Weller's eleventh studio album, Sonik Kicks, was released on 19 March 2012. The Green Songfacts reports that it was recorded in Weller’s own Black Barn Studios in Ripley, Surrey, with co-producer Simon Dine and engineer Charles Rees.
Born John William Weller in Stanley Road, Woking, he was also a central figure in the Mod revival. As the leader of the Jam, Paul Weller fronted the most popular British band of the punk era, influencing legions of English rockers that ranged from his mod-revival contemporaries to the Smiths in the '80s and Oasis in the '90s. During the final days of the Jam, he developed a fascination with Motown and soul, which led him to form the sophisti-pop group the Style Council in 1983. As the Style Council's career progressed, Weller's interest in soul developed into an infatuation with jazz-pop and house music, which eventually led to gradual erosion of his audience — by 1990, he couldn't get a record contract in the UK, where he had previously been worshipped as a demi-god. As a solo artist, Weller returned to soul music as an inspiration, cutting it with the progressive, hippie tendencies of Traffic. Weller's solo records were more organic and rootsier than the Style Council, which helped him regain his popularity within Britain. By the mid-'90s, he had released three successful albums which were both critically-acclaimed and massively popular in England, where contemporary bands like Ocean Colour Scene were citing him as an influence. Just as importantly, many observers, while occasionally criticizing the trad-rock nature of his music, acknowledged that Weller was one of the few rock veterans that had managed to stay vital within the second decade of his career.
6. Porcelain Gods
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My fortune cookie cracked up in my hand,
More advice to fill up your head
More empty words from the living dead-
Who seek to explain what can't really be said-
And how disappointed I was
To turn out after all -
Just a porcelain God -
Too much will kill you - too little ain't enough
You shout my name but I'll call your bluff
Most who see me - see me not for real
We fake & fawn - play games 'til dawn
But I could see what you can see
And I hate too what you hate in me -
And how disappointed I am
To find me part of no plan -
Just a porcelain God -
that shatters when it falls
"Don't lose control" - I tell myself,
Life can take many things away -
Some people will try - and take it all
They'll pick off pieces as they watch you crawl
And how disappointed I was
To turn out after all -
Just a porcelain God -
that shatters when it falls-
That shatters when it falls.
The song "Porcelain Gods" by Paul Weller speaks about the idea of false prophets who do not really have anything of substance to offer. Weller warns the listeners to be cautious of such individuals who fill their heads with empty advice and meaningless words. He talks about how he was disappointed to discover that he himself is just a "porcelain God", a fragile deity who is destined to shatter when it falls.
The song seems to be a critique of fame and the shallow nature of society's obsession with celebrity. Weller sings about being seen but not for real, and how people fake and play games until dawn. He also talks about the dangers of excess and how too much of anything can be harmful, but at the same time, too little is not enough. Weller urges himself to not lose control and reminds us all that life can take many things away.
Overall, "Porcelain Gods" is a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the dangers of excess. It is a reminder to the listener to stay grounded and focused on what is truly important in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Beware false prophets - take a stand!
Be cautious of people pretending to have all the answers and stand up for what you believe in.
My fortune cookie cracked up in my hand,
Even my supposed guide to the future, my fortune cookie, failed me and fell apart in my hands.
More advice to fill up your head
Constantly bombarded with advice that may not necessarily be useful or relevant.
More empty words from the living dead-
Hollow words from those who are just going through the motions of living, lacking true meaning or purpose.
Who seek to explain what can't really be said-
Attempting to give meaning and explanation to something that is essentially inexplicable.
And how disappointed I was
Expressing a sense of disillusionment and disappointment.
To turn out after all -
Realizing that after everything, the outcome wasn't what was expected or hoped for.
Just a porcelain God -
Comparing oneself to a fragile and breakable object that others may worship or look up to.
that shatters when it falls-
Despite appearing strong and powerful, in reality, one is easily shattered and damaged.
Too much will kill you - too little ain't enough
The balance between too much and too little is a delicate one and requires careful consideration.
You shout my name but I'll call your bluff
Recognizing when someone is insincere and challenging their authenticity.
Most who see me - see me not for real
Perception of oneself by others is often distorted and not the true representation of who they are.
We fake & fawn - play games 'til dawn
Putting on a facade and engaging in insincere behavior to fit in or gain approval.
But I could see what you can see
Despite putting up a front, one is aware of what others see and perceive about them.
And I hate too what you hate in me -
Acknowledging and struggling with the fact that the flaws others see in oneself are also disliked by oneself.
And how disappointed I am
Continuing to express disappointment and disillusionment.
To find me part of no plan -
Feeling directionless and unsure of one's purpose and destiny.
Just a porcelain God -
Reiterating the comparison to a fragile and breakable object that others may worship or look up to.
that shatters when it falls
Again emphasizing that despite appearances, one is ultimately easily broken and damaged.
"Don't lose control" - I tell myself,
Attempting to maintain a sense of control and stability even in difficult circumstances.
Life can take many things away -
Recognizing that life can be unpredictable and challenging, and that things can be lost or taken away without warning.
Some people will try - and take it all
Beware of those who will attempt to take advantage of you and take everything from you.
They'll pick off pieces as they watch you crawl
These people will take advantage of the weak and helpless and gradually break them down.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Tyler
Great track
Juan Lis
"As they watch you crawl". How true
Scott Floyd
I hate too, what you hate in me 👊
Shaun TW
Is that Kirsten Stewart?