Meaning of Popular Song - Ariana Grande
In Ariana Grande's hit song "Popular Song," the lyrics explore the meaning behind being popular versus true identity. The opening lines, "You were the popular one, the popular chick / It is what it is, now I'm popular-ish" set the tone of the song, highlighting the contrast between someone who was always considered popular and the speaker, who has now gained some level of popularity.
The song goes on to address the difference between being popular for superficial reasons versus having true character. In the lines "My problem, I never was a model / I never was a scholar, but you were always popular," Grande acknowledges that she did not fit into the traditional mold of what society deems as successful or attractive.
The speaker then touches upon how others tried to make her feel bad about herself through their actions. She sings, "You hid during classes and in-between them / Dunk me in the toilets now it's you that cleans them," hinting at past bullying experiences.
However, Grande also touches upon the fact that being popular doesn't always mean true happiness. In the line "Now you're working at the movies selling popular corn," she highlights how others may be living a superficial life just to fit into the popular crowd.
Throughout the song, the chorus "Popular," is repeated with the lines "It's not about who you are or your fancy car / You're only ever who you were." This emphasizes that true popularity comes from being authentic and true to oneself, rather than trying to fit into a mold.
The song ends with Grande encouraging others to be true to themselves, stating "You're only ever who you were," reminding us all that we should never change who we are just to fit in with the popular crowd. The song's message of self-acceptance and authenticity is a powerful reminder that true popularity comes from within.
The song goes on to address the difference between being popular for superficial reasons versus having true character. In the lines "My problem, I never was a model / I never was a scholar, but you were always popular," Grande acknowledges that she did not fit into the traditional mold of what society deems as successful or attractive.
The speaker then touches upon how others tried to make her feel bad about herself through their actions. She sings, "You hid during classes and in-between them / Dunk me in the toilets now it's you that cleans them," hinting at past bullying experiences.
However, Grande also touches upon the fact that being popular doesn't always mean true happiness. In the line "Now you're working at the movies selling popular corn," she highlights how others may be living a superficial life just to fit into the popular crowd.
Throughout the song, the chorus "Popular," is repeated with the lines "It's not about who you are or your fancy car / You're only ever who you were." This emphasizes that true popularity comes from being authentic and true to oneself, rather than trying to fit into a mold.
The song ends with Grande encouraging others to be true to themselves, stating "You're only ever who you were," reminding us all that we should never change who we are just to fit in with the popular crowd. The song's message of self-acceptance and authenticity is a powerful reminder that true popularity comes from within.
