Common People
by Pulp

Album: Different Class (1995)
Charted: 2
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Candida Mary Doyle, Jarvis Branson Cocker, Nick Banks, Russell Senior, Stephen Patrick Mackey
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Comments: 13

  • DeanI know the girl. She is a very private person and probably does not want to be identified. I have not seen her for a number of years. Her name is not Ambrosia but begins with A and has the same number of syllables
  • Berni from Santiago, Chile I’m writing this to you, Valo from Moscow in case you ever read this, Pulp is my favorite band, and their music is of acquired taste, I love 42 of their songs, and I can tell you that at least 35 I didn’t liked at first. If you read this, please, please, listen to: “Disco 2000”, “Babies” and “Do you remember the first time?”, those are the best they have, if you like it listen to Different Class, and let me know if you read this (commenting here).
  • Richard from Northumberland The Wurzles did a superb cover.. no parody it's really angry.
    This song is more relevant now than ever, only it's not the super rich doing class tourism, it's the middle classes who have added sneering and contempt to the potion.
    The lack of empathy for fellow humans just trying to put one foot in front of the other in life is absolutely staggering especially when they dared to scream out at the ballot box and are dismissed as racist scum for not knowing 'what's best for them'.
    Makes my blood boil.
  • Lulu from London, United KingdomThe girls name was Ambrosia, she was studying fine arts at the same time as Jarvis, although she was only in her first year when he was in his last. Ironically Sadie Frost has very similar looks to her, even today.
  • Valo from Moscow, Russia Federationunfortunately, i think they are a one-song band((But this one really fabulous and catchy with wacky lyrics))Like it very much
  • Dai from Maesteg, , WalesA fantastic song with fabulous lyrics. Has to be listened to in its complete form with the full lyrics to be appreciated most.
  • Tom from Harrogate, EnglandPhil Selway-Radiohead Jonny Greenwood-radiohead and Javas Cocker-pulp (of course) are all going to be the weird sisters in Harry potter and the goblet of fire!!!(yay can't wait)
  • Fay from Stafford, Englandben, i think mr shatner's (feat Joe Jackson) version is much better that pulp's
  • Feli from Munich, GermanyLike a dog lying in a corner they will bite you and never warn you. Look out, they'll tear your insides out, cos everybody hates a tourist especially one who thinks it's all such a laugh and the chip stains and grease will come out in the bath. You will never understsand, how it feels to live your life with no meaning of control and with nowhere left to go. You are amazed that they exist and they burn so bright whilst you can only wonder why.
  • Feli from Munich, GermanyLike a dog lying in a corner they will bite you and never warn you. Look out, they'll tear your insides out, cos everybody hates a tourist especially one who thinks it's all such a laugh and the chip stains and grease will come out in the bath. You will never understsand, how it feels to live your life with no meaning of control and with nowhere left to go. You are amazed that they exist and they burn so bright whilst they burn so bright that you can only wonder why.
  • Iain from Dubbo, AustraliaShatner's whole album is hilarious. But I actually think his version is better than the original. It's too slow.
  • Jane from San Antonio, TxThere is a third verse missing which I can't remember in its entirety - refers to "stains from the subway .." (I think). Also goes on: You will never understand, how it feels to live your life, with no meaning and no hope .. you are amazed that they exist, but they burn so bright and you can only watch and wonder why." Or words to that effect! Don't have the song any longer to listen to, but perhaps someone else can post a correct version? Pulp/Jarvis - classic stuff!
  • Ben from Kent, EnglandIf you liked this song listen to the William Shatner cover version- hilarious.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Scott Stapp

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.