englishBritpop

Common People Lyrics

by Pulp

20 views • Published on Oct 2, 2026

Common People Lyrics

She came from Greece she had a thirst for knowledge, She studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College, That's where I, Caught her eye. She told me that her Dad was loaded, I said "In that case I'll have a rum and coca-cola." She said "Fine." And in thirty seconds time she said, "I want to live like common people, I want to do whatever common people do, I want to sleep with common people, I want to sleep with common people, Like you." Well what else could I do - I said "I'll see what I can do." I took her to a supermarket, I don't know why but I had to start it somewhere, So it started there. I said pretend you've got no money, She just laughed and said, "Oh you're so funny." I said "yeah? Well I can't see anyone else smiling in here. Are you sure you want to live like common people, You want to see whatever common people see, You want to sleep with common people, You want to sleep with common people, Like me." But she didn't understand, She just smiled and held my hand. Rent a flat above a shop, Cut your hair and get a job. Smoke some fags and play some pool, Pretend you never went to school. But still you'll never get it right, Cos when you're laid in bed at night, Watching roaches climb the wall, If you call your Dad he could stop it all. You'll never live like common people, You'll never do what common people do, You'll never fail like common people, You'll never watch your life slide out of view, And dance and drink and screw, Because there's nothing else to do. 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 laughing at you, And the stupid things that you do. Because you think that poor is cool. I want to live with common people, I want to live with common people...

Meaning of Common People

“Common People” explores the yearning for a simple, seemingly fulfilling life through the eyes of someone attempting to guide a wealthy woman towards an existence mirroring that of ordinary people. Initially driven by attraction and a desire to share a fleeting experience – symbolized by a supermarket visit and fabricated poverty – the narrator attempts to facilitate her wish to “live like common people.” However, the song quickly reveals the emptiness and futility behind this pursuit, highlighting the cyclical nature of despair and addiction when confronted with a lack of genuine connection or opportunity. The stark imagery of a cramped flat, cockroaches, and wasted nights underscores the bleak reality that simply mimicking everyday actions doesn’t erase underlying problems or provide true happiness. Pulp’s message is ultimately cynical, suggesting that escaping privilege doesn't equate to freedom, and that sometimes, the desire for a simpler life can be a desperate attempt to avoid confronting deeper issues, leading only to further disappointment and a lonely existence.

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