Early life and pre-Idol
Noll was born in the Australian town of Orange, New South Wales and grew up in the small town of Condobolin in central western New South Wales. He is the third and youngest of three children to parents Sharon and Neil Noll and along with brothers Damian and Adam, spent the entire of their childhood and teenage years living on the family farm which ran sheep and cattle and grew cereal crops. During his school years, Noll enjoyed drama classes and performed in a number of school productions. Noll has since expressed a desire to continue his acting work.
During his adult years, Noll began working on other farms and properties shearing sheep amongst other tasks. It was during this time Noll and his brothers formed the band called "Cypress" (named for the fact that they rehearsed in a timber mill), of which Shannon provided vocals and played guitar. The band played numerous small gigs around the Australian outback, playing in country pubs gaining a solid live reputation. Although the majority of songs performed by the band were cover versions of popular songs, the group enjoyed writing original music and would often perform these originals as part of their set.
Noll's father, Neil, was tragically killed during a farming accident in 2001, which led to Shannon and his brothers to take over the running of the family farm. Following the death and two years of extreme drought, the brothers sold the farm and settled in Condobolin with their mother. Shannon often cites the death of his father as a major inspiration in his musical career, and has penned a song on his latest album Lift titled "Now I Run" in memorium of his late father.
Noll and his now wife, Rochelle Ogsten began their relationship in 1997 welcoming the arrival of sons Cody in 2001 and Blake in 2002. The pair wed in October 2004 and daughter Sienna arrived in 2006.
What About Me
Shannon Noll Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's been waiting down there, waiting half the day
They never ever see him from the top
He gets pushed around, knocked to the ground
He gets to his feet and he says
[Chorus]
What about me, it isn't fair
Can't you see I wanna live
But you just take more than you give
Well there's a pretty girl serving at the counter of the corner shop
She's been waiting back there, waiting for her dreams
Her dreams walk in and out they never stop
Well she's not too proud to cry out loud
She runs to the street and she screams
[Chorus]
So take a step back and see the little people
They may be young but they're the ones
That make the big people big
So listen, as they whisper
What about me
And now I'm standing on the corner all the world's gone home
Nobody's changed, nobody's been saved
And I'm feeling cold and alone
I guess I'm lucky, I smile a lot
But sometimes I wish for more than I've got
[Chorus]
"What About Me" by Shannon Noll is a song that tells a story of two individuals who feel neglected and unseen by the people around them. The first verse is about a little boy who is waiting at a corner shop but is constantly being pushed around and knocked to the ground by people who never see him. He speaks out against the unfair treatment he is receiving, saying "What about me, it isn't fair, I've had enough now I want my share, Can't you see I wanna live, But you just take more than you give." The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the boy's feeling of being overlooked.
The second verse is about a pretty girl working at the counter of the same corner shop. She has been waiting for her dreams to come true, but they never seem to materialize as people come in and out of the shop without noticing her. She cries out for attention, saying "What about me, it isn't fair, I've had enough now I want my share, Can't you see I wanna live, But you just take more than you give." The chorus repeats this message, urging people to take notice of those who feel unseen.
The bridge of the song shifts the focus to society as a whole, calling on people to pay attention to the little people who are often overlooked. The song ends on a somber note with the singer feeling cold and alone on a street corner, realizing that nothing has changed despite his message.
Line by Line Meaning
Well there's a little boy waiting at the counter of a corner shop
There is a young boy waiting at the corner store
He's been waiting down there, waiting half the day
The young boy has been waiting for his turn at the counter for a very long time
They never ever see him from the top
The people behind the counter never seem to notice him or pay him any attention
He gets pushed around, knocked to the ground
The boy is physically mistreated and bullied while he waits in line
He gets to his feet and he says
Even though he is mistreated, the boy stands back up and finds his voice to speak out
What about me, it isn't fair
The boy is demanding attention and fairness from those around him
I've had enough now I want my share
He is fed up with being ignored and wants what is rightfully his
Can't you see I wanna live
The boy is pleading to be seen and heard, to be acknowledged as a person who deserves the chance to succeed
But you just take more than you give
The boy feels that others around him, particularly those in power or with privilege, are selfish and don't give enough to those in need
Well there's a pretty girl serving at the counter of the corner shop
There is also a young girl working behind the counter of the corner store
She's been waiting back there, waiting for her dreams
The girl is waiting for her own opportunities and aspirations to come true
Her dreams walk in and out they never stop
People come and go, but the girl remains in her same position, still waiting to fulfill her goals
Well she's not too proud to cry out loud
The girl is not afraid to voice her own struggles and emotions
She runs to the street and she screams
She goes outside and lets out her frustrations for everyone to hear
So take a step back and see the little people
It's important to notice those who are often overlooked or forgotten
They may be young but they're the ones
Just because someone is young or seemingly insignificant doesn't mean they don't have value and deserve respect
That make the big people big
Those big and powerful people would not be where they are without the support and hard work of the smaller, less recognized individuals
So listen, as they whisper
We should listen to those who have been silenced or ignored, and hear what they have to say
What about me
The universal cry of those who feel invisible or powerless to make changes in their world
And now I'm standing on the corner all the world's gone home
The artist is alone on the street, with no one around to hear his plea
Nobody's changed, nobody's been saved
Despite all the struggles and hardships, no one has really come out the other side any differently
And I'm feeling cold and alone
The artist feels isolated and unsupported
I guess I'm lucky, I smile a lot
Despite everything, the singer tries to stay positive and find some small things to be grateful for
But sometimes I wish for more than I've got
Deep down, the artist still yearns for a better, more fulfilling life
What about me, it isn't fair
Repeating this lyric at the end reinforces the theme of the song: that many people still feel overlooked and undervalued in the world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TRAVIS HOWARD, JEREMY A POPOFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
OUTIS
This song has played a million times in my head for the past 19 years 🖤
Lisa O'Brien
This was one of my favorite songs in my youth. I came across your video and initially listened with headphones. For the first time ever, this song hit me right in the feels. I got choked up and cried. Then I watched the video. Your rendition and the video were so powerful and beautiful. Thank you.
TristanandIsolt
It's funny how a person can hear a song many times, but finally it hits them. Shannon does a great job with the emotional aspects of the song, but so did Moving Pictures.
Caroline Whitaker
Exactly my thoughts, these lyrics, Lisa 😔
Sundaystorms
Youth? This was only 3 years ago..
Lisa O'Brien
@Sundaystorms This is a cover of an 80s song.
sageandcandle
I was 10 when the original came out. I was being abused. This song hit my heart. The words resonate. ❤
Thoridein
source?
LEISURE, TRAVEL, AND HOBBY
This song remind me of when I was living and studying in Australia. Such a great song, Shannon!
komang sumajaya
Same