Lets All Make Believe

Written by guitarist Noel Gallagher and sung by his brother, lead vocalist Liam Gallagher. It was released on February 7, 2000, as a B-side to the single "Go Let It Out," which was the lead single from their fourth studio album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.

The song emerged during a transitional period for Oasis, following the departure of founding members Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan in 1999, leaving the band as essentially the Gallagher brothers plus new recruits. Noel initially considered it for the B-side of their massive 1995 hit "Wonderwall," but Alan McGee, head of Creation Records, reportedly vetoed the idea, saying it was too strong for a B-side. 

Instead, it surfaced years later amid the band's evolving sound, which was shifting toward more experimental and psychedelic elements on Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. Musically, "Let's All Make Believe" stands out for its atmospheric, almost gothic vibe, driven by acoustic guitar, swelling strings, and a production style that echoes influences like Burt Bacharach—reflecting Noel's obsession with the composer at the time. 

It's slower and more introspective than many Oasis tracks, clocking in at about 3:53, with a melancholic tone that some compare to a James Bond theme. 

Lyrically, the song explores themes of pretence, vulnerability, and co-dependency, widely interpreted as a reflection of the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship. Key lines include:

Is anyone here prepared to say
Just what they mean or is it too late?
For anyone here to try to do
Just what it takes to get through to you So let's all make believe
That we're still friends and we like each other
Let's all make believe
In the end we're gonna need each other

Noel has acknowledged that the lyrics were inspired by their real-life family dynamics, including underlying trauma and the need to maintain a façade of unity despite frequent conflicts. This personal edge adds tension, especially in Liam's delivery, which has been hailed as one of his most vulnerable and emotionally raw vocal performances. 

Despite being relegated to B-side status, "Let's All Make Believe" has garnered significant praise from fans and critics over the years. Many consider it one of Oasis' strongest post-2000 efforts and argue it could have been a standout on Standing on the Shoulder of Giants. It's often cited as the band's "darkest" song, showcasing a more mature, introspective side that contrasted with their typical anthemic rock.