Pulp's 'Common People' Marks 30 Years as Britpop Anthem

Pulp's 1995 hit "Common People" became a defining anthem of the Britpop era, shining a spotlight on class divisions and British society in the 1990s through Jarvis Cocker's incisive and satirical lyrics about "class tourism." Despite initial doubts from some band members about the song's potential, the track's catchy keyboard riff and dynamic tempo shifts helped it resonate widely, reaching number two on the UK charts and achieving lasting popularity with millions of streams decades later. The song's narrative, based on Cocker's real-life experience with a wealthy woman wanting to live like working-class people, captured the cultural and political tensions of the period, especially amid the faltering Conservative government and social upheaval. Britpop itself, often seen as a manufactured marketing concept, fostered a renewed sense of British identity and pride, with bands like Pulp, Blur, and Oasis at the forefront. "Common People" remains an enduring symbol of Britpop's ability to blend sharp social commentary with accessible music, reflecting broader themes of class and cultural authenticity. The song's legacy endures as a high point of 1990s British music and its social consciousness.