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The Story of Pulp’s Common People: An Uncommonly Ageless Single

The Story of Pulp's Common People: An Uncommonly Ageless Single

Pulp’s “Common People,” an unlikely Brit-Pop anthem delivered from an unlikely source, became the defining single of their album “Different Class.” The Jarvis Cocker-fronted band had released several critically acclaimed records. Yet, it wasn’t until 1995 that “Common People” struck a chord with Britain’s working class, marking a commercial breakthrough for the band and solidifying its place in the music landscape of the United Kingdom.

Here’s a brief look at its story.

How Pulp upstaged the Britpop heavyweights

How Pulp upstaged the Britpop heavyweights in the competitive music scene of the 1990s, dominated by bands creating an anthemic, stadium-sized sound, was unexpected. In the end, the era’s biggest anthem belonged to Pulp, unlikely working-class heroes. “Common People,” for many, remains one of the most powerful songs of all time, despite being written decades ago. This song from the “Different Class” album showcased Pulp’s ability to capture the essence of working-class life in the United Kingdom with wit and empathy.

The mid-’90s cultural movement, defined by the battle between Oasis & Blur, finally saw Pulp, with their disco-influenced pop-rock sound, making it into the zeitgeist with their album “Different Class.” Consequently, it’s a song that’s been etched in history, a testament to the band’s impact on the music industry.

The lyrics to “Common People” are thought to be inspired by Jarvis Cocker’s meeting with a girl while attending a course at Saint Martin’s. Jarvis said they never had a relationship and that he only overheard her expressing a desire to live like the working class in London’s East End. Many believe Jarvis’ thoughts on the dichotomy of life experiences are reflected in the song since he himself did not originate from a working-class background but empathized deeply with its struggles.

Speculation about the identity of the girl has persisted. Many believe that the character is Danae Stratou, wife of a former Greek finance minister. Others point to the universal message of the song. The struggles and worries described in the tune could belong to most young people living in the U.K. at the time. The meaning of the song feels universal, even if it is, in fact, purposely vague.

The Legacy of Common People

The legacy of “Common People” as a significant song in Pulp’s discography and its place on the “Different Class” album was undeniable. Jarvis Cocker, having founded Pulp when he was 15 years old, back in 1978, stated the importance of this breakthrough in Q magazine. With eight other songs on the “Different Class” album written in the same vein, knowing they had captured the attention of a mass audience for the first time gave Jarvis the confidence to explore and express more profound aspects of life and music.

It was clear Common People was a significant song. Eight other songs on the album were written while it was in the charts. Knowing that you had a mass audience for once in your life gave me the confidence to bring certain things out of myself.

Jarvis produced the video for the song, which featured actress Sadie Frost, showcasing his filmmaking skills acquired from Saint Martin’s College of Art. Furthermore, Jarvis Cocker created a distinctive dance routine for this song, emphasizing its upbeat, poppy nature, making “Common People” not just a song but a cultural moment captured in print and remembered every time the music plays.

The song, with its darkly humorous lyrics, was subsequently released prior to the completion of the album, the widely acclaimed Different Class. This is a rare find in today’s music industry.

The Story of Pulp's Common People: An Uncommonly Ageless Single

It even inspired a host of copycat bands. Just like Oasis and Blur had their imitators, groups like Menswear blatantly took their inspiration from Britpop heroes Pulp. And, while Menswear enjoyed moderate success for a while, Cocker’s clever lyrics set the original apart from the pack of copycats.

This song was first performed live by Pulp at the 1994 Reading Festival, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s career. Later, Pulp delivered a memorable live performance of “Common People” when they headlined Glastonbury, helping it reach #2 on the UK charts, only surpassed by Robson Green’s and Jerome Flynn’s versions of “Unchained Melody.”

Listeners of BBC Radio 6 Music voted it as the greatest British anthem back in 2014, a testament to its enduring appeal and the deep connection listeners have with the lyrics and melody that Jarvis Cocker and Pulp brought to life. Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger” was third, and Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” came in second, but “Common People” remained in a class of its own, a song that continues to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of a time and a feeling that feels both specific and universal.

As for Jarvis Cocker, his affection for the song has not dimmed over time. Still, he will not share the exact meaning of the song so as not to ruin it for longtime fans, a decision that preserves the song’s mystique and allows listeners to find their own meaning in its lyrics. Pulp played “Common People” at their 2001 reunion show, a moment that reminded everyone of the song’s powerful place in the band’s oeuvre and in the hearts of their fans.

If Pulp are only ever remembered for this song, I don’t care, it’s a good song. Black Lace are only ever remembered for ‘Agadoo,’ could be a lot worse!

The “Common People” FAQ:

What was Pulp’s biggest hit?

Pulp’s biggest hit is, indeed, “Common People.”​

Who is the girl in the “Common People” video?

The girl in the “Common People” video is actress Sadie Frost​.

What movie is “Common People” in?

“Common People” is featured in the movie “Trainspotting.”​

Is “Common People” based on a true story?

Yes, “Common People” is based on a true story inspired by a conversation Jarvis Cocker had with a Greek art student at St. Martin’s College.

Which member of Pulp died?

Steve Mackey, the bassist of Pulp, sadly passed away​ in 2023.

Did Jarvis Cocker go to St. Martin’s College?

Yes, Jarvis Cocker attended St. Martin’s College, where he was inspired to write “Common People”​.

Why is Pulp called Pulp?

Pulp is named after a cheap, sensational type of fiction or magazine known as pulp fiction, reflecting the band’s interest in the mundane and everyday stories of life​ .

The Story of Pulp's Common People: An Uncommonly Ageless Single
About author

Eduard Banulescu is a writer, blogger, and musician. As a content writer, Eduard has contributed to numerous websites and publications, including FootballCoin, Play2Earn, BeIN Crypto, Business2Community, NapoliSerieA, Extra Time Talk, Nitrogen Sports, Bavarian FootballWorks, etc. He has written a book about Nirvana, hosts a music podcasts, and writes weekly content about some of the best, new and old, alternative musicians. Eduard also runs and acts as editor-in-chief of the alternative rock music website www.alt77.com. Mr. Banulescu is also a musician, having played and recorded in various bands and as a solo artist.
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