Wiki
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Length
4:06
"Popular Song" explores the theme of popularity and staying true to oneself. The lyrics depict a narrative of two individuals, one who was previously popular and one who was not.
In the first verse, Ariana Grande sings about how the person who used to be popular is now working at a movie theater selling popcorn, while she herself is confidently putting her story into a popular song. This suggests that the perception of popularity can be fleeting and that success is not necessarily tied to popularity.
The pre-chorus highlights the contrast between the two individuals, with Mika and Ariana acknowledging that the previously popular person may have sung songs they were unfamiliar with, but now Ariana is the one in the front row because her song has become popular. This underscores the idea that popularity is not solely determined by past achievements or status but by being true to oneself.
The chorus emphasizes the notion that popularity is not about material possessions or external factors but about staying authentic and true to oneself. It emphasizes the importance of embracing who you are rather than trying to conform to societal standards.
The post-chorus suggests that the person who was once popular has a long way to go to catch up to Ariana's success and popularity. This line could also be interpreted as a subtle hint at the idea of karma, as the person who once bullied or mistreated Ariana is now being left behind.
In the second verse, Ariana sings about being the target of bullying and being picked on by others. However, she ultimately finds empowerment in the situation, as those who once made fun of her are now left laughing and clapping at her success. She implies that the only thing she learned in school was how to be cool, meaning she learned how to rise above adversity and become confident in herself.
Overall, "Popular Song" conveys a message of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself despite the pressures of popularity or the opinions of others. The song suggests that true success comes from embracing and expressing your own unique story.
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