This particular song, "Popular," comes from the Broadway musical "Wicked," a show that tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. It's a comedic number, famously sung by Kristin Chenoweth in her role as Glinda, who was then known as Galinda. The scene involves Glinda giving Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, a sort of makeover, or perhaps more accurately, a life lesson. It's all about how to be liked, how to be seen, and how to gain a certain kind of standing in the world. You know, it's about being, well, popular, and that is a very, very real thing for a lot of people.

The lyrics from "Popular" are more than just catchy; they offer a peek into Glinda's way of seeing things, and also Elphaba's initial reactions to her new friend's rather strong opinions. We will take a closer look at these famous words, exploring what makes them so memorable and why they continue to bring smiles and knowing nods from audiences everywhere. So, if you're curious about the lines that make this song so special, or if you just want to recall some of your favorite bits, you’ve come to the right spot. It's quite interesting, to be honest, how much impact a few lines can have.

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Table of Contents

• The Heart of "Popular": Glinda's Grand Plan

• Key Lines and Their Meaning

  • The "New Project" Declaration
  • Aptitude Versus Viewpoint
  • The Art of Being "Very, Very Popular"

• The Characters' Dance: Glinda and Elphaba

• Why These Lyrics Still Connect

• Frequently Asked Questions About "Popular" Lyrics

The Heart of "Popular": Glinda's Grand Plan

The song "Popular" is, in many respects, the moment Glinda decides to take Elphaba under her wing, whether Elphaba wants to be there or not. It’s a moment of pure Glinda, full of bubbly self-assurance and a genuine, if somewhat misguided, desire to help. She sees Elphaba, who is quiet and a bit out of place, and thinks, "I can fix this." It’s a very common human impulse, to be fair, to try and help someone you think needs it, even if they haven't asked. Glinda, in her own unique way, believes she possesses the secret recipe for social acceptance, and she is more than willing to share it, whether Elphaba is ready for it or not. This is that moment, and it sets the stage for so much that follows in their friendship, really.

The entire song is essentially a lesson from Glinda to Elphaba on how to change her image and become well-liked. Glinda truly believes that popularity is the key to happiness and success, and she sees it as her duty to pass on this vital wisdom. It's a rather sweet idea, in a way, even if it comes from a place of Glinda's own privilege and lack of real-world experience. She’s not trying to be mean; she’s just trying to make Elphaba into someone she thinks Elphaba *should* be, and that, you know, is a very Glinda thing to do. The song captures this perfectly, with its upbeat tempo and Glinda's confident delivery, making it an instant classic for musical fans. You can almost feel her enthusiasm jumping out at you.

Key Lines and Their Meaning

Let's take a closer look at some of the most memorable and, well, popular lines from this song. These are the words that people often recall, the ones that stick in your mind long after the curtain falls. They really do tell a story all their own, which is kind of amazing.

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The "New Project" Declaration

One of the first lines that really sets the tone for the song, and for Glinda's approach to Elphaba, is her grand announcement: "Elphie / now that we're friends, i've decided to make you my new project." This line, delivered with such earnestness by Glinda, immediately shows her perspective. She doesn't see Elphaba as someone who needs to be understood or simply accepted; she sees her as something to be worked on, something to be improved. Elphaba's response, "oh, you really don't have to do that," is a perfect, almost understated, reaction to Glinda's overwhelming generosity. Glinda's quick comeback, "i know, that's what makes me so nice," just solidifies her self-perception. It's a very clear moment, really, that sets up their whole relationship.

This little exchange is a masterclass in character introduction. It tells us so much about both Glinda's well-meaning but sometimes overbearing personality, and Elphaba's quiet, almost resigned nature. Glinda genuinely believes she's being kind, and in her own world, she probably is. She sees someone who could benefit from her guidance, and she steps right in. It’s a bit like your friend who just has to help you rearrange your furniture, even if you like it where it is. This opening, honestly, makes you smile every time, because you just know what's coming next, and it's always a delight.

Aptitude Versus Viewpoint

Perhaps one of the most quoted and thought-provoking lines from "Popular" is: "It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed, so it's very shrewd to be, very very popular like me." This line captures the core of Glinda's philosophy. She suggests that true success or acceptance isn't about what you can do, your skills, or your natural abilities. Instead, it's all about how others perceive you. It's about your image, your presentation, and the impression you make on people. This is, in a way, a very real observation about social dynamics, even if it's presented with Glinda's signature lightheartedness. She truly believes this, and she's trying to pass on what she considers vital wisdom. It’s a pretty clever line, to be honest, and it sticks with you.

This idea challenges the common belief that hard work and intelligence are the sole paths to success. Glinda offers a different perspective, one focused entirely on social perception. For her, being "shrewd" means understanding this social game and playing it well. It’s about being strategic in how you present yourself to the world, and that, you know, is something many people think about, whether they admit it or not. The simplicity of her explanation, combined with the profound implications, makes this line incredibly memorable and often discussed among fans. It really makes you think about how much of life is about perception, doesn't it?

The Art of Being "Very, Very Popular"

Throughout the song, Glinda repeats the phrase, "Very, very popular like me." This isn't just a catchy refrain; it's the ultimate goal she sets for Elphaba, and it’s also a constant reinforcement of her own self-image. Glinda sees herself as the epitome of popularity, and she truly believes that Elphaba, with her help, can achieve the same status. It’s a sort of mantra, a guiding principle for Elphaba's supposed transformation. She is, quite simply, the living example of what she preaches, and that is a pretty strong statement to make, especially to someone who is, frankly, not very popular at all. You can almost hear the conviction in her voice every time she sings it.

The repetition also serves to highlight Glinda's unwavering confidence and perhaps a touch of vanity. She is, after all, Glinda. She embodies the very concept she is trying to teach. The line "Did they have brains or knowledge?" which is implied to be less important than being viewed well, further emphasizes her point that social standing isn't about traditional accomplishments. It's about being liked, about being seen in a certain way. This is a powerful, if somewhat shallow, message, and it’s delivered with such charm that you can’t help but be drawn in. It’s a really effective way to get her point across, you know?

The Characters' Dance: Glinda and Elphaba

The interaction between Glinda and Elphaba during "Popular" is a central part of what makes the song so enjoyable. It’s a classic odd-couple dynamic, where one character is bright, outgoing, and utterly convinced of her own rightness, while the other is reserved, skeptical, and a bit overwhelmed. You see Elphaba’s initial reluctance, her quiet protests like, "This is never going to work," and "You really don't have to do that." These reactions are very human, a sort of gentle pushback against an unstoppable force of nature. Glinda, of course, just brushes them aside with a cheerful, "Oh Elphie, you mustn't." This back-and-forth is what gives the song its comedic spark and, quite frankly, its heart. It’s a pretty honest portrayal of how different personalities can interact.

This song really sets up the foundation for their complex friendship. Glinda's determination to "make you popular" comes from a place of genuine, if perhaps superficial, care. She truly wants Elphaba to have the same social ease and acceptance that she enjoys. Elphaba's quiet resistance, on the other hand, shows her deep-seated discomfort with changing who she is to fit in. She's not looking for external validation in the same way Glinda is. This contrast is what makes their bond so compelling throughout the musical. It's a relationship built on differences, and that, you know, is often where the strongest connections come from. It’s a beautiful thing to watch unfold, actually.

The song also highlights the theme of transformation, which is a big part of "Wicked." Glinda tries to transform Elphaba externally, through clothes and mannerisms, believing that this will lead to inner happiness. Elphaba, however, is on a different path, one that involves accepting her true self, even if it means being misunderstood or feared. The irony is that while Glinda tries to make Elphaba popular, Elphaba eventually becomes a figure of immense power and, in her own way, a very different kind of "popular" — a legendary figure, feared by some, revered by others. It’s a very clever bit of storytelling, really, how these initial interactions foreshadow so much. You can almost see the seeds of their future selves in these early moments.

Why These Lyrics Still Connect

The enduring appeal of "Popular" goes beyond its catchy tune and humorous lyrics. The song touches on themes that are, honestly, timeless and universally understood. The desire to fit in, to be liked, to be "popular," is something many people experience at some point in their lives, whether in school, at work, or in social circles. Glinda's advice, while exaggerated for comedic effect, mirrors real-world pressures to conform or present a certain image to gain acceptance. It's a reflection of how society often values outward appearances and social standing. This makes the song relatable, even if you’ve never worn a bubble dress or flown in a broomstick. It's just a very human feeling, to be sure.

The song also works because of its clever wordplay and the sheer joy Glinda takes in her own perceived wisdom. The lyrics are witty, sharp, and delivered with such conviction that you can’t help but smile. They are crafted to be memorable, using repetition and simple, direct language that gets the point across. This kind of writing makes the song easy to learn and fun to sing along with, which is a big part of why it has become such a staple for musical theatre fans. It’s a pretty brilliant piece of writing, in a way, that manages to be both funny and insightful at the same time. You can definitely see why it's so beloved.

Even today, years after "Wicked" first opened, "Popular" remains a standout number. Its message, whether taken as pure comedy or as a subtle commentary on social pressures, continues to resonate. It's a song that brings a burst of light and laughter to the show, and its lyrics are a testament to the clever writing that makes "Wicked" so special. The song’s ability to entertain while also prompting a little bit of thought about what it means to be "liked" is a huge part of its lasting charm. It’s a really good example of how a song can do so much more than just sound nice. You know, it has layers, and that is pretty cool.

For those who love the musical, knowing these lyrics by heart is almost a badge of honor. They are part of the shared experience of "Wicked," a piece of the magic that makes the show so beloved. Whether you're singing along in your car, quoting lines with friends, or just remembering the scene, "Popular" truly captures a special moment in musical theatre history. It's a song that, quite simply, is very, very popular itself, and that's not likely to change any time soon. You can learn all the lyrics for the song 'Popular' from the musical 'Wicked' if you want to join in the fun. Check out more about the musical's history and impact on our site here, and find other great songs from Broadway on this page. For more general information about Broadway musicals, you might find some useful facts on the Broadway.com website.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Popular" Lyrics

What is the main message of the song "Popular" from Wicked?

The main message of "Popular," as sung by Glinda, is that social acceptance and success come not from one's abilities or intelligence, but from how one is perceived by others. Glinda believes that by changing Elphaba's outward appearance and mannerisms, she can make Elphaba well-liked and, therefore, more successful. It's a pretty clear point she's trying to make, you know, about image being everything.

Who sings "Popular" in the musical Wicked?

The song "Popular" is sung by the character Glinda (then known as Galinda) in the Broadway musical "Wicked." It is performed for Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, as Glinda attempts to give her a social makeover. Kristin Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda on Broadway and famously performed this comedic number. She really brought the character to life, which is pretty amazing.

What are some of the most memorable lines from "Popular"?

Some of the most memorable lines from "Popular" include: "Elphie, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project," and "It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed, so it's very shrewd to be, very very popular like me." The repeated phrase, "We're gonna make you popular," and "Very, very popular like me," also stick in people's minds. These lines, honestly, just capture the essence of the song and Glinda's character so well.