Released: 2024
Ariana Grande’s “Popular” is a playful take on the idea of popularity and social status. The song humorously explores the lengths one might go to become “popular,” with a character offering to transform someone less fortunate into a social butterfly. It’s a cheeky commentary on the superficial aspects of popularity and the societal pressures to fit in.
The song kicks off with a character named Elphie being told she’s the new project of someone who is already popular. This sets the stage for a makeover, both in appearance and social skills. The popular character is confident, almost to the point of arrogance, believing they know exactly what Elphie needs to become popular. It’s a bit of a flex, showing off their social prowess.
As the song progresses, the popular character lists all the things Elphie needs to learn to fit in—how to talk to boys, what shoes to wear, and how to fix her hair. It’s all about mastering the art of being seen and accepted in the right circles. This part of the song highlights the superficial nature of social status, suggesting that popularity is more about appearance and social skills than actual substance.
The chorus drives home the idea that popularity is a skill that can be taught. The popular character offers to teach Elphie how to hang with the right crowd and even pick up the necessary slang to fit in. It’s like a crash course in social climbing, emphasizing that being popular is more about perception than reality.
In the bridge, the popular character reflects on how even people with “unprepossessing features” can become popular by focusing on how they’re viewed rather than their actual abilities. This part of the song underscores the theme that popularity is not about intelligence or talent but about how others perceive you.
The song wraps up with a playful jab at the idea of popularity itself. Even though Elphie might become popular, she’ll never be as popular as the one teaching her. It’s a humorous reminder that there’s always a hierarchy, even among the popular kids. The song uses humor and wit to critique the shallow nature of social status and the lengths people go to achieve it.
