Common People

William Shatner's rendition of 'Common People' is a poignant exploration of class differences and the superficial understanding of poverty by those who have never experienced it. The song tells the story of a wealthy girl from Greece who expresses a desire to live like 'common people,' those who live without the financial safety net she enjoys. Her fascination with the lifestyle of the working class is met with skepticism and a dose of reality from the narrator, who understands the true hardships of living without privilege.

The lyrics highlight the naivety and romanticization of poverty by the affluent. The girl’s desire to 'live like common people' is portrayed as a whimsical fantasy, devoid of the genuine struggles that come with financial instability. The narrator takes her to a supermarket and asks her to pretend she has no money, a scenario she finds amusing rather than daunting. This interaction underscores the disconnect between her perception and the harsh reality of living paycheck to paycheck.

As the song progresses, the narrator emphasizes that no matter how much she tries to emulate the lifestyle, she will never truly understand the despair and lack of control that defines the lives of the working class. The repeated refrain 'You'll never live like common people' serves as a stark reminder that her experience will always be superficial. The song also touches on the resentment felt by the working class towards those who treat their struggles as a novelty. The line 'Everybody hates a tourist' encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting the disdain for those who view poverty as an exotic experience rather than a harsh reality.

Shatner's dramatic delivery, combined with the song's biting lyrics, creates a powerful commentary on class disparity and the superficiality of trying to 'live like common people' without truly understanding their plight. The song serves as a critique of the privileged who romanticize poverty without acknowledging the systemic issues that perpetuate it.