The Importance Of Being Idle
(Acoustic) Oasis Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I sold my soul for the second time, 'cause the man don't pay me.
I begged my landlord for some more time, he said "Son, the bill's waiting."
My best friend called me the other night, he said, "Man, are you crazy?"
My girlfriend told me to get a life, she said, "Boy, you lazy."

But I don't mind, as long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine.
I'll be fine - if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit.
I can't get a life if my heart's not in it.


I don't mind, as long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine.
I'll be fine - if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit.
I can't get a life if my heart's not in it.

I lost my faith in the summertime, 'cause it don't stop raining.
The sky all day is black as night, but I know I can't blame me.
I begged my Doctor for one more line, he said "Son, words fail me!"
There ain't no place to be killing time, I guess I'm just lazy.

I don't mind, as long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine.




I'll be fine - if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit.
I can't get a life if my heart's not in it.

Overall Meaning

The song 'The Importance of Being Idle' by Oasis reflects the struggles of a person who has lost faith in the world around them and is struggling to find meaning in their life. The first verse talks about the singer selling their soul for the second time, indicating that they have made a compromise with themselves or with someone else to pursue a lifestyle they may not necessarily agree with. The person is struggling to pay their bills and their friends and girlfriend are becoming increasingly concerned about their work ethic and general state of mind.


The second verse talks about the singer losing their faith, blaming the rainy summer for their loss of motivation. The singer's doctor seems unhelpful, suggesting that they may be experiencing some sort of mental illness. The singer understands that they may seem lazy, but they are quite content as long as they have a place to sleep under the stars. The repeated phrase "I don't mind, as long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine" is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that the singer is comfortable with their current situation.


Overall, the song deals with themes of motivation and purpose, with the singer struggling to find a way to live a fulfilling life. Despite the concerns of their friends and loved ones, the singer seems content with their current situation, suggesting that their definition of a good life is different from others.


Line by Line Meaning

I sold my soul for the second time, 'cause the man don't pay me.
I compromised my values to work a job that doesn't compensate me fairly.


I begged my landlord for some more time, he said 'Son, the bill's waiting.'
I pleaded with my landlord for an extension on my rent, but he refused and demanded payment.


My best friend called me the other night, he said, 'Man, are you crazy?'
My friend expressed concern for my current state of mind and actions.


My girlfriend told me to get a life, she said, 'Boy, you lazy.'
My girlfriend criticized me for lacking direction and not being productive enough.


But I don't mind, as long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine.
I'm content with a simple lifestyle, as long as I have a place to sleep outdoors and admire the night sky.


I'll be fine - if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit.
I need some time to recuperate and relax, as everyone has their limits.


I can't get a life if my heart's not in it.
I can't find purpose or joy in life if I'm not passionate about what I'm doing.


I lost my faith in the summertime, 'cause it don't stop raining.
I became discouraged during a difficult time, when it seemed like everything was going wrong.


The sky all day is black as night, but I know I can't blame me.
Bad things are happening around me, but I know it's not my fault.


I begged my Doctor for one more line, he said 'Son, words fail me!'
I implored my doctor to prescribe me more medication, but he was unable to help me.


There ain't no place to be killing time, I guess I'm just lazy.
There's no worthwhile way to spend my time, so I'm seen as unmotivated.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NOEL GALLAGHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@hurleyfunbags

One of their best.

@nickharrisomyspace

Masterpiece !!!

@jmuz96

Oasis is not a band, its a generation.

@forastero4ever

There`s no doubt: this is one of the three best song of Oasis that I`ve heard ever. Superb!!=D

@communismworks

By far their best video. Superb!

@beleg123

This song describes my way of life.

@SupersonicFox

that video IS amazing, Sunday morning call is another good one

@oasispain

Their best song this decade.

@hollyw1se

Oasis forever! Noel is a fucking genius & always will be. Mad fer it!

@MrEoghan1997

Playing this on friday in front of my class :)

More Comments

More Versions