Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova” Lyrics Meaning

According to lore, the origin of the title of this song goes as such. Noel Gallagher, its writer, misheard the word “Bossanova”, which is actually name of an album an American rock band called the Pixies dropped back in 1990.  And simultaneously he was viewing a documentary whose subject was champagne. These two occurrences led to him coming up with the song title “Champagne Supernova”. And if that story seems to make little sense, such is also the general case with the lyrics of this track.

And this is according to Noel himself. First of all he stated that he was “out of it” when he wrote the lyrics. Indeed the mid-1990s was a period in his life when he was heavily addicted to drugs. And the aforementioned phrase likely alludes to the idea that he was incoherent whilst penning this tune. He also went on to say that in his own mind the meaning of “Champagne Supernova” changes depending on his mood and that “some of the words are about nothing”.

Meaningful Sections

But Gallagher also contends that there is an underlying attitude in certain sections. And this feeling is what he refers to as “f all”. Based on his description of this stance, it seems tantamount to a philosophy where nothing which we believe matters really does, so the best thing to do is just be true to your own aspirations.

But by and large, as alluded to earlier, this seems to be a song about “getting high”. And the addressee is someone whom obviously has not partaken in such actions, at least not with the singer himself. And why? Because the vocalist states that this person was not present when the actual drug usage highlighted in the lyrics was taking place.

Conclusion

So ultimately, as is the case with many hit songs, the meaninglessness of “Champagne Supernova” is irrelevant. For the track still managed to chart internationally and is one of the most-celebrated in Oasis’s catalog, even amongst the band members themselves. In other words, this song is a hit that has withstood the test of time because it sounds good and emits a vibe which fans can relate to, even if the lyrics aren’t necessarily logical.

Lyrics of Oasis' "Champagne Supernova"

Supernova named after “Champagne Supernova”

There is an actual astronomical supernova which was discovered in 2003 whom scientists have nicknamed “Champagne Supernova” in recognition of this song.

An Oasis Signature Song

“Champagne Supernova” held a perpetual presence on Oasis’s live setlists. In fact Noel Gallagher had theorized it was the only song in the band catalog’s that they “played every night”. Moreover it is recognized as the last of Oasis’s own original songs which the group ever played before finally disbanding in 2009.

In fact since then both Noel Gallagher and his brother and former band mate, Liam, have continued to play the song with their respective bands.

Chart Success

“Champagne Supernova” generally performed well in the few countries in which it was issued as a single. For example, it topped RPM’s Canada Rock/Alternative chart as well as Billboard’s Alternative Songs listing.

Moreover it has been certified Platinum in the United Kingdom.

Release Date of “Champagne Supernova”

This song came out on 13 May 1996. It was the sixth and final single from Oasis’s famed studio album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” FYI: The band’s global hit single “Don’t Look Back in Anger” also features on “Morning Glory?” album.

And Creation Records is the label behind the track.

Supernova Heights

In the 1990s Noel Gallagher owned a mansion in London, in which he used to host “hedonistic parties”, which to this day is referred as Supernova Heights.

Paul Weller appears on “Champagne Supernova”

A prominent English musician by the name of Paul Weller made vocal and guitar contributions to “Champagne Supernova”. Weller actually sings the backing vocals on this tune.

Writing Credits

“Champagne Supernova” was written and co-produced by Noel Gallagher.  And on the production side he was assisted by a steady coworker of the band’s, Owen Morris.

2 Responses

  1. Karen Quinn says:

    A Favorite of my LIFETIME singles catalogue. And I’m 60. So that’s saying a lot. It’s up there with Paint It Black, All Of My Love, and Bye Bye Miss American Pie that are also on my list. Good company, Oasis. This American was a fan. ✌️

  2. Anonymous says:

    How the everloving cray cray
    Can there be lore in a nascent man

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like...