'The Dreams We Have As Children' is a collection of songs recorded by Noel at the London Royal Albert Hall on March 27, 2007, along with fellow Oasis member Gem Archer. The album's title stems from a lyric in the Oasis song, "Fade Away". The album also features Paul Weller on "All You Need Is Love" and "The Butterfly Collector".
Five of the songs were released over the course of 5 days as free downloads on iTunes, followed by a physical CD give-away with The Sunday Times, which contained an additional 11 recordings from the performance. The album then went on sale digitally in its entirety the following day.
The album was compiled and released in order to raise the profile of Teenage Cancer Trust gigs being held at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2009.
After a high-profile bust-up with his brother Liam in Oasis, Noel quit the band 2009 to pursue solo interests.
For months, Noel remained silent on his plans for his post-Oasis. Finally, on the 6th of July 2011, Noel held a press conference to reveal plans for solo releases, with his new band Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Recorded in 2010 and 2011 and co-produced by David Sardy, their first album, titled Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, was released in 2011. In 2015, Chasing Yesterday was their second album. Their third album Who Built the Moon? was released in 2017. All three albums went to No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart. In 2023, the fourth album Council Skies was released and peaked at No. 2 in the UK.
To Be Someone
Noel Gallagher Lyrics
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A famous footballer a rock singer
Or a big film star
Yes I think that I would like, I would like that
To be rich and have a lot of fans
Have a lot of girls to prove that I'm a man
To be number one and loved by everyone
Getting drugged up with my trendy friends
They really dig me man and I dig them
And the money that I spent
It is like my fame and it's quickily gone
No more swimming in my guitar shaped pool,
No more reporters at my beck and call,
No more cocaine, it's only ground chalk,
And no more taxi's now we have to walk
But didn't we have a nice time?
Wasn't it such a nice time?
Didn't we have a nice time?
I realize I should've stuck to my guns
They shit me out just like a bastard son
And I lost myself
And I know that it was wrong, but it cost me a lot
No more drinking when the club shuts down
I'm out here on my ass with the rest of you clowns
I'm really scared without my bodyguard
And I'm sitting on my own in my expensive yard
But didn't I have a nice time?
Wasn't it such a nice time?
Didn't I have a nice time?
Wasn't it such a nice time?
Did I have a nice time?
Did I have a nice time?
I can't remember if I had a nice time
To be someone must be a wonderful thing(Ain't that the truth?)
Noel Gallagher's song "To Be Someone" is a reflection on the pursuit of fame and fortune. The lyrics depict the desire to be adored and respected as a celebrity, with a glamorous lifestyle, and an entourage of fans and friends. The song opens with the sentiment that to be recognized as someone must be a wonderful thing, but Gallagher also acknowledges the fleeting nature of fame and the consequences of losing oneself in the pursuit of it.
The first verse outlines the different types of celebrity one might aspire to be - a talented footballer, a successful rock star, or a famous actor. The second verse delves into the material benefits of celebrity status - wealth, women, and being loved by everyone. However, Gallagher also acknowledges the darker side of this lifestyle - getting "drugged up" with trendy friends, spending money recklessly, and ultimately losing touch with oneself.
The chorus contains a note of nostalgia for the good times, despite the harsh realities of the present situation. Gallagher laments the loss of fame and fortune, as well as the loss of personal freedom that came with it. The final verse acknowledges the mistakes made on the path to fame and success - selling out for the sake of popularity and neglecting personal values. The song ends with a somewhat ambiguous statement, questioning whether it was all worth it, and ultimately leaving the listener to decide.
Line by Line Meaning
To be someone must be a wonderful thing
Being famous and successful must be an amazing experience
A famous footballer a rock singer
A sports star or rock musician would be ideal
Or a big film star
Or a major movie celebrity would be great too
Yes I think that I would like, I would like that
I would really enjoy being rich and famous
To be rich and have a lot of fans
Having wealth and a huge following would be fantastic
Have a lot of girls to prove that I'm a man
Showing off my ability to attract women would be important
To be number one and loved by everyone
Being at the top and adored by all would be the ultimate goal
Getting drugged up with my trendy friends
Partying with my fashionable buddies
They really dig me man and I dig them
They adore me and I owe them the same
And the money that I spent
What I have spent meant nothing due to my fame and fortune
It is like my fame and it's quickily gone
Money can go as fast as the brevity of fame
No more swimming in my guitar shaped pool,
No more perks like my guitar pool
No more reporters at my beck and call,
No more paparazzi attention
No more cocaine, it's only ground chalk,
Drugs are a thing of the past; it's only basic, cheap stimulant
And no more taxi's now we have to walk
No more VIP treatment; we are just like everybody else
But didn't we have a nice time?
Despite the changes we had in our life, do we still remember the good times
Wasn't it such a nice time?
It was a great time for us, wasn't it?
I realize I should've stuck to my guns
I acknowledge that I should have followed my instincts
They shit me out just like a bastard son
They treated me horribly despite my status
And I lost myself
I lost who I used to be
And I know that it was wrong, but it cost me a lot
I am aware that going astray cost me so much
No more drinking when the club shuts down
I'm no longer allowed to drink after the club closes
I'm out here on my ass with the rest of you clowns
I'm now just like everyone else struggling to make a living
I'm really scared without my bodyguard
Not having a bodyguard now terrifies me
And I'm sitting on my own in my expensive yard
I'm all alone despite my luxurious scenery
But didn't I have a nice time?
Looking back, did I have a good time?
Wasn't it such a nice time?
It was an amazing time, wasn't it?
Did I have a nice time?
Do I still feel that I had a great time?
Did I have a nice time?
Did I have a worthwhile experience?
I can't remember if I had a nice time
I can't recall if I had a great time or if it was worth it
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul John Weller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind