“I said, ‘Maybe you’re gonna be the one that saves me and after all you’re my wonderwall.’” Who knows if Noel Gallagher, thirty years ago, when he wrote those words, ever imagined all of this. That a simple song by a Manchester band—made up of two quarrelsome brothers united by their love of music (and Manchester City)—would become a generational anthem capable of moving people even today, more than thirty years after its release. And yet “Wonderwall” wasn’t among Noel’s favorite songs when he first heard the demo, nor was it one of Liam’s—he ended up performing it only after several attempts to persuade him. There was something about it that didn’t quite convince either of them, perhaps because they were unaware that they were creating a song destined to become a timeless classic.
For years, it was said that the song was about Noel’s ex-wife, Meg Mathews. Only later, however, did it become clear that the meaning was something else: “Wonderwall” is about an imaginary friend who comes to save you from yourself. A bit like, perhaps, the English national team, which in recent weeks has found a new catchphrase to celebrate its successes. Except that, unlike what the song says, the English really do have that friendly face. And he has a first and last name: Harry Kane.
The Wall of Wonders, previously mentioned by George Harrison on his first solo album and in the 1968 film of the same name starring Jane Birkin. Maybe it has something to do with it, maybe not. Today, that Wall of Wonders is the Three Lions’ wall in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Hugging from the first to the 90th minute—hydration breaks included—and even beyond. At least until Bellingham, Kane, and their teammates appear, huddled together in front of their own fan section, in a gesture of affection that blends with the words of the song written by Gallagher and sung by everyone. It has now become a true anthem of this World Cup, especially for the English, almost on par with “God Save the King.”
[📸 IPA; oasisinet.com; Instagram: liamgallagher 📹 TikTok: michael_somerville, benfozza, alaningsinn]
