“All around them were the holy men, who twist the words of way back when.” – ‘Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks’
It’s no surprise that Noel Gallagher is political – you only need to listen to the anger in the background of Definitely, Maybe to understand that. ‘Soldier Boys and Jesus Freaks’ takes this political intrigue beyond Northern, working class anger to the wider problems in society. Through this line, the Church is criticised. Clearly, religion has influenced Noel, as expressed through so many of his songs – ‘The Masterplan’ is a staunch example of this – but the disillusion of many when it comes to the place of religion in society is acknowledged here. This needs to be shouted from the rooftops, especially in reference to LGBT+ rights and feminism in light of the Church’s opinions, for example. This is easily one of the best political lyrics Noel Gallagher has ever written.