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.
Be Happy Children
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look long into the night
Your daddy's gone
But only for a while
And in the darkness
Of God's great sky
Know my heart is always with you
And there's really no need to cry
Come on
Think upon
Look along
Be happy children
Sleep now safe and tight
Think with such joy
Of what tomorrow might bring
Be happy children
For my love knows no limits
When it comes to loving you
And my heart is always with you
And I am always by your side
Sleep now safe and tight
Think with such joy
Of what tomorrow might bring
Be happy children
Think upon
Look along
Be happy children
The song "Be Happy Children" by Paul Weller is a heartfelt and comforting message to his loved ones, particularly to his children, after he is gone. The first verse explicitly addresses them, telling them to look long into the night, despite their father's absence. Weller assures his children that he will only be gone for a while, and even when he is not physically present, his heart will remain with them in the darkness of God's sky. The chorus then repeats the phrase "be happy children," urging them to think upon, look along, and find joy in what tomorrow might bring. Weller's love for his children knows no limits, and he promises to always be by their side, providing them with safety, comfort, and happiness.
The theme of "Be Happy Children" resonates throughout the song. It is a reminder to Weller's children that they have the power to choose happiness and find joy in the present and future, regardless of the circumstances. The song celebrates the love between a father and his children, acknowledging that this love transcends time and space. Weller's soothing voice, paired with the gentle acoustic guitar, creates a comforting sound that conveys warmth and reassurance.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my loved ones
Addressing the singer's loved ones in a heartfelt manner.
Look long into the night
Encouraging the loved ones to spend time pondering.
Your daddy's gone
Acknowledging the temporary absence of the singer.
But only for a while
Reassuring the loved ones that it's not a permanent situation.
And in the darkness
Referring to the night.
Of God's great sky
Describing the vastness of the sky.
Know my heart is always with you
Expressing the emotional connection the singer feels.
And there's really no need to cry
Assuring the loved ones that everything will be alright.
Come on
Exhorting the loved ones to do something.
Think upon
Encouraging them to reflect.
Look along
Exhorting them to look forward.
Be happy children
Encouraging the loved ones to be happy.
Sleep now safe and tight
Wishing the loved ones a peaceful night's sleep.
Think with such joy
Encouraging them to think positively.
Of what tomorrow might bring
Encouraging them to have optimistic expectations.
For my love knows no limits
Expressing the boundlessness of the artist's love.
When it comes to loving you
Clarifying the object of the artist's love.
And my heart is always with you
Reiterating the emotional connection the singer feels.
And I am always by your side
Reassuring the loved ones of the singer's support.
Think upon
Encouraging them to reflect.
Look along
Exhorting them to look forward.
Be happy children
Encouraging the loved ones to be happy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON DINE, PAUL WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
john kitching
Best track off the album👏👏👏
Derek Pugh
Great song. Paul Weller is the best 😎👍🎸🎶
Debora no mans land
Love this track dx
Bonnie Bardowski
fantastic the best
mark scott
his new brood of kids has inspired him!
colin deans
thas so raw ...amazin pure class
Anna Barber
love love love!
Sawdust Caesar
very nice!
j femonanon
love love this song. but, Roger Hodgson did it , successfully, but then again....well...
colin deans
album track is amazin ....this acoustic vrsion even better.....weller the god