"Pop Singer" by John Cougar Mellencamp is a song that expresses the singer's disdain for the commercialization of the music industry and his determination to maintain his authenticity as an artist. The lyrics convey Mellencamp's resistance to becoming a mainstream pop singer or writing popular songs solely for the purpose of commercial success. He rejects the idea of conforming to industry standards, which often include having a flashy appearance or portraying a certain image to appeal to mass audiences. Mellencamp emphasizes his desire to be genuine and real in his music, regardless of whether it is considered good, bad, or indifferent by others. He refuses to compromise his artistic integrity and insists on creating music that resonates with him on a personal level, rather than succumbing to the pressures of the music industry. The repetition of the phrase "Pop singer, writing of pop songs" emphasizes Mellencamp's determination to stay true to himself and his own unique style, even if it means refusing to fit into the mold of a conventional pop singer. He reiterates that he never wanted to be a pop singer and never wanted to write pop songs. Overall, "Pop Singer" serves as a reflection of Mellencamp's resistance to the commercial aspects of the music industry and his unwavering commitment to creating authentic and meaningful music.
