Fade In-Out
Oasis Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Said, let's go)
(One, two, three, four)

Get on the roller coaster, the fair's in town today
You gotta be bad enough to beat the brave
So get on the helter skelter, bowl into the fray
You gotta be bad enough to beat the brave

You fade in-out
You fade in-out
Without a doubt
I don't see no shine
Today is just a daydream
Tomorrow we'll be castaway

Comin' in out of nowhere, singin' rhapsody
You gotta be bad enough to wanna be
Sittin' upside a high-chair, the devil's refugee
Is gonna be blinded by the light that follows me

She fade in-out
She fade in-out
Without a doubt
I don't see no shine
Today is just a daydream
Tomorrow she'll be cast away

(Ah!)

We fade in-out
We fade in-out
Without a doubt
I don't see no shine
Today is just a daydream
Tomorrow you'll be cast away

So get on the roller coaster, the fair's in town today
You gotta be bad enough to meet the brave
Get on the helter skelter, step into the fray
You gotta be bad enough to beat the brave

You fade in-out
You fade in-out
You fade in-out
You fade in-out
You fade in-out
You fade in-out
You fade in-out

You fade in-out
You fade in-out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Fade In-Out" by Oasis are abstract and elusive, making it difficult to determine a definitive interpretation. However, it seems to be a song encouraging bravery and taking risks. The first verse mentions a fair's arrival in town, inviting the listener to get on the roller coaster and helter-skelter and be daring enough to "beat the brave." There are repeated references to fading in and out, which could suggest that the individuals being addressed are struggling with self-confidence, specifically with maintaining their presence.

The chorus repeats this theme of impermanence and self-doubt, seemingly suggesting that the present is fleeting and the future is uncertain. The idea of a "daydream" implies that the present is not real or solid, only an illusion; as such, it is necessary to take risks now or be "cast away." The second verse contains more abstract imagery, such as "coming in out of nowhere" and "sitting upside a high-chair," but continues to emphasize the need to be courageous and "bad enough" to pursue one's goals in the face of challenges.

Overall, the song seems to be a sort of rallying cry for anyone who is feeling uncertain or insecure, gently pushing them to be brave and take the opportunities in front of them before it's too late.

Line by Line Meaning

Get on the roller coaster, the fair's in town today
Join the turbulent journey of life, as opportunity presents itself at this moment

You gotta be bad enough to beat the brave
One must possess enough courage and strength to conquer obstacles

So get on the helter skelter, bowl into the fray
Plunge directly into the heart of the action, without fear

You fade in-out
One's presence and significance oscillates and varies

Without a doubt
Certainly, undoubtedly, and without question

I don't see no shine
There is no noticeable radiance or brilliance

Today is just a daydream
The present moment seems surreal, like a fleeting imaginary vision

Tomorrow we'll be castaway
We will be abandoned or deserted in the future

Comin' in out of nowhere, singin' rhapsody
Making a sudden and unexpected appearance, and singing with passion and intensity

You gotta be bad enough to wanna be
One must have significant desire and motivation to succeed

Sittin' upside a high-chair, the devil's refugee
Being in a precarious or uncomfortable situation, feeling trapped or helpless