An indie pop artist named Cordelia O’Driscoll (@cordeliaetc) based in the UK dropped her now viral track “Little Life” earlier this year, which now sits at over three million streams on Spotify. The song has soundtracked approximately 240,000 videos on TikTok, and sparked a trend in which video creators on the platform compiled clips of moments with loved ones, and milestones big and small. The chorus of the track, in which O’Driscoll sings “I think I like this little life” layered with delicate acoustic guitar strumming, which began as a celebration of the simple joys of life, rapidly spiraled into discourse surrounding wealth and class.
@cordeliaetc If you’re sick of this song dont worry OH HOW I HAVE MORE thanks for making all the little life videos guys love u all #newmusic #singersongwriter #folkmusic #originalsong #newsong #romanticizeyourlife #maincharacter #littlelife
Among the “Little Life” top videos are daily vlogs from dog owners, college students, recent graduates, new parents, and best friends. On the other end of the spectrum are wealthy travel creators, celebrities, and the children of celebrities (nepo babies in internet language). What started as a wholesome trend about romanticizing every day turned into a discussion on how not every “little life” is graced with equal opportunity.
@maggie_zhou little lives, big bank accounts xxx
On one hand, some digital creators continue to poke fun at the trend and critique how the famous and wealthy are calling their lives “little” while many struggle under the weight of student debt, unemployment, and worse in a post-pandemic world. Others insist that nepo babies did not choose to be born into wealth and should not be ashamed for choosing to broadcast their lives. The criticism sprung from actor Kelsey Grammer’s daughter Greer Grammer sharing a video of a trip from the family’s private jet to the tune of “Little Life” in a since deleted video.
@paretay I know its hard but not everything is about you #nepobaby
Others continue to make parodies of the song, insinuating that the discourse surrounding the trend is not nearly as serious or consequential in the grand scope of the world at the moment.
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@tennisball300 I think i like this little life
In response to the viral trend, O’Driscoll has issued several responses. She asserted that she never intended to start this trend or the class discourse that has come to be associated with it. She has celebrated the positive takes on the trend, and had no hesitation with brushing off the critics as streaming numbers continue to climb to new heights. The singer has released a live performance video of an at-home Christmastime version of the track included from her recent “Caramel” EP.
@cordeliaetc Alt title was ‘cordelia sang on the train and everyone got annoyed’ x Director: Harvey Pearson DP: Thom Neal Sound: Thomas LeBeau-Morley Mix: J Moon Styling: Alexandra Cronan MUA: Chie Fujimoto Guest Star: Dad #newmusic #singersongwriter #littlelife #cordelia #livemusic #musicvideo
@cordeliaetc #duet with @Ella Sue this is objectively hilarious #newmusic #singersongwriter #littlelife #cordelia #behindthesong #ithinkilikethislittlelife #romanticizeyourlife
@cordeliaetc #duet with @Elsa cant get enough of these vids they’re so lovely DON’T STOP PEOPLE I LOVE YA #newmusic #originalsong #folkmusic #singersongwriter #romanticizeyourlife #littlelife #sillylittlelife #maincharacter #vanlife #travellife
Since O’Driscoll’s response, the heat surrounding the trend has begun to cool, with some incorporating “little life” into the internet vernacular in the same manner as “Roman Empire” was added this year. Now, some joke that they are “fighting for their little life” through indigestion and the conversation at the holiday dinner table.
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@milldog45
O’Driscoll continues to tease new music to be announced in the new year of 2024.
