Song Stories: Oasis: Live Forever

Released as the third single from "Definitely Maybe", "Live Forever" proved Oasis to be more than a flash in the pan indie band. The band had crafted a cultural anthem, a song that showcased unshakeable ambition, youthful idealism, and raw talent that would soon catapult the Manchester-based band into Britpop stardom. Over the years, "Live Forever" has grown into more than just a song it's an emotional landmark that captures the spirit of a generation.

Oasis was born into the grungy, moody, and often nihilistic musical landscape of the early ’90s. Nirvana’s Nevermind had paved the way for introspective and angst-filled lyrics that reflected a turbulent world. But Noel Gallagher had a different idea. Rather than dwelling on despair, he wanted his music to convey hope and endurance. He wanted it to speak of resilience and boundless optimism, even in the face of hardship.
As Noel himself put it: At the time it was written in the middle of grunge and all that, I remember Nirvana had a tune called ‘I Hate Myself and Want to Die’. Which I was like ‘Well I’m not fucking having that.’ As much as I fucking like him and all that shit, I’m not having that. People like that coming over here, on smack, saying they hate themselves and want to die. Seemed to me like a guy who had everything and was miserable about it, and we had fuck all and I still thought that getting up in the morning was the greatest fucking thing ever because you didn’t know where you’d end up at night. We didn’t have a pot to piss in but it was fucking great.”

The lyrics to "Live Forever" resonate with simplicity and depth. They’re not weighed down with obscure metaphors or complicated imagery; instead, they embody universal emotions. With lines like, "Maybe I just want to fly / Want to live, I don't want to die," Noel Gallagher speaks to an instinctive desire for life and connection, something anyone could relate to.

The chorus itself “You and I are gonna live forever”—has become one of rock's most iconic lines. It’s about rejecting the constraints of time, fear, and failure and embracing the idea of eternal youth, at least in spirit. For many, this song is about immortality through music, love, or shared experiences an expression of the ambition to leave a lasting impact.

"Live Forever" is more than just a popular Oasis song; it’s a defining anthem of the Britpop era and a cornerstone of the band's legacy. When Definitely Maybe topped the UK charts in 1994, Oasis became part of a larger cultural movement that gave a voice to British youth in a post-Thatcherite era. "Live Forever" was a call to look forward, to dream big, and to celebrate life. It’s hard to imagine the wave of Britpop optimism without this song as a foundation.

The track became a regular fixture in Oasis's live sets, with audiences chanting along to the iconic lines. Even years after the band’s split, "Live Forever" remains a crowd favorite at Liam’s solo shows, proving that its message still resonates with fans young and old. And it’s not just the fans who see the magic in it "Live Forever" has earned critical acclaim over the years, often cited as one of the greatest rock songs ever written.

Everything that comes along with the song is also an interesting story. Take the cover art of the single, seen in the image above. Designed by Brian Cannon and photographed by Michael Spencer Jones, the cover art features an image of the legendary British and musician John Lennon’s childhood home, located at 251 Menlove Avenue in Liverpool. A nod to the bands love of The Beatles. 

The song was also released as the third single from the bands debut record. Following "Supersonic" and "Shakermaker" two songs that do not have a profound meaning, or introspective lyrics. Instead talking about children's toys, yellow submarines, and traffic lights. This was the single that made music fans and critics sit up and listen. Similar to what punk had done 15 or so years before "Live Forever" provided a rallying cry for the disaffected youth, promising that their voices whether through music, art, or rebellion would outlive the forces trying to hold them down.

The song was the bands crowning moment, and a highlight of their debut album. Which featured songs like "Cigarettes & Alcohol," "Rock 'n' Roll Star," and "Slide Away"

It's one of the very vest songs ever written and recorded by a British band, and the perfect manifesto for the youth even today. Marking the beginning of a seismic journey for Oasis, that would see them in two and half years go from signing off the dole to playing two of the biggest British concerts ever.

Thanks for reading

Jack