The Importance Of Being Idle
Oasis & The Crouch End Festival Chorus Lyrics
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Cos the man don't pay me
I begged my landlord for some more time
He said "Son, the bills 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're 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 mans got a limit
I can't get a life if my hearts' 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 mans got a limit
I can't get a life if my hearts' not in it
I lost my faith in the summertime
Cos it don't stop raining
The sky all day's as black as night
But I love complaining
I begged my doctor for one more line
He said "Son, words fail me"
It ain't no place to be killing time
But 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 mans got a limit
I can't get a life if my hearts' not in it
"The Importance of Being Idle" by Oasis is a song that speaks about the life of a man who is willing to give up everything for his laziness. From the opening line, "I sold my soul for the second time," it's apparent that the writer may have struggled with finding motivation, but has now grown accustomed to living a life that is not challenging. The man in the song is portrayed as having given up his ambition and drive for the sake of being idle. He's unapologetic about his choice and is willing to withstand the criticism of his girlfriend, best friend, and landlord.
The chorus of the song is reflective of this attitude, stating, "As long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine, I'll be fine." The singer is content with a simple life, where he can watch the stars in the sky, and doesn't need much else to be happy. Despite the criticisms he receives, he still has this serene disposition and isn't going to change anytime soon. The song speaks to the need for balance in life, as too much of something can lead to a sort of complacency.
The song's lyrics subtly challenge the societal norms that demand non-stop productivity and busyness from individuals. The singer is comfortable living within his limits and taking a moment to slow down and appreciate life's small moments. "The Importance of Being Idle" is not only an insight into the singer's life but also a commentary on modern-day society's negative perception of a slower pace.
Line by Line Meaning
I sold my soul for the second time
I made the same mistake twice by giving in to temptations.
Cos the man don't pay me
I am not getting paid enough for my work.
I begged my landlord for some more time
I asked my landlord if I could delay paying my rent.
He said "Son, the bills waiting"
My landlord reminded me that I need to pay the rent I owe.
My best friend called me the other night
My close friend recently contacted me.
He said "Man, are you crazy?"
My friend expressed concern over my actions or decisions.
My girlfriend told me to get a life
My girlfriend criticized me for being unproductive and unmotivated.
She said "boy, you're lazy"
She accused me of being lazy.
But I don't mind
I am not bothered by what others think or say.
As long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine
I am content with having a place to sleep under the starry night sky.
I'll be fine
I am not unhappy and do not require a different lifestyle.
If you give me a minute
It would be appreciated if people would allow me time to gather my thoughts and feelings.
A mans got a limit
Everyone has a breaking point when it comes to stress and pressure.
I can't get a life if my hearts' not in it
I cannot be productive or passionate if I am not invested mentally.
I lost my faith in the summertime
I became pessimistic during a time when everything is supposed to be joyful.
Cos it don't stop raining
The weather has been dreary and depressing, adding to my negative mindset.
The sky all day's as black as night
The dark and gloomy sky contributed to my sense of despair.
But I love complaining
I enjoy venting my frustrations to others.
I begged my doctor for one more line
I asked my doctor for another prescription of a medication.
He said "Son, words fail me"
The doctor was unable to prescribe me more medication.
It ain't no place to be killing time
This is not the right place or setting to be wasting time in idleness.
But I guess I'm just lazy
I admit that my lack of motivation stems from laziness.
Contributed by Adrian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.