Released in 1995 as part of Pulp’s seminal album Different Class, Common People stands as one of the defining tracks of the Britpop era. More than just a chart-topping hit, the song has become a cultural touchstone, encapsulating the ethos of the 1990s with its sharp social critique and infectious energy.

Often hailed as a Britpop anthem, Common People captured the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with identity, class divides, and the search for authenticity in an increasingly commercialized world. Its lyrics resonate far beyond the time of its release, offering a timeless exploration of privilege and the performative allure of working-class life. Decades later, it continues to inspire listeners, remaining as relevant in today’s conversations about inequality as it was during its debut.

Context: The Britpop Era

The 1990s was a decade of reinvention for British music. The emergence of Britpop—a vibrant, guitar-driven movement—was both a response to the grunge dominance of the United States and a celebration of distinctly British culture. Bands like Blur, Oasis, Suede, and Pulp were at the forefront, blending catchy melodies with sharp social observation, often drawing inspiration from the traditions of 1960s British rock and the punk ethos of the late 1970s.

This was also a period of heightened political and cultural transformation in the UK. With the decline of Thatcherism and the promise of Tony Blair’s “New Labour,” the nation saw a revival of working-class pride and an emphasis on youth-driven creativity. Britpop became a soundtrack to this new optimism while also critiquing the inequalities and contradictions of the time.

Pulp, however, stood apart from their Britpop contemporaries. Where Blur toyed with middle-class identity and Oasis romanticized working-class grit, Pulp brought a darker, wittier lens to the conversation. Jarvis Cocker’s incisive lyrics turned the everyday struggles and eccentricities of British life into poetic vignettes. Common People epitomized this approach, offering a pointed critique of class dynamics in a way that resonated across class lines, cementing Pulp’s reputation as one of Britpop’s most distinct and socially conscious voices.

The Origin Story

The genesis of Common People lies in a chance encounter Jarvis Cocker had while studying at Central Saint Martins in London. During his time at the prestigious art school, Cocker met a wealthy Greek student whose casual remark would spark one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s.

As Cocker recalled, the woman expressed a desire to “live like common people,” a statement that struck him as profoundly naïve. To her, the struggles of working-class life seemed like an adventurous aesthetic choice, a temporary escape from privilege. Her romanticized view of poverty and detachment from its realities ignited a flurry of thoughts in Cocker’s mind, blending frustration, irony, and a deep understanding of class disparities.

This brief interaction became the foundation of Common People. Through its vivid lyrics, the song channels Cocker’s biting response to the student’s comment, unpacking the disconnect between those who can “play” at being working-class and those for whom it’s a daily reality. It’s a sharp exploration of privilege disguised as empathy, rendered unforgettable by the raw passion in both the lyrics and Cocker’s delivery.

Themes and Social Commentary

At its core, Common People is a scathing critique of class tourism—the romanticized fascination some privileged individuals have with working-class life. Through sharp, evocative lyrics, Pulp dismantles the idea that poverty and struggle can be reduced to a cultural experience or aesthetic choice. The wealthy art student at the heart of the narrative wants to “live like common people,” but as Jarvis Cocker points out, her privilege insulates her from the realities of such a life. She can afford to dabble in the hardship without enduring its consequences, a luxury unavailable to those who live it every day.

The song brilliantly juxtaposes aspiration with reality. For the art student, working-class life represents freedom, authenticity, and rebellion—qualities she imagines will make her more “real.” For those born into it, however, this life is defined by constraints and a lack of choice. The lyrics emphasize the daily grind, the futility of dreaming big when survival takes precedence, and the bitter irony that the art student’s desire to escape privilege is rooted in fantasies, not lived experience.

Musical Elements Supporting the Message

The musical composition of Common People is integral to its storytelling, with every element working in service of its themes. The song’s structure mirrors the emotional intensity of the lyrics, creating a sense of escalating frustration and catharsis.

It begins sparsely, with a simple keyboard riff and Jarvis Cocker’s restrained vocals drawing listeners into the narrative. This minimalistic opening reflects the understated, conversational tone of the song’s early verses, as Cocker sets the scene and introduces the art student’s naïve perspective. As the story unfolds, the instrumentation builds, layer by layer, mimicking the mounting tension and emotional weight of the lyrics. The addition of guitars, bass, and drums amplifies the urgency, creating a sense of inevitability as Cocker’s anger and exasperation grow.

The anthemic chorus acts as both a release and a rallying cry. The soaring melody and driving rhythm transform the song into a communal chant, capturing the defiance and resilience of working-class identity. It’s a moment of raw power, uniting listeners in its critique of privilege and its celebration of those who endure life’s hardships without escape.

Closing Reflections

Nearly three decades after its release, Common People remains as relevant as ever. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw honesty and unflinching examination of class dynamics—issues that continue to shape societies worldwide. The song’s ability to balance biting critique with universal relatability has cemented its status as a cultural anthem, speaking to anyone who has ever felt the weight of economic disparity or the frustration of being misunderstood by those who hold power and privilege.

At its heart, Common People is more than a Britpop classic; it’s a timeless critique of social dynamics and the barriers that divide us. Its message cuts across generations, reminding listeners of the importance of empathy and the danger of reducing lives to caricatures or fantasies. Pulp’s masterpiece challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the resilience and authenticity of those who persevere in the face of adversity.

As class and privilege continue to dominate conversations today, Common People remains a potent reminder of music’s power to inspire change, foster understanding, and give voice to those often unheard. It’s a song that demands to be felt as much as heard, ensuring its relevance for years to come.