Populär
The Wicked Lyrics


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Galinda
(spoken) Elphie - now that we're friends, I've decided to
Make you my new project.

Elphaba
(spoken) You really don't have to do that

Galinda
(spoken) I know. That's what makes me so nice!
(sung) Whenever I see someone
Less fortunate than I
(And let's face it - who isn't
Less fortunate than I?)
My tender heart
Tends to start to bleed
And when someone needs a makeover
I simply have to take over
I know I know exactly what they need
And even in your case
Tho' it's the toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry - I'm determined to succeed
Follow my lead
And yes, indeed
You will be:

Popular!
You're gonna be popular!
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce (Ooh!)
I'll show you what shoes to wear
How to fix your hair
Everything that really counts

To be popular
I'll help you be popular!
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports
Know the slang you've got to know
So let's start
'Cause you've got an awfully long way to go:

Don't be offended by my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis
Now that I've chosen to be come a pal, a
Sister and adviser
There's nobody wiser
Not when it comes to popular -
I know about popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who-you-were: well, are:
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popu-
Ler: lar:

La la la la
We're gonna make
You popular

When I see depressing creatures
With unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of
Celebrated heads of state or
Specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh! He, he!

They were popular! Please -
It's all about popular!
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular
Like me!

(spoken) Why, Miss Elphaba, look at you. You're beautiful.

Elphaba(spoken) I - I have to go:

Galinda
(spoken) You're welcome!
(sung) And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know clandestinely
You're gonna grin and bear it
Your new found popularity
La la la la
You'll be popular -




Just not quite as popular
As me!

Overall Meaning

"Popular" is a song from the musical Wicked, which centers around the main character Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the popular and beautiful Galinda. In this particular number, Galinda (later known as Glinda) decides to make Elphaba a project and help her become more popular. She believes that popularity isn't about aptitude or intelligence but rather the way one is viewed. Galinda gives Elphaba lessons to improve her flirtation and fashion sense, believing that if she follows her lead, she will become popular like her. However, the underlying message of the song is about conformity and societal pressure to fit in and be liked, even if it means compromising one's individuality.


The song's tone is upbeat and comedic, with Galinda's self-absorbed and patronizing attitude towards Elphaba, who is hesitant at first but eventually goes along with the plan. Galinda's disregard for Elphaba's feelings and individuality is an example of how the pressure to conform and fit into society's standards can lead to belittling others.


Overall, "Popular" is a satirical commentary on the societal pressure to conform and the value society places on popularity as a means of success and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

Whenever I see someone Less fortunate than I (And let's face it - who isn't Less fortunate than I?)
Galinda is vain and believes she is more fortunate than anyone she meets.


And when someone needs a makeover I simply have to take over I know I know exactly what they need And even in your case
Galinda is a control freak and likes to manipulate and change people to reflect her own opinions and preferences.


Tho' it's the toughest case I've yet to face Don't worry - I'm determined to succeed Follow my lead And yes, indeed
Galinda sees herself as a leader and wants to take charge of Elphaba to make her more likeable and popular.


You're gonna be popular! I'll teach you the proper ploys When you talk to boys Little ways to flirt and flounce (Ooh!) I'll show you what shoes to wear How to fix your hair Everything that really counts To be popular
Galinda wants to turn Elphaba into a popular girl by teaching her how to dress, talk, and behave in a way that will impress others, especially the boys.


You'll hang with the right cohorts You'll be good at sports Know the slang you've got to know So let's start
Galinda wants to change Elphaba's social status by introducing her to the right group of people and helping her become skilled in sports and knowledgeable about popular slang.


Don't be offended by my frank analysis Think of it as personality dialysis
Galinda believes that her critiques and advice are helpful and necessary to cleanse Elphaba's personality and make her more agreeable to others.


And with an assist from me To be who you'll be Instead of dreary who-you-were: well, are: There's nothing that can stop you From becoming popu- Ler: lar:
Galinda sees herself as giving Elphaba the tools and guidance to be a better, more popular version of herself. She believes that nothing can stop Elphaba from achieving this goal.


When I see depressing creatures With unprepossessing features I remind them on their own behalf To think of Celebrated heads of state or Specially great communicators Did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh! He, he! They were popular! Please - It's all about popular!
Galinda thinks that being popular is more important than having intelligence or knowledge. She uses examples of popular leaders to support her argument that being liked is more important than being knowledgeable.


And though you protest Your disinterest I know clandestinely You're gonna grin and bear it Your new found popularity
Galinda believes that Elphaba secretly wants to be a popular girl and is just putting up a facade to hide her true desires.


You'll be popular Just not quite as popular As me!
Galinda still sees herself as superior to Elphaba, even though she has helped her become more popular. She believes that she will always be the most popular girl in the room.




Contributed by Penelope S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@joynotjoyce9400

I know this sounds silly but it’s just utterly amazing how they don’t even miss a beat. Someday, I want to work on Broadway. (I’m 13) In my drama lessons I’m confident in acting and always get my lines on point and that includes my singing but I dance like a mammoth with 4 left feet 😔 This is my favourite musical by far but I’m gonna need to practice tremendously hard if I’m gonna top the level of that. Wish me luck plz

Edit! Nobody is gonna see this but Okay wtf. It’s literally been 3 years since I’ve commented this and looking back it’s kinda cringe lmfao. But honestly, thank you so much for the support!!! I’ve read through every single one of them and I’m kinda tearing up lol. For those of you who want an update; I’m 16 now. Results day for my GCSEs is in a week and guess what…I GOT A PLACE IN DRAMA COLLEGE. Bro I feel like my dreams are coming true rn and the love and reassurance from u guys really helped. Again, thank you guys so so much and I wish each and every one of u a good life.

Another update: I passed my GCSE’s!!!!!

Love, Joy <3

Another update!: I decided to go to film school instead. It’s been a month of school so far and I already have A LOT of film projects coming up. Look out for me in the end credits!!! 😉😉😉

Love, Joy <3



@giannanotgio

Popular!
You're gonna be popular!
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce

I'll show you what shoes to wear
How to fix your hair
Everything that really counts
To be popular

I'll help you be popular!
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports
Know the slang you've got to know

So let's start
'Cause you've got an awfully long way to go

Don't be offended by my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis
Now that I've chosen to be come a pal, a sister and adviser
There's nobody wiser
Not when it comes to popular

I know about popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll bee
Instead of dreary who-you-were, well are
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popu-ler, lar

La la la la
We're gonna make you popular

When I see depressing creatures
With unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of

Celebrated heads of state or
Specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!

They were popular! Please
It's all about popular!
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular like me!

Why, Miss Elphaba, Look at you
You're beautiful
(I, I have to go)
You're welcome!

And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know clandestinely
You're gonna grin and bear it
Your new found popularity

La la la la
You'll be popular
Just not as quite as popular as me!



All comments from YouTube:

@itsnebi9903

Barbie and Gamora: The musical

@chillybin7770

Blue Raven noice

@dannyvalentin6387

Ily

@dannamikaellasiago9821

Yes

@miriamponlatetera4611

🤗

@NoName-lm2or

Lol

89 More Replies...

@pluggedin-the-ratbird

I don't know how they could sing this night after night without bursting into laughter.

@m.e.a.9340

pluggedin-the-ratbird III

@morgan4503

pluggedin-the-ratbird me too

@LittleKitty11

That's probably why they didn't burst into laughter haha

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