With lyrics demeaning to short people, the song was intended by Newman to be a satire about prejudice more broadly.

The song follows a basic musical formula with bass and drums centering on Newman's catchy pop piano line in the key of A major.

[3] A small brass section and an electric guitar occasionally rise into the mix and conga drums (played by Los Angeles–based session musician Milt Holland) also feature prominently in the song.

Newman would later grow to dislike the song and its success, eventually calling it a "bad break", a "novelty record like The Chipmunks", and said it caused him to receive several threats regarding its misinterpreted message.

"[7] In 1978, Maryland State Delegate Isaiah Dixon attempted to introduce legislation making it illegal to play "Short People" on the radio.