"Common People" is the defining anthem of Pulp’s 1995 album Different Class and a landmark of the Britpop era. Written by Jarvis Cocker, the song is a biting, satirical critique of class tourism—where the wealthy romanticize and try to emulate working-class life without ever facing its real hardships.
Inspiration and Story
The song was inspired by a real encounter Jarvis Cocker had while studying at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. He met a Greek art student who expressed a desire to "live like common people." Cocker was struck by the naivety and privilege behind this statement: for her, poverty was an experience she could dabble in, not a permanent reality she was forced to endure12. The lyrics dramatize this encounter, with the narrator guiding the woman through the supposed thrills of working-class life—shopping at supermarkets, living in a flat where "roaches climb the wall," and drinking in local pubs—while underscoring that she can always escape by "calling her dad"312.
Themes and Meaning
- Class Tourism and Privilege:
The song skewers the phenomenon of affluent people glamorizing poverty and "slumming it" for fun, exposing the superficiality of their interest. Unlike the "common people," the privileged can always retreat to comfort and security412. - Division, Not Unity:
Despite its anthemic sound, the song is about division, not unity. It’s "desperate, vengeful, bitter, and brutal," highlighting the resentment and frustration felt by those who can’t escape their circumstances, in contrast to those who can5. - Social Commentary:
"Common People" goes beyond the romanticization of working-class life common in Britpop, offering a raw, witty, and incisive look at class tensions, alienation, and the complexities of youth culture in 1990s Britain6. It reflects the political and economic divides left by Thatcher-era policies and the superficial optimism of the "Cool Britannia" moment62. - Empathy and Authenticity:
While Cocker himself did not come from a strictly working-class background, he empathized with the struggles of ordinary people and used the song to call out the patronizing attitudes of those who treat poverty as an aesthetic or lifestyle choice71.
Cultural Impact
- Britpop Anthem:
"Common People" became Pulp’s biggest hit and is widely regarded as the greatest Britpop song, resonating with generations for its honesty and social critique12. - Legacy:
The song’s message about class, privilege, and authenticity remains relevant, and its influence endures in British pop culture and beyond476.
Conclusion
"Common People" is a sharp, sardonic protest against the glamourization of poverty and the shallow curiosity of the privileged. Through its storytelling, wit, and raw emotion, Pulp created not just a Britpop classic, but a timeless commentary on class, empathy, and the realities of everyday life4312.
