Up in the Sky (Oasis song)

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"Up in the Sky"
Song by Oasis
from the album Definitely Maybe
ReleasedAugust 29, 1994 (1994-08-29)
Recorded1993–1994
Studio Clear Studios, Manchester; Sawmills Studios, Cornwall
Genre Britpop, rock
Length4:29
Label Creation Records
Songwriter(s) Noel Gallagher
Producer(s) Owen Morris, Mark Coyle, Oasis
Definitely Maybe track listing
11 tracks
  1. "Rock 'n' Roll Star"
  2. "Shakermaker"
  3. "Live Forever"
  4. "Up in the Sky"
  5. "Columbia"
  6. "Supersonic"
  7. "Bring It on Down"
  8. "Cigarettes & Alcohol"
  9. "Digsy's Dinner"
  10. "Slide Away"
  11. "Married with Children"

Up in the Sky is a song by English rock band Oasis, written by lead guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher. It is the fifth track on their debut studio album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Known for its jangly guitars, driving rhythm, and cryptic lyrics, "Up in the Sky" captures the brash confidence and socially conscious edge that defined the band's early work.

Contents

Background and recording

"Up in the Sky" was written in 1993, during a prolific period for Noel Gallagher, and quickly became a staple of the band's early live sets. It was recorded at Clear Studios in Manchester and Sawmills Studios in Cornwall during sessions for their debut album, Definitely Maybe.

The song features Liam Gallagher on lead vocals and is notable for its upbeat, almost playful tone compared to the darker themes of other tracks on the album. Despite not being released as a single, it has remained a fan favorite and a recurring deep cut praised in retrospectives.

Composition and lyrics

"Up in the Sky" is driven by a jangly, syncopated rhythm guitar riff and mid-tempo beat. It blends elements of 1960s psychedelic rock and 1990s Britpop, drawing comparisons to The Who and early The Jam.

Lyrically, the song has been interpreted as a critique of political elitism and establishment figures. Lines such as:

"Hey you, up in the sky / Learning to fly, tell me how high / Do you think you'll go before you start fallin"

have been seen as a sardonic jab at politicians or out-of-touch authority. Noel Gallagher later commented in interviews that the lyrics were intentionally vague but rooted in disillusionment with institutions and empty promises.

Acoustic version

An acoustic version of "Up in the Sky," performed by Noel Gallagher, appears on the 1994 limited-edition Oasis single "Cigarettes & Alcohol". This stripped-down version highlights the melody and lyrical sarcasm of the original and has been featured in several radio sessions and bootlegs.

Live performances

The song was regularly performed during Oasis's 1994–1995 tours. Liam Gallagher’s snarling vocal delivery gave the track added edge in live settings. A live performance was included on the 2004 DVD Definitely Maybe and in some later Noel Gallagher acoustic sets.

Reception

Though not a single, "Up in the Sky" has been positively received by critics and fans alike. AllMusic praised its "buoyant confidence and sly wit," and NME described it as “a cheeky, snarling rocker that captured the band’s irreverent early swagger.” [1]

Personnel

Legacy

"Up in the Sky" is frequently cited in fan polls as one of Oasis’s most underrated album tracks. It showcases the band’s early political edge and melodic strength. Noel Gallagher has expressed particular fondness for the track’s "groove" and arrangement, calling it "a bit of a hidden gem" on the debut record. [2]

References

  1. ↑ "Definitely Maybe Review". NME. September 1994.
  2. ↑ "Noel Gallagher: Song by Song". Q. April 2001.
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