Listen up
Oasis Lyrics


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Listen up
What's the time said today
I'm gonna speak my mind
Take me up to the top of the world
I want to see my crime

Day by day
There's a man in a suit
Who's gonna make you pay
For the thoughts that you think
And the words they won't let you say

One fine day
Gonna leave you all behind
It wouldn't be so bad
If I had more time

Sailing down a river alone
I've been tryin' to find my way back home
But I don't believe in magic
Life is automatic
But I don't mind being on my own
No I don't mind being on my own

Listen up
What's the time said today
I'm gonna speak my mind
Take me up to the top of the world
I want to see my crime

Day by day
There's a man in a suit
Who's gonna make you pay
For the thoughts that you think
And the words they won't let you say

One fine day
Gonna leave you all behind
Wouldn't be so bad
If I had more time

Sailing down a river alone
I've been tryin' to find my way back home
But I don't believe in magic
Life is automatic
But I don't mind being on my own
No I don't mind being on my own
No I don't mind being on my own
I said that I don't mind being on my own

Sailing down a river alone
I've been tryin' to find my way back home
But I don't believe in magic
Life is automatic
But I don't mind being on my own
I said that I don't mind being on my own
No I don't mind being on my own
I said that I don't mind being on my own




No I don't mind being on my own
I said that I don't mind being on my own

Overall Meaning

In "Listen Up", Oasis sings about feeling oppressed by society and authority figures who control what people can and cannot say. The song's lyrics emphasize the importance of expressing one's opinions, even if it means going against the norm. The song starts with the singer declaring that he will speak his mind and wants to see his crime, likely referring to the risks involved with expressing potentially unpopular beliefs. He also acknowledges the consequences of speaking out, with the man in the suit mentioned in the second verse representing the forces that may try to make one pay for one's thoughts and words.


Despite the challenges faced in sharing one's beliefs, the song's chorus serves as a hopeful reminder that things will get better. The phrase "One fine day, gonna leave you all behind" expresses an optimistic outlook on the future, suggesting that one day, people will be free to speak their minds without fear of reprisal. The final verses of the song depict the singer sailing down a river alone, searching for his way back home but not believing in magic. While life may be automatic, he does not mind being on his own, suggesting a willingness to stand apart from others and be true to oneself.


Overall, "Listen Up" encourages listeners to find their own voice and speak out against the forces that seek to silence them. The song's message of individualism and self-expression continues to resonate with audiences today.


Line by Line Meaning

Listen up
Pay attention to what I'm about to say


What's the time said today
What's going on in the world today?


I'm gonna speak my mind
I'm going to express my thoughts and opinions freely


Take me up to the top of the world
Allow me to have a larger perspective on things


I want to see my crime
I want to become aware of my mistakes and learn from them


Day by day
Every single day


There's a man in a suit
There are people in power who want to control others


Who's gonna make you pay
They will punish you for being different or expressing yourself


For the thoughts that you think
For having non-conformist thoughts or ideas


And the words they won't let you say
For speaking out against authority or expressing unpopular opinions


One fine day
Someday in the future


Gonna leave you all behind
I will move on and live my life my own way


It wouldn't be so bad
It wouldn't be terrible


If I had more time
If I had more time to live and experience life


Sailing down a river alone
Going through life without anyone else's support or help


I've been tryin' to find my way back home
I'm searching for my own home and place in the world


But I don't believe in magic
I don't believe that there is some sort of supernatural force that will make everything alright


Life is automatic
Life will continue without our intervention or control


But I don't mind being on my own
I don't need anyone else to find my way in life


No I don't mind being on my own
I'm happy to be living life on my own terms




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NOEL GALLAGHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Philippe H

Oasis most underrated song by far. And one of their best

Tinship Travels

It's one of my favourites to play along to, the chords are fun.

Ness N

Period.

Alejandra Olmos

Totally agree.

Shuckylad

It is but it’s not underrated. 👌🏻

Vyavuav Vuwbiwniw

With alive and i will believe

7 More Replies...

RabbidTheNabbit

LITERALLY WAS JUST LISTENING TO THIS ON REPEAT, What a banger, i especially love the walk down before the chorus, the riff in the chorus, that weird bit of feedback with the drums, the solo that comes after it (simple but good) and even the bassline has some cool fills in there as well. Insanely underrated b side ngl

Richtofen

Yeah, it’s fuckin amazing

An S

Mi album favorito precisamente por esta canción 🥰 lástima las pocas veces que la cantaron en vivo😢 los quiero mucho ❤️❤️🫶 recuerdo cuando me acompañaron en mi depresión hace 6 años

Charlie Ruffy

One of Liam’s best vocals on a studio track

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