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 in Hell
Oasis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Depending on how much you're luck is in
Spend the night-life table-hopping
And trying to keep that bag of bones in trim
I don't mind not being immortal
''cause it ain't all that as far as I can tell
I don't mind not going to heaven
As long as they've got cigarettes in hell
And by the time we start getting used to it
The dope that's forming on the windowsill
Now we know we've got ourselves into
The cage that keeps the mice on the treadmill
I don't mind not being immortal
''cause it ain't all that as far as I can tell
I don't mind not going to heaven
As long as they've got cigarettes
As long as they've got cigarettes in hell
I don't mind not being immortal
Because it ain't all that as far as I can tell
I don't mind not going to heaven
As long as they've got cigarettes
As long as they've got cigarettes in hell
In "Cigarettes in Hell" by Oasis, the verses describe a relatively mundane life: spending the days shopping and walking and the nights trying to maintain a certain appearance. The singer doesn't seem to mind this existence, despite its lack of excitement or promise of eternal life. He is content as long as he has cigarettes - even in the afterlife.
The chorus is where the true message of the song comes through. The imagery of "dope forming on the windowsill" suggests drug use and addiction, and the "cage that keeps the mice on the treadmill" could represent the cycle of addiction and the feeling of being trapped. Despite this, the singer still holds onto the belief that cigarettes are essential to his happiness. By declaring that he doesn't care about being immortal or going to heaven, as long as there are cigarettes available, he seems to be resigning himself to a life of addiction and self-destruction.
Overall, "Cigarettes in Hell" reflects the idea that addiction can be all-consuming and make us feel as though we are trapped - even in our own minds. The desperation for a fix can overwhelm all other priorities and desires, as is demonstrated by the singer's obsession with cigarettes.
Line by Line Meaning
Spend your days just walking and shopping
Fill your days with idle activities, like walking and shopping
Depending on how much your luck is in
Whether or not you have good luck determines your lifestyle
Spend the night-life table-hopping
Spend your nights going from club to club
And trying to keep that bag of bones in trim
Trying to stay physically fit
I don't mind not being immortal
I'm okay with not living forever
''cause it ain't all that as far as I can tell
Living forever isn't as great as it seems
I don't mind not going to heaven
Not getting into heaven doesn't bother me
As long as they've got cigarettes
I only care that there are cigarettes available
As long as they've got cigarettes in hell
I am fine as long as I have cigarettes, even if I end up in hell
And by the time we start getting used to it
By the time we adapt to the situation
The dope that's forming on the windowsill
The buildup of drugs on the windowsill
Now we know we've got ourselves into
Now we realize we have gotten ourselves into a bad situation
The cage that keeps the mice on the treadmill
The cycle of addiction that keeps us trapped
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GALLAGHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jonathan Turk Music
Another example of Noel inexplicably leaving an amazing song OFF the album. He did that a lot.
Kilgore Trout
I love Noel SOTSOG period. He reveals a more intimate and sensitive side of him. So many great B-sides, and overall an overlooked and underrated album.
Jan Šorčík
Charles Provinski The album is quite shit. The only good songs are Go let it out, Where did it all go wrong and Gas panic. But those bsides are indeed fuckin amazing
Salvadorized
Jan Šorčík i like roll it over
TrephineArtist
Jan Šorčík I agree the album is hit and miss but for me has three of the best Oasis tunes in Go let it out, Gas panic and Who feels love!
BradRUFC rufc
Jan Šorčík It is an incredible album, all songs on it are brilliant.
Matteoj
Charles Provinski Its a love/hste album. I'm definitely on the love side. Some amazing tunes like gas panic and roll it over. And some heavier songs like I can see a liar - some don't like it but I loved hearing Oasis experiment for once. And it's got this overall sound and a great cover that probably makes it their only concept album. Viva Oasis.
James Walsh
great tune, a real hidden gem. no one makes b-sides like oasis
prioritiesandtypes
this song is great, wish they' ll play it live someday.
Sloop John B
I got bad news boss.