The group had two UK chart singles in 1989 and 1990: the eponymous "Oh Well", a dance cover of the 1969 Fleetwood Mac song of the same name, released in late 1989. It peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in October 1989. Their second single, a cover of Golden Earring's "Radar Love", was released in early 1990, and peaked at number 65 on 3 March 1990.
Oh Well
Oh Well Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't sing
I ain't pretty and my legs are thin.
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to.
Oh well!
Now when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
He said: Stick by me and I'm your guiding hand.
Don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to.
Oh well!
I can't help about the shape I'm in
...
Now when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
...
In Oh Well's song "Oh Well", the lyrics describe the singer's self-awareness of their physical imperfections and inability to sing. Despite this, the singer does not feel the need to defend themselves to others, and instead warns against asking their opinion as they may not provide a desirable answer. The repeated phrase "Oh well" implies a sense of acceptance and indifference to external judgement.
In the second verse, the singer mentions speaking to God, and feeling reassured by the guidance offered. This suggests that the singer's self-confidence comes from an internal source rather than external validation. The line "Stick by me and I'm your guiding hand" could also be interpreted as a call to others to trust in themselves and their own intuition.
Overall, the lyrics of "Oh Well" convey a message of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of outside criticism. The singer is comfortable in their own skin and does not feel the need to justify or apologize for their appearance or abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't help about the shape I'm in
My physical appearance isn't something I have control over, so don't judge me based on that.
I can't sing / I ain't pretty and my legs are thin.
I lack certain talents and looks, but that doesn't mean I'm worth any less as a person.
But don't ask me what I think of you / I might not give the answer that you want me to.
I prefer to keep my opinions to myself, especially if they might hurt someone's feelings.
Oh well!
Whatever happens, happens. I can't control everything, and sometimes it's better to just let things go.
Now when I talked to God I knew he'd understand / He said: Stick by me and I'm your guiding hand.
I have faith in a higher power that will help me through life's challenges and guide me towards what's right.
I can't help about the shape I'm in
My physical appearance isn't something I have control over, so don't judge me based on that.
Now when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
I have a spiritual connection that gives me comfort and guidance in life.
Contributed by Asher A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ej Nieva
When you're alone, do you think of me?
And my diamond rings thrown out to sea
And when you love, do you love for me?
Like harmony, a never ending dream
Oh well, oh well
I still hope for the best
Say goodbye and send me off with a kiss farewell
And I promise I'll be just as strong as I can be
Maybe you could get some sleep tonight
So here's your song, it's twisting me
I'd give anything to make you scream
And I'll just smile and make believe I don't feel a thing
That doesn't work for me
Oh well, oh well
Guess I'll see you in hell
There's a pretty little picture that's in my head
And I'm starting to dream
Changing colors while I sleep
Maybe I'm just wasting time
Sit still and listen to the soundtrack
I'll tell you how I took one straight through the heart
And it's not easy to talk about
So we all scream loud
And that was it,
I had made it clean just across the street with my new wings
So I'll just fly and hope that I remember the good times when it's done
Oh well, oh well
I can't live with myself
As I'm climbing in your window to get to your bed
And I'll be what you need
You can call me anything
Just as long as we're still friends
Sit still and listen to the soundtrack
I'll tell you how I took one straight through the heart
And it's not easy to talk about
So we all sing
When she smiles, it's got nothing to do with me
I'm not the one who sings her to sleep
And I've been talking to God
Asking for just a little help with you
But it's hopeless
It's not the first time, but this one really carved it in
Tell your new friends that they don't know you like I do
It's over
I wanna see you again
I wanna feel it again
It's not the first time, but this one really carved it in
Tell your new friends that no one knows you like I do
It's over
I wanna see you again
I wanna feel it again
I'll keep you warm, safe in my arms
Till heaven calls, keep holding on
Mayday Parade
Check out the music video for our new single "More Like A Crash" out now! 💥https://youtu.be/1pSjT0u5VJk
mark jordan lorenzo
Thank you sir all your song is best. Sorry i cant speak English pluent i have many things i want to say about your band .
優しい声
I always come back to this song when i'm heart broken. Yes it's pathetic, i'm a idiot because i love people i shouldn't. This song means a lot to me, because it helps me to move on.
Akie
-X-eon Inside That's what makes being inlove with someone beautiful... Getting hurt is part of the process. Don't get scared to fall inlove again. Cherish every experience whether it is good or bad and be thankful that you can experience those. Those things are proofs that you are true living your life.
William McGrath
This song always hits me right in the feels.
Bill Brasky
Welcome to the club
Dylan Bates
There's a lesson to every heartbreak, every pain, take a moment to reflect and carry on. It's okay to take a moment and look back at what happened before moving on and doing differently than what happened.
Rzor911
It's better cry than keep those bad feelings, listen what you want and scream what you want.
Iris Jean Berdon
Gosh I’m still into Mayday Parade. How many years has it been? Now, I’m a teacher still in “that” phase.😅
american zero
My mom (rip) was a cool teacher like you. She was into punk like the Ramones