☝️ Key Points
- The main character's insatiable desire for fame and recognition is emphasized.
- The willingness of the person to sacrifice their integrity and values for fame is highlighted.
- Material benefits such as money and wealth, often associated with celebrity, are emphasized.
- Fame is portrayed as a kind of imprisonment, as the person loses their freedom.
- The song is a critical reflection on fame and warns about the negative consequences that can be associated with it.
Interpretation
The song 'Popular' by
The Weeknd addresses the theme of fame and the desire for recognition. The artist describes a person who is willing to do anything to be in the spotlight and gain popularity.
'She just want the fame, I know what she fiends' - These lines highlight the person's insatiable desire for fame and recognition. They are so obsessed with the idea of celebrity that they are even willing to sell their soul ('Sell her soul to be popular'). This is a metaphorical statement indicating that the person is willing to sacrifice their integrity and values for fame.
'Money on top of me, money on top of her' - Here, The Weeknd refers to the material aspect of fame. Money and wealth are often associated with celebrity, and the person aspires to obtain these material benefits.
'Never be free 'cause she popular' - This line underscores the downside of fame. While the person seeks fame, they fail to understand that fame can also be a form of captivity, as they are constantly in the public eye and lose their freedom.
Overall, 'Popular' is a critical reflection on fame and celebrity. The Weeknd sheds light on the dark side of the pursuit of popularity and warns of the negative consequences that can come with it.