Weller's eleventh studio album, Sonik Kicks, was released on 19 March 2012. The Green Songfacts reports that it was recorded in Wellerβs 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 β 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.
All Around the World
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All over the country, we want a new direction
I said all over this land, we need a reaction
Well there should be a youth explosion
Inflate creation
But something we can command
What's the point in saying destroy?
We want a direction, all over the country
I said I want a reaction, all over this land
You g-got to get up and move it, a youth explosion
Because this is your last chance
Can't dismiss what is gone before
But there's foundations for us to explore
I said
All around the world I've been looking for a new
All around the world I've been looking for a new
Youth explosion
A new direction, ooh-ooh
We want a reaction, ooh-ooh
Inflate creation
Looking for new
All around the world I've been looking for a new
All around the world I've been looking for a new
You know, all around the world I've been looking for a new
All around the world I've been looking for a new
New, new
The lyrics to Paul Weller's song "All Around the World" speak to the need for change and action in society. Weller starts by singing "Oi!" which is a British expression of attention-grabbing. He then emphasizes that the need for a new direction is all over the country and the land. Weller speaks to the need for a youth explosion, meaning that young people need to be more involved and take action for change. He emphasizes that this needs to be something that can be commanded, somewhat of a call to action. Weller then questions the point of destruction, and instead calls for a new life for everywhere.
Throughout the song, Weller stresses the need for a reaction and direction. He urges young people to get up and move for change, telling them that this is their last chance. Weller acknowledges that we can't disregard what has come before, but speaks to the need to explore new foundations. Finally, he sings the chorus "All around the world I've been looking for a new, youth explosion, a new direction, we want a reaction, inflate creation, looking for new." The repetition of the phrase "all around the world" emphasizes that this need for change is not localized and is a universal desire.
In summary, "All Around the World" is an anthem for change, calling for a youth explosion and a new direction for society. The song urges young people to take action, explore new foundations and make their voices heard for change. The need for change is a universal desire, and this song encourages individuals all over the world to get involved and make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Oi!
Expression of surprise or attention getter
All over the country, we want a new direction
People across the country desire for a different path or way of life
I said all over this land, we need a reaction
Similar to the previous line, people are calling for a response to current situations and issues in various places
Well there should be a youth explosion
There ought to be a sudden and significant surge of youthful energy and passion
Inflate creation
To pump up and encourage the creativity in young people
But something we can command
However, this should be something we can direct or lead
What's the point in saying destroy?
Rhetorical question that implies destroying things may not lead to a better outcome
I want a new life for everywhere
The singer desires for improvement in all aspects of life
You g-got to get up and move it, a youth explosion
Encouragement for young people to take action and make changes happen
Because this is your last chance
Urgency that this is the final opportunity to make a difference or create a better future
Can't dismiss what is gone before
We cannot ignore or forget what has happened in the past
But there's foundations for us to explore
However, there are underlying principles or bases that we can investigate and build upon for change and innovation
All around the world I've been looking for a new
The singer has been searching globally for a fresh start or something innovative
Youth explosion
A sudden and significant surge of youthful energy and passion
A new direction, ooh-ooh
A different path or way of life that the singer hopes to see
We want a reaction, ooh-ooh
Desire for a response or change to current situations and issues
Inflate creation
Encourage creativity and ideas
Looking for new
Desiring fresh and innovative options
New, new
The repetition emphasizes the desire for something different and better
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
imadinnerlady
I was around at the time and to be fair Marc Bolan was one of the only established artists who promoted punk, most of them tried to ridicule it because they were frightened it would signal the end of their careers. I've always respected him for that.
Granto 67
He was a mod
Gary Wood
@Granto 67 Probably one of the earliest mods to have the newspapers writing about him.
Gary Wood
Bolan took The Damned on tour with him π
Granto 67
@Gary Wood they was my life the jam , but can't be Done with weller at all now have met Rick and Foxton who was a terrible bit Rick was a gent
Gary Wood
@Granto 67 I spilt lager down Bucklers suit and he was lovely about it.
My mate did a climb up the O2 Arena with him and he was a really top bloke
conductorinblack
A band that sounds the same live as they do on record is a real band. Awesome!
Joseph Duffy
This song still sounds as good as the first time I heard it 45 years ago
Richard Elson
The first single I bought. Aged 11. I still LOVE this track. Pure perfect power pop
crowhillian58
If ever there was a 70's clip showing the old wave passing the baton over to the new wave, then this is it!