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.
7 & 3 Is The Striker
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The winds of change and the sands of time
7 & 3 is the striker's name
Washing his hands as he walks away
Come on, come on
The sky has arrived
Wings are clipped
Come on, come on
The sky has arrived
Wings are clipped
But we still might fly away
Curse my master, and his slaves
And his soldiers too
Curse those fuckers, in their castle
They're all bastards too
Keep me stable, I may be fine
I don't want to fuck it up this time
She loves me tender, she loves me strong
We're star-cross'd lovers and we sing this song
Come on, come on
The sky has arrived
Wings are clipped
But we still might fly away
Come on, come on
The sky has arrived
Wings are clipped
But we still might fly away
Curse my master, and his slaves
And his soldiers too
Curse those fuckers, in their castle
They're all bastards too
Riding in the night like a thief, although
Not too skinny and not too bold
7 & 3 is the striker's name
Washing his hands as he walks away
She loves me tender and she loves me strong
We're star-cross'd lovers and we sing this song
Here goes...
The lyrics to Paul Weller's song "7 & 3 Is the Striker's Name" are open to interpretation, as is often the case with poetic and figurative language in music. However, there are a few themes and motifs that run throughout the song that can be analyzed and discussed.
Firstly, the mention of "7 & 3" may refer to a specific football (soccer) player who wore that number combination on their jersey. This, coupled with the phrase "the striker's name," suggests that the song may be about a talented goal-scorer or football hero who is being mistreated or underestimated. The line "riding in the night like a thief" also conjures images of someone who is a bit of a rogue or an outsider.
On a broader level, the lyrics seem to be about rebellion and defiance in the face of authority. The lines "curse my master, and his slaves/and his soldiers too" indicate a sense of resentment and anger towards those in power, while the mention of "star-cross'd lovers" suggests a desire to break free from societal constraints and expectations.
Musically, the song has a driving beat and a sense of urgency that mirrors the rebellious themes of the lyrics. The repetition of the chorus ("come on, come on/the sky has arrived/wings are clipped/but we still might fly away") reinforces the idea of striving for freedom despite obstacles.
Overall, "7 & 3 Is the Striker's Name" is a song that celebrates individualism and rebellion, while also acknowledging the difficulties and risks that come with pursuing those ideals.
Line by Line Meaning
Little prick, you're crossing every line
You're being very unpleasant and overstepping boundaries.
The winds of change and the sands of time
Things are constantly shifting and evolving.
7 & 3 is the striker's name
Refers to a footballer, possibly as a symbol of strength or skill.
Washing his hands as he walks away
Leaving behind any responsibility or accountability for what happened.
Come on, come on
The sky has arrived
Wings are clipped
But we still might fly away
Despite some limitations and setbacks, there is still potential for success.
Curse my master, and his slaves
And his soldiers too
Curse those fuckers, in their castle
They're all bastards too
Expressing frustration and anger towards those in power and their followers.
Keep me stable, I may be fine
I don't want to fuck it up this time
She loves me tender, she loves me strong
We're star-cross'd lovers and we sing this song
Asking for support and affection in order to maintain stability and avoid making mistakes. Referring to a relationship that is fated but difficult.
Riding in the night like a thief, although
Not too skinny and not too bold
7 & 3 is the striker's name
Washing his hands as he walks away
Describing someone on the move who is not too weak or too reckless. Repeats the earlier football reference and the idea of leaving a situation with no consequences.
She loves me tender and she loves me strong
We're star-cross'd lovers and we sing this song
Repeating the idea of a fated and challenging love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON DINE, PAUL WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack01142
i luv this man sooo much... i crave new music from him cant wait 4 the new album...
PAISLEYTIES1968
favourite weller track in recent years, his lyrics have often been abstract, has a real dark edge to it.
bloodnokian
Just when you think he can't do any better, he pulls another classic out of the ether. Nice!
quicksite
I've been subscribed to this channel for a while, but i don't recall seeing any other videos for quite a while... so i'm not at all up to date: is this a new song, a new album? or a new performance of an older song. He's such an amazing talent.... and the interview that leads off this channel, it's so inspiring. No artifice, a ton of humility, and a strong work ethic --- that's all in addition to being a great musician & songwriter.
TheOmniBach
God Father of Mod...Paul Weller never ceases to amaze...what an amazing song
evilpustule
Everything about this video is simply fantastic. Nice one Weller. x
The Official imaginarythings Channel
I love this video...It visuals are mind-blowindg and the music is too...Wow!!!
lomasca
love it, nice one :)
Carlos Roye
Viva Weller es Impresionante lo mejor de lo mejor BEST of the BEST amaizing tune i love it come to VENEZUELA dude Please
anj jime
most badass old guy ever, i forgot how much i loved pauls music when i started listning to oasis and then i heard wake up the nation on the radio and went mental for mr weller again (keep in mind im 13)