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Pulp — Common People
Album: Different Class
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 258









Released: 1995
Length: 5:43
Plays (last 30 days): 0
She came from Greece, she had a thirst for knowledge
She studied sculpture at Saint Martins College
That's where I caught her eye
She told me that her dad was loaded
I said, "In that case I'll have rum and Coca-Cola"
She said, "Fine"
And then in thirty seconds' time, she said

"I wanna live like common people
I wanna do whatever common people do
Wanna sleep with common people
I wanna sleep with common people like you"
Oh, what else could I do?
I said, "I'll, I'll see what I can do"

I took her to a supermarket
I don't know why, but I had to start it somewhere
So it started there
I said: "Pretend you've got no money"
And she just laughed and said, "Oh, you're so funny."
I said, "Yeah?
Huh, I can't see anyone else smiling in here
Are you sure
You wanna live like common people
You wanna see whatever common people see
Wanna sleep with common people
You wanna sleep with common people like me?"
But she didn't understand
She just smiled and held my hand

Rent a flat above a shop
Cut your hair and get a job
Smoke some fags and play some pool
Pretend you never went to school
But still you'll never get it right
'Cos when you're laying in bed at night
Watching roaches climb the wall
If you called your dad he could stop it all, yeah
You'll never live like common people
You'll never do whatever common people do
Never fail like common people
You'll never watch your life slide out of view
And then dance and drink and screw
Because there's nothing else to do


Sing along with the common people
Sing along and it might just get you through
Laugh along with the common people
Laugh along even though they're laughing at you
And the stupid things that you do
Because you think that poor is cool

Like 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
Yeah, and the chip stains and grease
Will come out in the bath

You will never understand
How it feels to live your life
With no meaning or control
And with nowhere left to go
You are amazed that they exist
And they burn so bright
Whilst you can only wonder why

Rent a flat above a shop
Cut your hair and get a job
Smoke some fags and play some pool
Pretend you never went to school
But still you'll never get it right
'Cos when you're laying in bed at night
Watching roaches climb the wall
If you called your Dad he could stop it all, yeah

Never live like common people
Never do what common people do
Never fail like common people
Never watch your life slide out of view
And then dance and drink and screw
Because there's nothing else to do

Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you
Wanna live with common people like you, la la la la
Ooh, la la la la
Ooh, la la la la
Ooh, la la-la-la la-la
Oh, yeah
Comments (123)add comment
WHAT A BUNCH OF MORONS ON HERE.


betsy wrote:
Shatner and Jackson, hands down.
If you mean that their version is an overblown lark of a throwaway, then, This original only gives more credence to "less is more." When in doubt (musically speaking), you really can't go wrong with that advice.
Shatner and Jackson, hands down.
Man, I thought RP listeners had class. Why did William Shatner sing this? Why? It's all about England, it mentions St Martin's art college in London...it's perfect as it is. Really, this feels like revenge for Ozzie pissing on the Alamo. (Angry face here)
Hey morons, what are you talking about? William Shatner? I've never heard his 'version', but I know it's not big, funny, clever or good. This is one of the best songs of the 1990s, and Jarvis Cocker was touched by genius when he wrote it. If you don't like it, you don't understand it. So there.
TeddiB wrote:
yep, I like the Shatner version better.
Me 6.
WHAT R U GUYZ TALKIN ABOUT!? NO SHATNER!
I loved it when the lead singer of this band jumped up on the stage at the Brits when Micheal Jackson was doing some stupid artsy fartsy production where he was curing blind people or hugging Jews and Arabs or something like that All the same when he got up on the stage and started dancing around like an idiot I totally laughed my head off
I like both versions, though the Shatner version rocks a lot more.... This sounds a little Bowie-esque, which is cool.
jadewahoo wrote:
Shatner! Shatner! Shatner!
yeah, shatner's version just has that certain ring!!
Shatner! Shatner! Shatner!
I like both versions, though.
pedro wrote:
I love Pulp. But after hearing the Shatner version, I must say, I like it better than this.
Yeah, me too! This one is slow and stuff :-) Shatner's is really rocking and cool!
This message still means something
one version of this song is more than enough (played as infrequently as possible!)
Thank god, Some decent music. The playlist has been a bit weak for the last few songs.
yep, I like the Shatner version better.
indigo_xia wrote:
Joe Jackson rules!
Say it ain't so, Joe
The main enjoyment I get out of this song is that it reminds me of the superior Shatner version. I concur with those who want more Shatner! I can't believe I like Shatner better, but there it is.
Wow. I understand the lyrics now, thanks to William Shatner. This seems so mellow in comparison to his rendition, though.... though the bridge with the "da-da-da-da - da-da-da-da - da-da-da-da - da-da-da-da" part still kicks butt. What's missing from this is the rage I now associate with the story. And the electric guitar has been replaced by synthesizers.
AliGator wrote:
Yep. Shatner's version is better, especially Joe Jackson's part. Wait. Does that mean that Joe Jackson outshines them all? ;)
Joe Jackson rules!
I love Pulp. But after hearing the Shatner version, I must say, I like it better than this.
Shatner's version hasn't been played in more than a month. Bring it back please!!!!!
samiyam wrote:
I have loved Pulp for years but I must say that the Shatner cover still breaks me up and I love it. (but this is a much better version)
I hate to admit it, but Shatner cracks me up, as well. Guess I have a soft spot for ol' Kirky...all those blue women, and all...
wislok wrote:
You poor, misguided fools! Shatner? Captain Kirk? Are you serious? How could you imagine that his is the original, and suggest that Pulp's version is inferior? This song is fantastic, and continues to be fantastic after a decade. How can you say that Pulp take themselves seriously? They're the epitome of knowing-wink irony. Is it all a bit too subtle for certain sections of America that are not aware that music gets made elsewhere? As Jarvis said to Wacko: "" More Pulp would be great. Stuff that's been played less - Bar Italia, say, or Underwear - and hasn 't been murdered by fat old cap'ns.
I have loved Pulp for years but I must say that the Shatner cover still breaks me up and I love it. (but this is a much better version)
wislok wrote:
You poor, misguided fools! Shatner? Captain Kirk? Are you serious? How could you imagine that his is the original, and suggest that Pulp's version is inferior? This song is fantastic, and continues to be fantastic after a decade. How can you say that Pulp take themselves seriously? They're the epitome of knowing-wink irony. Is it all a bit too subtle for certain sections of America that are not aware that music gets made elsewhere?
Well said!! See below quote from Jarvis Cocker (source www.uncut.co.uk) "I heard William Shatner's version and I suppose, in a weird way, it's an honour. I'm still pretty happy with our original. It doesn't seem to have dated much and I'm still impressed with the energy of it. The basic idea was very quick. I'd bought this Casio keyboard with vouchers from the Record & Tape Exchange in Notting Hill, then went home and wrote the riff on it. To begin with, I wanted to write a song like Stereolab, but it didn't quite work out like that. The Teletubbies wanted to do a version too. They wanted to make it into "wanna live like tubby people", but me being the killjoy, I refused to give them permission. It wasn't long after ours had come out, which was supposed to be a slightly revolutionary call to arms. So to suddenly have the Teletubbies jumping about to it would have killed it stone dead."
Pulp or Capt. Kirk the "everybody hates a tourist" line knocks me out. so true...
Needs more of da Captain!
You poor, misguided fools! Shatner? Captain Kirk? Are you serious? How could you imagine that his is the original, and suggest that Pulp's version is inferior? This song is fantastic, and continues to be fantastic after a decade. How can you say that Pulp take themselves seriously? They're the epitome of knowing-wink irony. Is it all a bit too subtle for certain sections of America that are not aware that music gets made elsewhere? As Jarvis said to Wacko: "" More Pulp would be great. Stuff that's been played less - Bar Italia, say, or Underwear - and hasn 't been murdered by fat old cap'ns.
K wrote:
I used to prefer the Shatner version by far, but I'm warming to this one. It's not as striking at first, but when you listen to it more carefully it's richer and more subtle. I'm raising my rating.
"More subtle" is exactly the problem with this version. Shatner's version rules because he starts off cocky ("sleep with you" and coolly showing her around the grocery store) but ends off enraged. These guys have no emotional range.
counter wrote:
Geez-- I'll rate this higher just because it isn't Shatner's version... What a relief!
You need to go camping. ;)
Geez-- I'll rate this higher just because it isn't Shatner's version... What a relief!
Bring back Shatner!
It must suck to be this band and know that the Shatner/Jackson/Folds version kicks their ass...
I absolutely despise the Capt. Kirk version of this song and now after hearing this version it's official: This song sucks no matter who sings it!
Wow, I had no idea the Shatner version was a cover. I actually like Shatner better. His has a quirky sense of humor. These guys seem to be taking it WAY to seriously.
I'm sure there are better Pulp songs that deserve some play. If you feel the need this song, PLEASE play the far superior Shatner version, and if you feel the need for Pulp play something better from them. I feel like I'm being cheated two ways from this.
Yeah, this song would normally be relegated to the trash heap of 80's sounding - Euro - whine pop....but Shatner saved it, and made it sound....kickass.
I'll vote for Jackson and Shatner, too. But I don't care if I never hear any version again as long as I live.
I agree with a lot of these posts -- the Shatner version wins. When I hear this version I feel like it needs a lot more energy!
This original version is OK, but it's SHATNER baby....Shatner baby all the way! Have you guys heard "I can't get behind that" from 'Has Been' which is another hilarious and ANGRY cut from his solo effort (with Henry Rollins)? It's brilliant!
lester wrote:
Now seems a poor cover to Shatner's version.
I'll second that! :highfive:
Shatner wins. 'Nuff said. (And here I thought I was the only one who would like his version better -- until I read all the other comments, that is.)
F-Man wrote:
Aligator - you stole my post!
Let's just call it a case of GMTA.
I used to prefer the Shatner version by far, but I'm warming to this one. It's not as striking at first, but when you listen to it more carefully it's richer and more subtle. I'm raising my rating.
AliGator wrote:
Yep. Shatner's version is better, especially Joe Jackson's part. Wait. Does that mean that Joe Jackson outshines them all? ;)
Aligator - you stole my post!
Shatner, baby...
M-Ray wrote:
Stop! Enough of this crazy talk! Have you all gone quite mad? ...
Not quite. ;) We've just been hearing the Shatner version way more than this and have become used to it. Thanks for playing the original version. I quite agree --- venom doesn't have to be yelled out by a lower (bass) voice for it to get through.
Good to hear the original after hearing the cover so much recently. I must admit I like the cover. Shatner is good reading the lyrics, but what I really like is Joe Jackson's vocals on the chorus.
Yep. Shatner's version is better, especially Joe Jackson's part. Wait. Does that mean that Joe Jackson outshines them all? ;)
I want Captain Kirk!
Marqdyeth wrote:
But how seriously can we take his anger when the man has more money than most of us will ever see and a very "uncommon" life? I agree that's a kind of fun song, but really, if it weren't for the musical arrangement by far more talented folk Shatner's histrionics would be merely the rantings of a mediocre actor.
I don't think we can take Shatner's anger seriously, but if we listen to him as merely the deliverer of the lyrics, we can take it seriously...more so than the original in my opinion. Shatner may generally be a mediocre actor, but in this song, his acting is pretty convincing. Think of him more as telling a story rather than sharing a personal memory.
Now seems a poor cover to Shatner's version.
ploafmaster wrote:
Man, beating a dead horse here, but I really do like Shatner's version WAY better. This version just sounds silly, like the singer is just teasing the girl. Shatner's version sounds genuinely affronted by the notion...I especially like his yelling towards the end, where his anger builds. That probably sounds really cheesy, but that's what I get out of it, at least.
But how seriously can we take his anger when the man has more money than most of us will ever see and a very "uncommon" life? I agree that's a kind of fun song, but really, if it weren't for the musical arrangement by far more talented folk Shatner's histrionics would be merely the rantings of a mediocre actor.
Stop! Enough of this crazy talk! Have you all gone quite mad? Jarvis doesn't need to shout to get his anger across, he simply uses the tone of his voice to convey his contempt, which oozes from every line of this far superior original version. And as for energy, well, I'm not sure that the energy level of a song necessarily correlates directly to how good it is. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the cover, but would argue that the WS version is a bit of a mish-mash musically, and is a tad hammed-up in places. Mayhaps this is just one of those trans-atlantic differences...
ploafmaster wrote:
That probably sounds really cheesy, but that's what I get out of it, at least.
Not at all. Actually, Shatner's CD is surprisingly good, considering he's not a singer :-). Production by Ben Folds probably has something to do with it. But then again, while I can't call myself a trekie, I've watched my share of old Star Trek episodes. So I kinda have a soft spot for the guy...
And if you liked Shatner's cover of this song, check out Nimoy's version of "I Walk The Line" not!
Man, beating a dead horse here, but I really do like Shatner's version WAY better. This version just sounds silly, like the singer is just teasing the girl. Shatner's version sounds genuinely affronted by the notion...I especially like his yelling towards the end, where his anger builds. That probably sounds really cheesy, but that's what I get out of it, at least.
this is downright pedestrian compared to Shatner.
Oh thank you for playing the original version and not the Shatner version!
Olympus_mons wrote:
I can't believe that I am saying this, but I agree
I was just about to say the same thing....and I can't believe I'd say it either, but Shatner's version nails the song perfectly. This seems kind of bland.
This drops a number every time I hear it. I suppose the Shatner version will start doing the same soon.
MrKite wrote:
The sarcasm is all the more effective in the original version because it's subtle and delivered in an extremely tongue-in-cheek English way. Not everything has to be in your face!
Ahh, bless you, MrKite. :)
How dare they cover Shatner's song! OMG, I am championing William Shatner's singing.... I guess if you live long enough you really do see everything. :-k
gandalfbmg wrote:
There's just something about Shatner's delivery that conveys the message of the song better. He gives it the sarcasm and bite it deserves.
:nodhead:
Dare I say it...Shatner rocks its better on this song.
BGGA wrote:
Never thought I'd admit this out loud, but I prefer the Shatner version.
Its not even a contest. It's a question of tempo. It isn't like the Pulp version has no energy at all, it builds through the song, but even at its most energetic it doesn't have the drive and the pulse that the Shatner version does. The drums and the guitar are straining at the front of the beat, pushing it. When Joe Jackson comes in the first time it sounds like he's looking for someone to slamdance with. There's so much energy. It's a great song either way. But the Shatner version "rocks" (in the throw up the devil horns "WOOOOOOOOOOO!!" sense). The original just doesn't.
gandalfbmg wrote:
There's just something about Shatner's delivery that conveys the message of the song better. He gives it the sarcasm and bite it deserves.
The sarcasm is all the more effective in the original version because it's subtle and delivered in an extremely tongue-in-cheek English way. Not everything has to be in your face!
There's just something about Shatner's delivery that conveys the message of the song better. He gives it the sarcasm and bite it deserves.
You Pulp bastards! You killed my song!
Yep Shatner's is better. I really like Joe Jackson and Ben Folds on the Shatner version much more too.. But hey- thanks for writing it!
Okay, add me to the herd of people who like the Shatner version better. Sorry Pulp fans but Shatner's take on the song just plain outdoes this version.
BGGA wrote:
Never thought I'd admit this out loud, but I prefer the Shatner version.
me too. shatner does a good job - i like it. :-({|=
I just read all the posts, and 98% of them say F- this version. LEMEE HEAR SHATNER !!!! LOL we all got Punk'd and like Shatner. HAHAHAHAHA ROFL
BGGA wrote:
Never thought I'd admit this out loud, but I prefer the Shatner version.
Same Here!!!
Never thought I'd admit this out loud, but I prefer the Shatner version.
Where is William Shatner and Ben Folds ?!?!? (yes ... I actually prefer that version. LOL)
where are you, other pulp people??
I'm glad to hear this, as a sort of, oh, I don't know . . . source of context, maybe. Other than that, I'm with the majority here. Rock, Kirk, Rock!
It seems to me that this "breathless" original is just too full of itself. That is why Shatner's version is BETTER!
n4ku wrote:
Yeah. It needs more SHATNER!
And cowbell. Always more cowbell.
Mister Checkov Lock on photon Torpedoes and destroy this song. Give me Shatner or give me death
Seems rather pathetic, compared to the utterly awesome Shatner version. WE WANT SHATNER! WE WANT SHATNER! WE WANT SHATNER! ("Denny Crane")
As soon as I can get a lock on this song I'll transport it to my karaoke blaster and get loaded with it...
Gasp! Who are these people trying to ride the coat-tails of Shatner's musical genius?? 8-< And yes, I hate to admit that I like a Shatner cover better too, at least I'm taking others down with me (I've got a lot of people hooked on it at work).
diane wrote:
I can't believe I'm saying this, but Shatner Rocks ! His version has... dimensions/layers/depth
I agree. Mr. Bills version is superior..... Has the world gone MAD !!
Just another vote that the Shatner version is better.
Angloray wrote:
ah yes, but where would dear Shatner be without having these lyrics to sing? Jarvis Cocker does it again. SO nice to hear the original! it'll grow on you folks, I promise.
I agree. The Shatner version only makes me realize what a fantastic song this is. Pulp rules!
I never thought I'd say William Shatner did a better version of a song than someone else, but this is just not that interesting. Shatner's angry read of the lyrics fits much better than this.
Please Bill, can we have the Shatner version instead? I feel sorry for Pulp since they wrote the song in the first place, but their version suck :(
diane wrote:
I can't believe I'm saying this, but Shatner Rocks ! His version has... dimensions/layers/depth
I can't believe that I am saying this, but I agree
Well this doesn't seem to have the energy or fun of the shatner version. Its not a bad song its just not great like the shatner one.
I must agree with Kinnekenn on this one. Shatner/Jackson's cover is superior. Go figure.
Kinniken wrote:
I have to agree with the general consensus... This is a clear case where the original is far less good than the cover. It has 10% of the energy of Shatner's version. This is a 3, the other is an 8 for me.
Agreed. Now, hearing the original for the first time after hearing Shatner's cover a few times, I can appreciate Shatner even more!!!
OF the britpop triumverate of the 90's (Blur, Oasis and Pulp) I always liked Pulp best. I guess I should mention that they were the triumverate in england. Pulp never really took of here. I
Eul0gy wrote:
Weak.
Yeah. It needs more SHATNER!
OK, this song (this version and Shatner's) was just barely clever the first time, andnow it's really starting to wear thin. It just doesn't have any stay power. Why are we hearing it again?
Weak.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but Shatner Rocks ! His version has... dimensions/layers/depth
Shatner rules the Universe on this song!
I have to agree with the general consensus... This is a clear case where the original is far less good than the cover. It has 10% of the energy of Shatner's version. This is a 3, the other is an 8 for me.
Woof! The last 10 songs have been hovering right around 7,8, 9... nice!
I just watched the documentary "Live Forever" about the whole 90's BritPop explosion and whereas it was pretty much the Liam and Noel show they covered this song quite a bit. Very interesting (and amusing, although I still have no clue what Liam was talking about most of the time). I highly recommend it ~and take the time to watch the extra interviews and the "Wonderwall Diary."
kflesher wrote:
Ya. Like a fungus. No thanks.
OR, like a really good song sometimes does!
Angloray wrote:
it'll grow on you folks, I promise.
Ya. Like a fungus. No thanks.
Spliff wrote:
Shatner rocks the cosmos. This sucks like a black hole.
ah yes, but where would dear Shatner be without having these lyrics to sing? Jarvis Cocker does it again. SO nice to hear the original! it'll grow on you folks, I promise.
coentje wrote:
Not all of us! Captain Kirk step away from the microphone..
Agreed... both enjoyable, but more kudos to Pulp for me... Shatner does make it even funnier, and instantly doubles the gimmick value.
Vociferous (?) bunch, ain't we?
red5_bc wrote:
is it terrible to say I like the Shatner version more?
yes, that is a terrible thing to say. And... ummm... me too.
orionblu wrote:
Wow, we're all in this together ; )
Not all of us! Captain Kirk step away from the microphone..
Huh. ANOTHER version of this song that I absolutely can't stand to hear. Please make it stop.
Shatner rocks the cosmos. This sucks like a black hole.
NO *KIDDING*!!! I had NO (none, zero, zilch) idea Mr. Shatner's was a COVER! ....still ....cool tune. A 6. LSNED!
Wow, we're all in this together ; )
Solid 90's tune, but Shatner's version is a revelation.
A rare occasion where I like the cover even better. https://www.radioparadise.com/modules.php?name=Amazon&asin=B0002RUPH4 great version by Shatner & Jackson.
Lay off Shatner's song!! :verymad:
is it terrible to say I like the Shatner version more?
Wierd... I like Shatner's version better...
Weird record. Cool.