There are more than enough reasons not to like the brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher from the rock band Oasis. Unshakable confidence in their own genius, scandalous behavior, rude remarks about colleagues, journalists and others who come to hand, constant enmity with each other – the list can be continued for a long time.
And we didn’t even directly touch upon the work of the group, which many critics consider secondary. But all of the above and a lot more can be forgiven for only one brilliant composition Wonderwall, which became the main hit of Oasis.
The story of creation and the meaning of the song Wonderwall
Before talking about the song, let’s remember John Lennon, who once in an interview used the word “wonderwall”, which does not exist in literary English. Then director Joe Massot named a film about a scientist who watched his neighbor through the holes in the set and became so attached to her that she became a part of his life. The film was composed by George Harrison and the soundtrack was released as an album called Wonderwall Music.
So the origin of the name of the song Wonderwall is quite clear, but with its meaning, everything is not so simple. Initially, it was assumed that the song is dedicated to Meg Matthews, Noel’s girlfriend and future wife. Gallagher supported this opinion while he was with Meg, but refuted it some time after their divorce:
The meaning of this song was taken away from me by the media, which clung to it. How do you tell your missus that the song is not about her if she has already read about it? But it’s about an imaginary friend who comes and saves you from yourself.
Noel Gallagher, Q, 2002
True, this interpretation was also not satisfied with many fans of the group, and they continued to issue their own versions. Some said that we are talking about cocaine tracks on the mirror. Others saw the text as a dedication to Harrison. Still others remembered the victory of Manchester City, the brothers’ favorite team, over Manchester United. Allegedly, the defense of the “citizens” in that match played so reliably that the newspapers called it “wonderwall”. In general, there were many options.
He did not really tell anything about the history of the creation of the Wonderwall song, and in an interview he said:
Actually, I don’t remember writing it. Perhaps I wrote it on scraps of paper and finished it in the studio.
Noel Gallagher, 2000
Naturally, Noel, being the author of the song, wanted to sing it himself, but had to admit that Liam did it much better, and give “Wonderwall” to his brother.
Release and achievements
The composition was presented to the public at the Glastonbury Festival in the summer of 1995. Watch the music video Wonderwall – Oasis with Glastonbury.
Wonderwall was featured on (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, released in October. The song was released as the third single and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. On the Billboard Hot 100, Wonderwall peaked at number eight, making it Oasis’ most successful single in the United States.
Wonderwall is included in several top songs rankings compiled by various authoritative publications, TV channels and radio stations.
Video of Wonderwall by Oasis
The music video for the track was voted Best British Video at the Brit Awards in 1996.
Interesting Facts
- The working title of the Wonderwall song was Wishing Stone.
- The cover design of the single was inspired by the paintings of the artist René Magritte.
- U2’s Edge said Wonderwall is one of the songs he would most like to write.
- Liam Gallagher has said that he can’t stand Wonderwall, even though he has to sing it all the time.
Lyrics of Wonderwall by Oasis
Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you
By now you should’ve somehow realized what you gotta do
I don’t believe that anyone feels the way I do about you now
Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I’m sure you’ve heard it all before but you never really had a doubt
I don’t believe that anyone feels the way I do about you now
chorus:
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don’t know how
Because maybe you’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all, you’re my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day but they’ll never throw it back to you
By now you should’ve somehow realized
What you’re not to do
I don’t believe that anyone feels the way I do about you now
Wonderwall Lyrics by Oasis Alternate
Today will be the day that you will still be remembered
It’s time for you to somehow realize what you need to do
I don’t believe that anyone feels the same way about you that I do now.
They were talking on the street
That the passion in your heart has faded
I’m sure you’ve heard all of this before but never really doubted
I don’t believe that anyone feels the same way about you that I do now.
Chorus:
And all the roads we have to take are winding
And all the lights that guide us go out
I would like to tell you a lot
But don’t know how
‘Cause maybe you’ll be the one to save me
After all, you are my wall of wonders
Today was supposed to be that day, but you’ll never be reminded of it
It’s time for you to realize somehow
What not to do
I don’t believe that anyone feels the same way about you that I do now.
