Popular

Popular is Nada Surf's first radio single, released in June 1996. Each of the verses in Popular presents, in spoken word format, sarcastic advice to teens. Initially offered in a calm, deadpan voice, the lyrics gradually build Kinison-style in teen angst and rage. The song reached number 11 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and propelled the album to number 63 on the Billboard 200. Popular was also a big hit in France, reaching the Top 10 with a total chart run of 15 consecutive weeks in the French Top 50. It was also used in France in a TV commercial for the radio station Fun Radio, which was then the most influential radio station among teenagers. The whole song, except for the chorus, is made of parts of a book, Penny's Guide to Teen-Age Charm and Popularity (Gloria Winters, 1964, Prentice Hall), whose advice are taken sarcastically by Matthew Caws. Those parts are spoken, and not sung. A rerecorded version from 2007 appears on the band's MySpace. Video and controversy The video for this song, directed by Jesse Peretz, was shot at the Bayonne High School, with administration approval, and showed football players and cheerleaders, wearing the uniforms of the school, as well as the three members of the band, Matthew as a teacher, Daniel as a security guard, and Ira as the football coach. The vice principal of the High School later launched a controversy, in mid-August 1996, by raising the issue that the last scene, which shows football players staring suggestively at each other in the showers, was homoerotic and thus offensive towards Bayonne High School, as it suggested some of its football players could be gay. According to Nada Surf, the shower scene was never intended to suggest homosexuality. Indeed, both the song's lyrics and the bulk of the video's imagery are predominantly — and blatantly — heterosexual. The video features passionate, heterosexual kissing scenes, for example, which go well beyond any "suggestive" smiles that so offended the vice principal. Significantly, the band members quickly took exception to this homophobic attack. During an MTV News report on the controversy, Nada Surf lambasted the vice principal's ignorance — calling the vice principal "small minded" for singling out "homoeroticism as more offensive than straight eroticism".

[Verse 1] Three important rules for breaking up Don't put off breaking up when you know you want to Prolonging the situation only makes it worse Tell him honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly Don't make a big production Don't make up an elaborate story This will help you avoid a big tear jerking scene If you want to date other people say so Be prepared for the boy to feel hurt and rejected Even if you've gone together for only a short time And haven't been too serious There's still a feeling of rejection When someone says she prefers the company of others To your exclusive company But if you're honest, and direct And avoid making a flowery emotional speech When you break the news The boy will respect you for your frankness And honestly he'll appreciate the kind and Straightforward manner in which you told him your decision Unless he's a real jerk or a cry baby you'll remain friends [Chorus 1] I'm head of the class I'm popular I'm a quarterback I'm popular My mom says I'm a catch I'm popular I'm never last picked I got a cheerleading chick [Verse 2] Being attractive is the most important thing there is If you wanna catch the biggest fish in your pond You have to be as attractive as possible Make sure to keep your hair spotless and clean Wash it at least every two weeks Once every two weeks And if you see Johnny Football Hero in the hall Tell him he played a great game Tell him you liked his article in the newspaper [Chorus 2] I'm the party star I'm popular I've got my own car I'm popular I'll never get caught I'm popular I make football bets I'm the teacher's pet [Verse 3] I propose we support a one month limit on going steady I think It would keep people more able to deal with weird situations And get to know more people I think if you're ready to go out with Johnny Now's the time to tell him about your one month limit He won't mind, he'll appreciate your fresh look on dating And once you've dated someone else, you can date him again I'm sure he'll like it Everyone will appreciate it You're so novel, what a good idea You can keep your time to yourself You don't need date insurance You can go out with whoever you want to Every boy, every boy in the whole world could be yours If you'll just listen to my plan The teenage guide to popularity [Chorus 1] I'm head of the class I'm popular I'm a quarterback I'm popular My mom says I'm a catch I'm popular I'm never last picked I got a cheerleading chick [Chorus 2] I'm the party star I'm popular I've got my own car I'm popular I'll never get caught I'm popular I make football bets I'm the teacher's pet