Popular

The song 'Popular' from the musical 'Wicked' is a satirical and humorous exploration of the concept of popularity and social acceptance. Sung by the character Glinda, the song is directed at Elphaba, who is socially awkward and misunderstood. Glinda, who is the epitome of popularity, takes it upon herself to transform Elphaba into someone who can fit in with the societal norms of their world. The lyrics are filled with Glinda's self-assured and somewhat condescending advice on how to become popular, emphasizing superficial qualities like appearance, social skills, and knowing the right people.

Glinda's approach to popularity is portrayed as shallow and materialistic. She believes that being popular is not about one's inner qualities or intelligence but about how one is perceived by others. This is evident in lines like 'It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed.' Glinda's character is a critique of a society that values appearance and social status over genuine qualities. Her advice to Elphaba includes tips on fashion, social etiquette, and even how to flirt, all of which are meant to mold Elphaba into a more socially acceptable version of herself.

The song also highlights the pressure to conform and the lengths to which people will go to be accepted. Despite Elphaba's initial resistance, Glinda is confident that Elphaba will eventually embrace her newfound popularity, even if it means sacrificing her true self. The song ends on a somewhat ironic note, with Glinda acknowledging that while Elphaba may become popular, she will never be as popular as Glinda herself. This underscores the competitive and often superficial nature of social hierarchies. 'Popular' serves as a witty commentary on the societal obsession with popularity and the often ridiculous measures people take to achieve it.