Popular – English Lyrics

• By: Ariana Grande
• Album: Wicked - Music & Lyrics By Stephen Schwartz

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a fantastic journey, and 'Popular' from the 'Wicked' movie is a perfect place to start. With its catchy melody and clear, enunciated theatrical-style singing, you can easily pick up new vocabulary and practice your pronunciation. The song's clever wordplay and storytelling offer a fun way to engage with English, all while enjoying Ariana Grande's celebrated performance as the effervescent Glinda.

[English]

Elphie, now that we're friends

I've decided to make you my new project

Oh, you really don't have to do that

I know

That's what makes me so nice

Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I

And let's face it, right, who isn't

Less fortunate than I?

My tender heart tends to start to bleed

And when someone needs a makeover

I simply have to take over

I know, I know exactly what they need

And even in your case

Though it's the toughest case I've yet to face

Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed

Follow my lead

And yes, indeed

You will be

Popular

You're gonna be popular

I'll teach you the proper ploys when you talk to boys

Little ways to flirt and flounce, oh

I'll show you what shoes to wear, how to fix your hair

Everything that really counts to be

Popular

I'll help you be popular

You'll hang with the right cohorts, you'll be good at sports

Know the slang you've got to know

So let's start, 'cause you've got an awfully long way to go

Don't be offended by my frank analysis

Think of it as personality dialysis

Now that I've chosen to become a pal, a sister, and adviser

There's nobody wiser

Not when it comes to

Popular, I know about popular

And with an assist from me to be who you'll be

Instead of dreary who you were, well, are

There's nothing that can stop you from becoming populer, 'lar

La-la, la-la

We're gonna make you popular

When I see depressing creatures

With unprepossessing features

I remind them on their own behalf to think of

Celebrated heads of state

Or especially great communicators

Did they have brains or knowledge?

Don't make me laugh

They were (popular), right

It's all about popular

It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed

So it's very shrewd to be

Very, very popular like me

...

And though you protest

Your disinterest

I know clandestinely

You're gonna grin and bear it

Your new-found popularity (ah)

La-la, la-la

La-la, la-la

La-la, ooh

You'll be popular

Just not quite as popular as me

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
friend /frɛnd/ A2	noun - a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection
project /ˈprɒdʒɛkt/ B1	noun - a planned piece of work or activity
fortunate /ˈfɔːrtʃənət/ B1	adjective - having good luck or favorable circumstances
less /lɛs/ A2	adjective - comparative form of little, not as much
fortunate /ˈfɔːrtʃənət/ B1	adjective - having good luck or favorable circumstances
tender /ˈtɛndər/ B2	adjective - showing gentleness and concern
bleed /blid/ B2	verb - to lose blood from the body
makeover /ˈmeɪkˌoʊvər/ B2	noun - a complete visual change in appearance
succeed /səkˈsiːd/ B2	verb - to achieve the desired result
proper /ˈprɒpər/ B2	adjective - appropriate or correct in a particular situation
flirt /flɜːrt/ B2	verb - to behave to attract romantic interest noun - a playful behavior to attract attention
shrewd /ʃruːd/ C1	adjective - having or showing sharp judgment
offended /əˈfɛndɪd/ B2	adjective - feeling upset or insulted

Key Grammar Structures

• I've decided to make you my new project

  ➔ Present Perfect Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I've decided" uses the present perfect tense to indicate a decision made in the past that has relevance to the present.

• I know exactly what they need

  ➔ Simple Present Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I know" uses the simple present tense to express a general truth or fact.

• Don't be offended by my frank analysis

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The phrase "Don't be offended" is in the imperative mood, used to give a command or advice.

• It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed

  ➔ Conjunctions

  ➔ The phrase uses the conjunction "it's not about... it's..." to connect two contrasting ideas.

• You'll be popular

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "You'll be popular" uses the future simple tense to indicate a prediction about the future.

• Think of celebrated heads of state

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The phrase "Think of..." is in the imperative mood, used to give a command or suggestion.

• It's all about popular

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "It's all about..." uses the present simple tense to express a general truth.