Oasis’ album “The Masterplan” has generated varied opinions within the music community. While some regard it as one of the band’s finest achievements, others see it as a stopgap measure to satisfy fans until a new full album could be released. Despite the mixed reactions to the album, one particular song, “Half the World Away,” has left a lasting impression.
Penned by Noel Gallagher, “Half the World Away” encapsulates his sense of discontent with city life. The song initially appeared as the B-side to “Whatever” in 1994, blending Oasis’ signature Beatles-inspired sound with a somber acoustic tone. This combination evokes a deep sense of yearning and nostalgia.
What makes “Half the World Away” particularly interesting is its connection to another piece of music. Noel Gallagher has openly acknowledged that he borrowed much of the song’s chord progression from Burt Bacharach’s “This Guy’s in Love with You.” Despite the clear resemblance, Gallagher has shown little concern about potential accusations of plagiarism. In fact, he’s even joked about the fact that he hasn’t faced any legal issues yet.
In an unexpected twist, Burt Bacharach, the original composer, seems unfazed by the similarities between the two songs. Instead of taking issue, he appreciates that Gallagher discovered his work and reimagined it in a new context. Bacharach appears to find this creative repurposing more commendable than problematic.
The appeal of “Half the World Away” lies in its exploration of universal emotions like loneliness and longing. Whether it’s the pain of being far from a loved one or the feeling of alienation in one’s own surroundings, the song resonates deeply with listeners. This timeless quality likely overshadows any concerns about its musical origins.
