Married with Children is a song by English rock band Oasis, written by lead guitarist and principal songwriter Noel Gallagher. It appears as the closing track on the band's debut studio album, Definitely Maybe (1994). The song is notable for its sparse acoustic arrangement and sarcastic lyrics, providing a contrast to the high-energy rock anthems that define much of the album.
"Married with Children" was recorded at Clear Studios in Manchester in April 1994. It was produced by Mark Coyle, a close associate of the band, along with the members of Oasis. Unlike the dense, layered production of other tracks on the album, this song features a deliberately lo-fi, live acoustic feel, recorded with minimal overdubs to retain its rawness.
The song was inspired by Noel Gallagher's then-girlfriend, with whom he was having arguments at the time. According to Noel, the title was partly a nod to the American sitcom Married... with Children, which was popular in the UK during the early 1990s.[1]
Composition and lyrics
"Married with Children" is a biting breakup song wrapped in a melodic acoustic shell. Sung by Liam Gallagher, the lyrics are both humorous and scathing, combining working-class attitude with ironic commentary on domestic relationships. The song begins:
"There's no need for you to say you're sorry / Goodbye, I'm going home"
One of its most quoted lines — “Your music’s shite, it keeps me up all night” — reportedly came from an actual comment made by Noel’s ex-girlfriend, which he later used verbatim in the song.[2]
Reception
Though not released as a single, "Married with Children" has been praised for its clever lyrics and stripped-back delivery. NME described it as “a bitter but brilliant closer” to Definitely Maybe, and fans have long considered it a hidden gem in Oasis’s discography.[3]
Live performances
"Married with Children" was rarely performed live by the full band, but acoustic renditions have occasionally appeared in solo performances by both Gallagher brothers. It was included in Noel Gallagher's acoustic radio sets in the mid-1990s and has featured in some of Liam’s post-Oasis acoustic sets as well.
"Married with Children" stands out as one of Oasis's most intimate and lyrically sharp tracks. Its sarcastic tone and bedroom-recorded quality gave a different dimension to the band’s debut, showcasing Noel Gallagher’s songwriting range. In various fan polls and retrospectives, it’s often listed among Oasis’s most underrated songs.
Certifications and sales
Certifications and sales for "Married with Children"
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