The Meaning Behind The Song: Supersonic by Oasis
Introduction
Supersonic is a hit song by the legendary British rock band, Oasis. The song was released in 1994 as their debut single and was an instant hit in the UK, reaching number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is known for its catchy beat, memorable chorus, and eclectic lyrics that many Oasis fans still enjoy today.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of Supersonic are an excellent reflection of Oasis’s unique style and their love for rebellion and boldness. Written by Noel Gallagher, the song’s lyrics are a tribute to his enthusiasm for music and his first-hand experience as a fledgling musician grappling for recognition.
The song’s opening line, “I need to be myself, I can’t be no one else,” is a declaration of self-assurance and self-discovery. It serves as an apparent indication that Oasis is not interested in imitation, following trends, or becoming part of the crowd. The band is more interested in carving out its territory and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
The chorus of the song states, “I’m feeling supersonic, give me gin and tonic”, sending out a very confident and nonchalant feel. One can observe the carefree lifestyle the artist is involved in while leading an authoritative change in the music industry.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The inspiration behind the lyrics of Supersonic came from Noel Gallagher’s creative genius, impeccable craftsmanship, and his passion for the art of music. Gallagher, Oasis’s lead guitar player and chief songwriter, had famously claimed that the band’s songs were shaped by various influences, including his own life experiences and the sounds of The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and The Jam.
The song itself was birthed during one of the band’s rehearsals, where Gallagher was playing around with a chord sequence on his guitar. He was trying to imitate the sound of The Stone Roses while coming up with a melody. The lyrics came to him when he was taking a shower, and he immediately sang them to the band.
Supersonic became Oasis’s breakthrough song, which introduced the band to mainstream audiences and launched their incredible career.
The Reception of the Song
Supersonic was an instant hit upon its release, reaching the top ten on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of Oasis’s defining songs.
In 2006, the song was ranked number 20 in Q Magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever and again ranked 20 in NME’s 100 Best Songs of the ’90s. More recently, Supersonic was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.”
The song has been widely regarded as one of Oasis’s most iconic songs, with its unique sound, excellent lyrics, and the band’s rebellious spirit serving as a perfect representation of what the group stood for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who did Noel Gallagher write the song “Supersonic” for, and what inspired the lyrics?
Noel Gallagher wrote the song “Supersonic” for himself, and the lyrics of the song were inspired by his passion for music and his experiences as a musician trying to make a name for himself. He wanted to make a song that embodied the spirit of Oasis and presented something that was completely unique and different from what was at the time popular in the industry.
2. What was Oasis’ inspiration behind their rather distinct sound?
Oasis’s inspiration behind their unique music style came from various artists such as The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and The Jam. The band was also heavily influenced by their own life experiences and the sounds of Manchester, where they grew up. They wanted to create something different and more authentic than other bands at the time, which is why they became one of the most influential British bands of the ’90s.
3. What instruments were used in the song “Supersonic,” and who played them?
The instruments used in the song were guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Noel Gallagher played guitars and sang backing vocals while Liam Gallagher sang lead vocals. Paul Arthurs played guitars and Paul McGuigan played bass, while Tony McCarroll played the drums.
4. Was “Supersonic” Oasis’s first song?
Yes, “Supersonic” was Oasis’s first single, and it was released in 1994.
5. What other songs made Oasis famous?
Other notable songs that made Oasis famous include “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Live Forever,” and “Some Might Say.”
6. Who inspired the Gallagher brothers to form Oasis?
The Gallaghers’ Uncle, who was a guitarist and singer in his own band, inspired the two brothers to form Oasis. When the brothers split from their mother and moved to Manchester in the mid-1980s, their uncle’s musical influence proved instrumental in sparking their passion for music.
7. Who came up with the idea for the music video, and what was the concept behind it?
The concept for the music video was created by director Mark Szaszy and discussed with Gallagher. The single-take music video took place in the recording studio, concentrating on close-ups of the band’s individual members, which differentiated them from other bands.
8. What was the reception of “Supersonic” like when it was first released?
“Supersonic” was an instant hit when it was first released, rocketing up the US Rock and Alternative charts to No. 11 in the UK and becoming one of the most popular singles of the year.
9. Which album did “Supersonic” appear on?
“Supersonic” appeared on the band’s debut album, Definitely Maybe, which was released in 1994.
10. What was the inspiration behind the cover art for the single?
The cover art for the single was inspired by a photograph the Gallagher brothers had taken while on holiday in Paris. They came up with the idea of an airplane hitting a building after seeing it in a travel brochure for the US.
11. How did “Supersonic” change the music industry?
The song’s success launched Oasis and presented the world with a unique sound that blended traditional rock and roll with a modern twist. Oasis was heavily influenced by the British music scene at the time, and their success inspired a movement that saw the resurgence of the British rock scene in the ’90s.
12. What are some of the most memorable performances of “Supersonic”?
Some of the most memorable performances of “Supersonic” were during the 1996 Knebworth Concert, where Oasis played to over 250,000 people over two consecutive days in the UK. The band also performed the song during their debut performance on the popular music TV program Top of the Pops in 1994. It’s also become a staple at Oasis shows, as well as covers by various other artists.
Conclusion
Supersonic by Oasis has become a timeless classic, with a sound and style that still resonates with fans worldwide. The lyrics of the song represent Oasis’s rebellious and nonconformist spirit that inspired a generation of British bands and has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With catchy tunes, excellent lyrics, and a unique sound, Supersonic continues to be a fan favorite, where it’s still heavily played on the radio and remains one of Oasis’s most memorable songs.
