One of the most well-known songs in the world is “Wonderwall.” Oasis released it in 1995 as the third single from the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, quickly becoming a staple in bars, clubs, and karaoke sessions. It was one of the biggest British musical hits in its release year. “Wonderwall” has since become one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. The song reached the top ten in 15 countries and became the band’s sole top-40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.
The name “Wonderwall” came from one of the band’s greatest inspirations: The Beatles. In 1968, George Harrison released an album called Wonderwall Music, which served as the soundtrack for the film Wonderwall.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the lyrics and the story of its creation.
“Wonderwall” Lyrics
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 anybody
Feels the way I do about you nowBackbeat, the word is 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 anybody
Feels the way I do about you nowAnd all the roads
We have to walk are winding
And all the lights
That lead us there are blindingThere are many things that I’d
Like to say to you
But I don’t know howThere are many things that I’d
Like to say to you
But I don’t know howBecause maybe
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You’re my wonderwallToday 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 anybody
Feels the way I do about you nowAnd all the roads
That lead you there were winding
And all the lights
That light the way are blindingThere are many things that I’d
Like to say to you
But I don’t know howI said maybe
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You’re my wonderwallI said maybe (I said maybe)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You’re my wonderwallI said maybe (I said maybe)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
(That saves me)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
(That saves me)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
(That saves me)Oasis – “Wonderwall“
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Noel Gallagher
Wonderwall lyrics © Oasis Music
Oasis “Wonderwall” Meaning
Many fans have speculated about the true meaning of “Wonderwall.” At its core, the song seems to express longing and introspection. Noel Gallagher, who wrote the song, has provided different interpretations. Initially, “Wonderwall” was rumored to be about his then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews. However, Noel later dismissed this idea, suggesting the lyrics were more abstract and open to interpretation.
“The meaning of that song was taken away from me by the media who jumped on it, and how do you tell your Mrs it’s not about her once she’s read it is? It’s a song about an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself.“
So, what is a ‘Wonderwall’? The term itself is poetic, suggesting someone who brings light into another’s life—like a wall of wonder that stands apart from the ordinary world.
Let’s break down some verses and explore the meaning behind the lyrics:
“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”
The narrator hints at an opportunity to express their love, suggesting that today is the day to make a move. There’s a sense of urgency and hesitation, implying that it’s obvious they need to approach their crush and confess their feelings. This internal struggle of knowing what to do but fearing rejection sets the emotional tone for the song.
“I don’t believe that anybody / Feels the way I do, about you now / Back beat, the word was on the street / That the fire in your heart is out”
Noel conveys their intense emotions, believing that no one else feels as strongly about this person. They fear their crush has been hurt in past relationships, leading to cynicism that may hinder the narrator’s chance of forming a connection. This concern for the crush’s past and emotional state highlights the depth of their feelings.
“I’m sure you’ve heard it all before / But you never really had a doubt / I don’t believe that anybody / Feels the way I do about you now”
Here, the narrator acknowledges that their crush has likely experienced the ups and downs of relationships before, entering them without hesitation and possibly being hurt. Despite these past experiences, the narrator still believes their feelings are unique and unmatched, reinforcing their emotional turmoil and infatuation.
“And all the roads we have to walk are winding/ And all the lights that lead us there are blinding“
These lines reflect the complexity and uncertainty of relationships. The journey toward love is often not straightforward; it’s filled with twists, turns, and obstacles, making it difficult to see a clear path forward. The “blinding lights” suggest that even when opportunities present themselves, they can be overwhelming or confusing.
“There are many things that I / Would like to say to you but I don’t know how”
This line expresses the frustration of having so many emotions and thoughts but being unable to vocalize them. Fear of rejection keeps him from expressing his feelings, even though he desperately wants to. This fear creates a barrier, preventing him from leaping to potentially turn his fantasies into reality.
“I said maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me / And after all, you’re my wonderwall”
He clings to the hope that a relationship with this person could answer his loneliness and sadness. The word “maybe” reveals his uncertainty; while he dreams of a love that could “save” him, he’s also aware of the risk involved. Calling this person his “Wonderwall” signifies that they are his source of hope and happiness, a beacon in his life.
“I said maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me / You’re gonna be the one that saves me / You’re gonna be the one that saves me”
In these final repetitions, he’s holding onto the fantasy that they will one day be together. This repetition drives home the desperation and longing. Despite everything, he still holds out hope, clinging to the idea that this love could be his salvation, even if it’s just a dream.
