chip stains and grease will come out in the bath
You will never understand
How it feels to live your life
With no meaning or control
And with nowhere left to go
You are amazed that they exist
And they burn so bright whilst you can only wonder why
[Bridge]
Rent a flat above a shop
Cut your hair and get a job
And smoke some fags and play some pool
Pretend you never went to school
But still you'll never get it right
'Cause when you're laid in bed at night
Watching roaches climb the wall
If you called your dad he could stop it all, yeah
[Chorus 5]
Never live like common people
Never do what common people do
Never fail like common people
Never watch your life slide out of view
And then dance, and drink, and screw
Because there's nothing else to do
[Outro]
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
A la la la la la
Ooooh, la la la la
Ooooh, la la la la
Ooooh, la la-la-la-la la, oh yeah