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.
A Year Late
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your tender heart, your crystal spirit
Keeps me warm and safe from harm
Wrapped around my shoulder
I love to wake and watch your face
And while you sleep, I fall for you again
Is it true, what I feel for you
So you could feel it too
And the leaves around my door
And the sunlight in the hall
And darkness that will fall
Make me want you more
Morning breaks on the icy flakes
That collect around our window
It's cold outside brings a harsh goodbye
With clouds at our mouths as we breath a sigh
As I look like a long lending book
Page after page we are turning
But is it true what I feel for you
Wish I could help it through
So you could feel it too
And the leaves around my door
And the sunlight in the hall
And darkness that will fall
Just make me want you more
Oh, make me want you more
Want you more
The lyrics of "A Year Late" by Paul Weller express love and admiration for someone who is dear to the singer. The first stanza describes the subject of the singer's affection as something that keeps him warm and safe from harm, like a blanket. The tenderness of this person's heart and the purity of their spirit are celebrated as qualities that are both nurturing and protective.
The second stanza portrays the singer watching the face of his love while he wakes up in the morning. The singer falls for the subject again every time they sleep. However, there is a sense of longing in the lyrics as the singer wonders whether or not the feelings are true and wishes he could help them through so his love could feel them too. The imagery of leaves and sunlight in the hall are used to demonstrate a natural feeling of desire for this person.
In the final stanza, the song acknowledges the challenges that come with love, highlighting the coldness of the world in winter and the harsh goodbyes it can bring. The lyrical imagery here is evocative, as the clouds produce a mist upon breathing which looks as if we are crying. Even though these effects are there, the singer shows us it's worth it, as he describes the feeling of pages turning in a book when he thinks of his love. The final repetition of the chorus, "Just make me want you more", reinforces the enduring nature of the singer's devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Something worn, like a blanket thrown
Your love feels familiar and comforting, like a comforting, old blanket.
Your tender heart, your crystal spirit
Your tender touch and pure soul keep me feeling warm and hopeful.
Keeps me warm and safe from harm
Your love provides me with security and protection from the world's harshness.
Wrapped around my shoulder
Your presence surrounds me and brings me comfort wherever I go.
I love to wake and watch your face
Watching you sleep fills me with joy and affection.
And while you sleep, I fall for you again
My love for you grows even stronger when I see you at rest.
Is it true, what I feel for you
I wonder if my feelings for you are genuine and reciprocated.
Wish I could help it through
I wish I could make you understand and feel the depth of my emotions.
So you could feel it too
I long for you to experience the same intensity of love that I feel for you.
And the leaves around my door
As the seasons change and nature shifts, my desire for you never fades.
And the sunlight in the hall
Just like the brightness of the sun, your presence brings me warmth and light.
And darkness that will fall
Even in times of darkness and uncertainty, your love shines through and guides me.
Make me want you more
The more I experience life with you, the more I desire to be with you.
Morning breaks on the icy flakes
Each new day brings fresh challenges, but I face them with you by my side.
That collect around our window
Even amidst the harshness of winter, our love continues to thrive and grow.
It's cold outside brings a harsh goodbye
The world can be cruel, but our love endures even in difficult situations.
With clouds at our mouths as we breath a sigh
Our shared experiences leave us both speechless at times, but our love speaks volumes.
As I look like a long lending book
Our story together is an ongoing tale, with every chapter bringing new elements and surprises.
Page after page we are turning
Our relationship evolves over time, and each new stage brings new opportunities for growth and connection.
Just make me want you more
My love for you deepens with each passing moment, and I never tire of being near you.
Oh, make me want you more
I never want to lose the intense feelings of love and desire that I have for you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dkomjath
This song, A Year Late, ranks, I think among his overall best work, both as writer and performer. A crystalline piece of songcraft with the twin Weller attack of being brutal and gentle at once is on fine display here. You only need to hear this song once to INSTANTLY know what he meant by the title. Lachrymose and brutal simultaneously, as only the rogue Weller can do, in song, at least. This is the only Weller track that to me seems almost too private to release. Anyone?
colin cummings
This is in my top 3 acoustic songs by Paul , Country and English Rose the other 2 , but that changes often as there is so many sublime songs to choose from ,
GPE
I loved this when it first came out and hear it here for the first time in about 15 years. A grown man with tears of joy, bitterness, love and hope and sadness....as in this masterpiece. Peace dkomjath
KABBARANKS
I still reckon this is my favourite song, fom any artist. Beautifully performed. 'and while you sleep, I fall for you again'. Just brilliant!
Paul Billingham
there is nothing more beautiful in this world, than the sound of paul weller and an acoustic guitar............everything has a price to pay!
lambanmartyr
This is mind numbingly beautiful...... Thanks for posting.
Derek Pugh
Everything Paul Weller does is magic., 😎👍🎸🎶
Shed End Mods
Myfavouriteshop that is the genius of Paul Weller, he can write something as beautiful as this and then put it on a B side for us to stumble upon.
Cath Mole
This was the b-side to 'You do something to me' and there was a huge heart on the back of the single... my favourite Paul Weller song.
Dean Coulter
One of his greatest ballads I think!