The Top 10 Oasis Lyrics
By: Sarah Turner
Tags: Oasis, Rock, Lyrics, Music

10. “I live my life for the stars that shine / People say it’s just a waste of time” — ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’

When Noel Gallagher wrote this opening track to Oasis’ career-making debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994, the Gallaghers were not quite actual Rock ’n’ Roll stars yet. Like many of Oasis’ lyrics, this line highlights the carefree, optimistic feel that a lot of Oasis hits radiate. It shows us that, yes, people will have their opinions about what you do/believe in (“people say it’s just a waste of time”) but ultimately, ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Star’ is all about being who you want to be, not letting what other people think affect what you believe in and basically doing whatever the hell makes you happy.

9. “You know I didn’t mean what I just said / But my God woke up on the wrong side of his bed / And it just don’t matter now” — ‘Little by Little’

‘Little by Little’ is from Oasis’ fifth album, Heathen Chemistry, which was released in 2002, and Noel sings lead vocals on this track. Although this particular song received a lot of mixed reviews from critics and listeners alike — some believing the song was a ‘patronising and sycophantic’ tune — ‘Little by Little’ is unquestionably a classic Oasis ballad with imaginative lyrics which can be interpreted in many different ways. The above lyric, which is repeated twice throughout the song, seems somewhat personal and sensitive, and could portray Noel’s reflection on life and his interpretation of God and the world.

8. “Wake up the dawn and ask her why / A dreamer dreams she never dies / Wipe that tear away now from your eye” — ‘Champagne Supernova’

One of their more psychedelic songs, ‘Champagne Supernova’ depicts the common Oasis mantra of never giving up on your dreams. ‘Champagne Supernova’, from the album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? (released in 1994) seems to portray the idea of being indestructible — “a dreamer dreams she never dies”. However, no matter how people personally interpret the lyrics of this song and read into them to find a deeper, concealed meaning, Noel Gallagher himself once said that ‘Champagne Supernova’ “means different things when I’m in different moods”. Nevertheless, this song does boast some good lines.

7. “I’m free to say whatever I / Whatever I like If it’s wrong or right it’s alright” — ‘Whatever’

‘Whatever’ is a brilliantly uplifting song from the album Definitely Maybe and again portrays that much loved, carefree attitude of many of Oasis’ hits. This lyric expresses that you’re entitled to voice your views regardless of whether they are seen by others as being ‘wrong’ or ‘right’, and is a valuable mantra to live by — especially on those days when you feel yourself letting other people’s views get the better of you. ‘Whatever’ is a commonly overlooked Oasis classic which consists of a feel-good melody and optimistic lyrics urging you to do whatever you want to do.

6. “All of the stars have faded away / Just try not to worry you’ll see them someday” — ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’

From the album Heathen Chemistry, released in May 2002, ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ is a great song to listen to when you’re feeling down in the dumps. This is thanks to Liam’s distinct drawl telling you not to worry; everything will be fine. These comforting lyrics mark the beginning of the chorus of this track and present a beautiful metaphor of the stars, which could perhaps be interpreted as a person’s dreams and happier times. This song seems to reassure the listener that, even though you cannot always see the stars, they are always there and will be in reach again soon. Arguably one of Oasis’ best ballads, this song is an uplifting, encouraging song of hope.

5. “You gotta roll with it / You gotta take your time / You gotta say what you say / Don’t let anybody get in your way” — ‘Roll With It’

‘Roll With It’ is the second single from (What’s the Story?) Morning Glory? and is an immensely stimulating and catchy track. This song was released in August 1995, famously clashing with the release of their rival Blur’s hit ‘Country House’, creating what was known as “The Battle of Britpop”. Another of Oasis’ boosting and refreshing tunes, ‘Roll With It’ encourages the listener to simply go with the flow of life and be yourself — don’t let others get in your way. Much like the songs ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Star’ and ‘Whatever’, ‘Roll With It’ perfectly captures and puts across the inspirational and encouraging viewpoint that we all need reminding of sometimes.

4. “I don’t mind / As long as there’s a bed beneath the stars that shine / I’ll be fine” — ‘The Importance of Being Idle’

From Oasis’ sixth album Don’t Believe The Truth and released in 2005, ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ turned out to be the bands last UK number 1 prior to their split in 2009. The brilliant track portrays a curious story, perhaps of a desperate man turning to various people in his life (some of whom are mentioned throughout the song) for help: his landlord, his best friend, his girlfriend. However, like the lyric above, the overall message of the song can be interpreted as a somewhat reassuring one: even if life’s not going the way you planned out, you’ll be fine in the end. The above lyric could imply that as much of a life can be had by simply appreciating the little things in life, such as the stars in the sky. No matter which way this track is interpreted, the intriguing lyrics and distinctive tune make ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ a genius piece.

3. “And all the roads we have to walk are winding / And all the lights that lead us there are blinding” — ‘Wonderwall’

One of Oasis’ most acclaimed songs, Noel Gallagher once shared that ‘Wonderwall’ is about “an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself” — which makes perfect sense when one listens closely to the delicate lyrics that this song consists of. A particularly enchanting lyric is the one above, which depicts the difficulties that life can throw at us, and expresses how complicated things can seem. With these sensitive words and soothing but catchy melody, it’s no surprise ‘Wonderwall’ is one of Oasis’ most popular tracks.

2. “Is it worth the aggravation / To find yourself a job when there’s nothing worth working for?” — ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’

‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ may just be the epitome of what Oasis are all about. From their debut album Definitely Maybe, this song is a fabulous example of why the Gallagher brothers are viewed by many as British working-class heroes. ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ is a tribute to all those misunderstood, unfulfilled people who are fed-up with the way things are and have nothing but a diet of alcohol and nicotine to rely upon to have a good time. The words throughout the song are full of angst and frustration and, coupled with the catchy beat and guitar riffs, make it virtually impossible to dislike. A particularly brilliant lyric is the one above, which sums up a view that is hugely relatable to working-class citizens, both in the 90s, when this was written, and in present day.

1. “All we know is that we don’t know / How it’s gonna be / Please brother let it be / Life on the other hand / Won’t make us understand” — ‘Masterplan’

There’s no denying that Noel Gallagher is a lyrical genius. ‘The Masterplan’ was released in 1995 and features first-rate lyrics as well as a creative, catchy melody. Noel Gallagher himself has numerously referred to ‘The Masterplan’ as being one of the best songs he has ever written and is most lyrically proud of — and it’s easy to see why. The words of this song flow effortlessly and seem to touch upon everything from fate and existence to trying to understand the world in which we live. A truly thought-provoking and poetic piece, ‘The Masterplan’ includes some of Oasis’ finest lines.

Words by Sarah Turner

@hifromsarah