Cast No Shadow - OASIS
Written by Noel Gallagher. Lead vocals by Liam Gallagher. Released on 1995's What's the Story Morning Glory? A softer cut from Oasis' massive second album, Cast No Shadow mixes Noel Gallagher's heady lyrics with big orchestra sound similar to the band's mega hit Wonderwall. Famously dedicated to but not inspired by The Verve front man Richard Ashcroft, Cast No Shadow resonates at a near philosophical level versus Gallagher's usual use if it fits into the established rhythm style.
Here's a thought for every man
Who tries to understand what is in his hands
He walks along the open road of Love & Life surviving if he can
Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say
Chained to all the places that he never wished to stay
Bound with all the weight of all the words he tried to say
and as faced the sun he cast no shadow
As they took his soul they stole his pride
As observed, themes akin to hitting bottom and feeling invisible are a far cry from Oasis' usual upbeat and optimistic world view a la Live Forever and Acquiesce. But unlike many of Oasis' well known tunes, the song seems to tell a story through its lyrics that is enhanced by the eerily soothing accompanying orchestra.
During the band's popularity hey day, Cast No Shadow would be played and sung by Noel during a short acoustic set mid concert to give brother/front man Liam a chance to rest (or grab a pint). A re-mixed version of the tune with vocals by Noel was released on the soundtrack to Soccer movie trilogy GOAL! in 2005. Noel and band guitarist/songwriter Gem Archer embarked on a small promotional tour in late 2006 where Cast No Shadow was a set list regular along B-side Talk Tonight and a cover of The Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever.
Below is a clip from a 1996 concert at Maine Road, where Oasis broke the attendance record for an indoor venue in England.
