Oasis signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993 and released their record-setting debut album Definitely Maybe (1994). The following year they recorded (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) with drummer Alan White, in the midst of a chart rivalry with peers Blur. Spending ten weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was also an international chart success and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. In addition, it stands as the fifth-best-selling album in the UK and the biggest-selling album in the UK of the 1990s. The Gallagher brothers featured regularly in tabloid newspapers for their disputes and wild lifestyles. In 1996, Oasis performed two nights at Knebworth for an audience of 125,000 each time, the largest outdoor concerts in UK history at the time. In 1997, Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now. It became the fastest-selling album in UK chart history.
Oasis' popularity later declined and McGuigan and Arthurs left in 1999 as Oasis released Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000). They were replaced by former Heavy Stereo guitarist Gem Archer and former Ride guitarist Andy Bell. White departed in 2004, replaced by Zak Starkey and later Chris Sharrock. Oasis released three more studio albums, Heathen Chemistry (2002), Don't Believe the Truth (2005) and Dig Out Your Soul (2008). The group abruptly disbanded after the departure of Noel Gallagher in August 2009.
As of 2009, Oasis had sold over 70 million records worldwide. They are among the most successful acts on the UK Singles Chart and Albums Chart, with eight UK number-one singles and eight UK number-one albums. The band also achieved three platinum albums in the US. They won 17 NME Awards, nine Q Awards, four MTV Europe Music Awards and six Brit Awards, including one in 2007 for Outstanding Contribution to Music and one for the "Best Album of the Last 30 Years" for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. They were nominated for two Grammy Awards.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oasis_(band)
Studio albums
Definitely Maybe (1994)
(What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Be Here Now (1997)
Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)
Heathen Chemistry (2002)
Don't Believe the Truth (2005)
Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
Members:
Liam Gallagher – vocals (1991–2009)
Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, vocals (1991–2009)
Paul Arthurs - rhythm guitar (1991–1999)
Gem Archer – rhythm guitar (1999–2009)
Paul McGuigan – bass guitar (1991–1999)
Andy Bell (Oasis) – bass guitar (1999–2009)
Tony McCarroll – drums (1991–1995)
Alan White (Oasis) – drums (1995–2004)
Zak Starkey – drums (2004–2008)
Chris Sharrock – drums (2008–2009)
Cigarettes and Alcohol
Oasis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or have I finally found something worth living for?
I was looking for some action
But all I found was cigarettes and alcohol
You could wait for a lifetime
To spend your days in the sunshine
You might as well do the white line
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
Is it worth the aggravation
To find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?
It's a crazy situation
But all I need are cigarettes and alcohol
You could wait for a lifetime
To spend your days in the sunshine
You might as well do the white line
'Cause when it comes on top
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta make it happen
You've gotta, you've gotta
You've gotta make it
You've gotta, you've gotta
You've gotta fake it
You've gotta, you've gotta
You've gotta make it
You've gotta, you've gotta
You've gotta fake it, woo
In Oasis's song "Cigarettes and Alcohol," the lyrics suggest that the singer has been looking for something to live for, and finally finds it in cigarettes and alcohol despite knowing the risks associated with substance abuse. The opening line questions whether the singer's newfound joy is a figment of their imagination or if they have truly found something worth living for. The line "I was looking for some action but all I found was cigarettes and alcohol" sets up the idea that the singer is not naive to the destructive nature of these vices but has found solace in them nonetheless.
The next verse presents a bleak outlook on life by suggesting that waiting for good things to happen, such as spending days in the sunshine, may take a lifetime, and it can be easier to indulge in vices like drugs (as represented by the "white line") instead of waiting for that elusive happiness. The chorus is a call to take control of one's life and make things happen instead of waiting around.
The final verse paints a picture of an oppressive society where finding a job does not necessarily mean fulfillment or meaning in life. It's a "crazy situation," but the singer has found contentment in "cigarettes and alcohol." The repetition of "you could wait for a lifetime" reminds the listener of the endless cycle of waiting and disappointment, and the chorus reinforces the idea that action is necessary to find happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it my imagination
Do I really believe this, or am I imagining it?
Or have I finally found something worth living for?
Or have I found something that gives meaning and purpose to my life?
I was looking for some action
I was looking for excitement.
But all I found was cigarettes and alcohol
But instead, all I found was substance abuse and temporary relief from my problems.
You could wait for a lifetime
You could spend your whole life waiting.
To spend your days in the sunshine
For the chance to enjoy a happy and carefree life.
You might as well do the white line
You might as well snort cocaine.
'Cause when it comes on top . . .
In the end, when everything is in chaos.
You gotta make it happen!
You have to take control of your life and make something happen.
Is it worth the aggravation
Is it worth the stress and trouble?
To find yourself a job when there's nothing worth working for?
To look for a job when you can't find anything that truly interests you or fulfills you.
It's a crazy situation
It's a difficult and absurd situation.
But all I need are cigarettes and alcohol!
But for now, all I need are these substances to distract me from my problems.
You could wait for a lifetime
You could spend your whole life waiting.
To spend your days in the sunshine
For the chance to enjoy a happy and carefree life.
You might as well do the white line
You might as well snort cocaine.
'Cause when it comes on top...
In the end, when everything is in chaos.
You gotta make it happen!
You have to take control of your life and make something happen.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Noel Gallagher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheSuperlatives
SUNNNNSHIIIIINNNNNEEE
@robbiemelon
get it on, bang a gong.. oh wait.. ;) both classic songs!
@jhwalsh93
A youth anthem if there ever was one! Absolute classic.
@greciasoleble
oasis own the 90's
@minamu8
Just got "Definitely Maybe" for Christmas today!
@jmuz96
Happy 18th birthday to this anthem. Oasis will live forever. 10/10/1994 - 10/10/2012. Finally found something worth living for!
@oasisinetofficial
''Cigarettes & Alcohol' is nominated for BBC Radio 2's 100 Greatest Guitar Riffs. Vote here: bbc.in/R2RiffsVote
@minamu8
0:11 That pose is legendary.
@fujiwarataku
i love oasis. best brit band of 90's
@OASISriffs
there's something about oasis fans, on all the oasis video's all the comments have an insane number of thumbs-up ratings