☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Popular' by The Weeknd addresses the desire for fame and prominence, as well as the associated negative aspects and pressure.
- Fame is portrayed as a kind of addiction that can lead individuals to moral decay and despair.
- The song highlights the loss of control and lack of freedom that often come with fame.
- While material abundance is often a primary incentive for fame, the lyrics make it clear that it cannot replace the mental and emotional freedom lost with fame.
- The song also touches on the superficiality of society, which evaluates individuals based on their popularity rather than their true worth or abilities.
Interpretation
The song 'Popular' by
The Weeknd deals with the theme of fame and prominence. It particularly focuses on the negative side of this status and the associated pressure.
The verses describe a person who desires fame so much that they are willing to sacrifice everything, including their soul: 'Beggin' on her knees to be popular... Kill anyone to be popular, Sell her soul to be popular'. This shows that fame is portrayed as a kind of addiction that can drive people to despair and even moral decay.
Furthermore, the negative aspects of fame are highlighted by emphasizing that the person will 'Never be free 'cause she popular'. This underscores the bond and loss of control that can come with fame.
The chorus 'Money on top of me, money on top of her' shows that fame is often associated with financial abundance and that this abundance is often the main incentive for seeking fame. However, the artist makes it clear that these material gains cannot replace the mental and emotional freedom that is lost through fame.
Finally, the superficiality of popularity is also addressed. The lyrics state 'She mainstream 'cause she popular', illustrating society's tendency to evaluate individuals based on their popularity rather than their true worth or abilities.
Overall, the song offers a critical examination of the concept of fame and prominence by highlighting the negative effects and potentially destructive consequences.