What does ‘Wonderwall’ actually mean?
“Anyway, here’s ‘Wonderwall’.” Some songs become quintessential to certain bands—like ‘Mr Brightside’ for The Killers, ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ for Arctic Monkeys, and ‘Wonderwall’ for Oasis. In this instance, ‘Wonderwall’ isn’t just an indie anthem; it’s a snapshot in time—a promise that the night out will be worth it, even as you question your choices on a sticky dancefloor in the early hours.
‘Wonderwall’ might have become one of Oasis’ most career-defining songs, but it’s also one of indie’s most enduring haunts, a divisive plinth simultaneously holding up the entire contemporary meaning of the genre and hindering it. When it comes on organically, whether in the sweat-soaked scenes of a novelty indie nightclub or on the radio in the supermarket, there’s a knee-jerk reaction that occurs in almost everybody, one that either loves it or hates it.
It’s easy to see why. Sonically, ‘Wonderwall’ is one of the most satisfying songs ever written. With easy-to-follow lyrics and a catchy melody, it epitomised everything great about the alternative explosion it emerged from, gifting the scene with a timeless anthem that satisfies no matter when or how it appears. At the same time, it’s also one of the culture’s most overplayed entities, giving songs like ‘Mr Brightside’ a run for their money regarding musical fatigue.
Still, the song wasn’t created with a lack of substance in mind. Named after George Harrison’s debut solo album, ‘Wonderwall’ signalled something of an unexpected edge to Oasis, standing out as one of their pivotal tracks among others that felt more attuned to the raw essence and energy of Britpop anthems. By contrast, this song appeared far more heartfelt and considered like they were testing the waters, unsure if this version of the duo would even stick.
So, what does ‘Wonderwall’ actually mean?
As expected, the song isn’t exactly the most favoured among the Gallagher brothers, with Noel even admitting in 2021 that it doesn’t feel complete or representative of their achievements and legacy. “‘Wonderwall’ is one of my least favourite songs because it’s not finished,” he said. “If I could somehow twist time and go back there, I’d probably pick a different song for our calling card. Probably ‘Some Might Say’.” Liam echoed this more fervently when he said the song makes him want to “gag”.
Despite their frustrations, the flaws within ‘Wonderwall’ are what make it stand out. Much like the dulled grey tones of the British landscape, it’s ever-endearing in its ability to consistently fall short of the mark. Even its title and broader sentiment feel a little ambiguous, despite the softened disposition with which the lyrics are bellowed into the void.
This makes pinpointing its true meaning difficult, mainly because it leaves it open to interpretation. However, the unofficial inspiration behind the song is said to be Noels then-girlfriend Meg Mathews, which he seemed to confirm in a previous quip when he said: “It’s about my girlfriend. She was out of work, and that, a bit down on her luck, so it’s just saying, ‘Cheer up and fuckin’ get on with it.'” However, he later said the media misconstrued this: “It’s about an imaginary friend who’s going to come and save you from yourself.”
