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To Be Someone
Noel Gallagher Lyrics


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To be someone must be a wonderful thing
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?)

Overall Meaning

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
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@CarlosPortillo1997

To be someone must be a wonderful thing
A famous footballer or a rock singer
Or a big film star
Yeah I think that I would like, I would like that
To be rich and have a lot of fans
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
but 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, now only ground chalk,
And i cant afford a taxi so I have to walk
Didn't I have a nice time?
Didn't I have a nice time?
Didn't I 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
There is 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
when I'm sitting on my own in my expensive yard
Didn't I have a nice time?
Didn't I have a nice time?
Didn't I have 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
Did I have a nice time?
To be someone must be a wonderful thing



All comments from YouTube:

@virlinguarum4907

That transition from "didn't I...?" to "did I..?" that he adds is just devastating, and it really adds to the song.

@PieOshi

I visit here every now and then just to appreciate this masterpiece

@PPVISME

To be Noel must be a wonderful thing

@jimolygriff

As an old Jam fan, I have to say....this is absolutely brilliant!!!

@graemepae100

Same!

@kevingarry11

Noel always is top ,we need OASIS back

@dabelzee

Which of the Jam songs do you think could have most influenced Noel? I pretty much enjoy both of them... have you any songs to suggest me to add in my personal compulsive viewer history ?

@ghandirubberneck519

@Mathieu Tremblay 5 months late, but I'd say: Man in the corner shop, Carnation, Fly, English Rose. Liza Radley and In The Crowd.

@jonathanhadley2555

James Griffiths Noel G playing homage to his mate P.W;-)

2 More Replies...

@nerradnewo6328

Quite possibly the most underrated cover ever.

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