3 Nearly Biblical Non-Oasis Songs Written by Noel Gallagher

Can a Noel Gallagher tune be biblical without Liam? Yes, of course, as “Don’t Look Back In Anger” proves. And while the world awaits another Oasis stadium run, let’s look back (without anger, ideally) at Noel’s solo releases and highlight a few bangers.

“Everybody’s On The Run”

Two years after Oasis broke up, Noel returned with his solo project, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, an homage to Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. Working with producer Dave Sardy, Noel opens his solo debut with “Everybody’s On The Run”. With a stunning verse that would be any other band’s chorus, Noel proved he hadn’t run out of ideas. Though much more controlled than the perfect storm that is Oasis, Liam’s older brother seemed to have found his swagger again on this one.

A broken heart is still beating,
In and out of time—hold your body next to mine.
But you can’t stop the bleeding,
Sing to yourself and hold on.
’Cause everybody’s on the run.  

“Riverman”

The High Flying Birds returned in 2015 with Chasing Yesterday. The opening track “Riverman” features multi-instrumentalist Paul Stacey burning one of the best solos you’ve heard on a Noel tune. Stacey has been something like an unofficial bandmate and studio guru for Oasis going back to Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants. And this groovy number sounds like Noel with a dash of David Gilmour’s space rock.

There’s something in the way she moves me to distraction.
I’ve travelled all this way to try and make amends.
’Cause heavy in the air are the words that she left hanging.
I’ve tried to walk away but I only stand and stare.

“Open The Door, See What You Find”

We’ll fast-forward to Noel’s final solo LP before the Oasis reunion. Council Skies arrived in 2023 and may be the strongest post-Oasis release yet. “Open The Door, See What You Find” features Johnny Marr on guitar and Noel’s ability to craft one anthemic hook after another. An epic tune (and album) to finish on as the Oasis reunion loomed.

Sunrise in the palm of your hand,
Think twice, don’t put your head in the sand.
All right, dream it if you wanna, all night down on the corner,
Sunrise in the palm of your hand.

Photo by Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images