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.
Broken Stones
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kicked around, displaced by feet
Oh, like broken stones
They're all trying to get home
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, so lost and alone
As another pitch shatters
Another little bit gets lost
What else really matters?
Oh, at such a cost
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, he's lost and alone
Yeah, a lot of folks stay home
(Yeah, now you go home)
(Yeah, now you go home)
And another pitch shatters
Another little bit gets lost
Tell me what else really matters
Oh, at such a cost
Like pebbles on a beach
Kicked around, displaced by feet
Oh, like broken stones
They're all trying to get home
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, he's lost and alone
Yeah, trying to get home
Trying to get home
Trying to get home
Like broken stones
Oh, trying to get home
Trying to get home
Like broken stones
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song "Broken Stones" use a poignant metaphor, describing people as "broken stones" that have been kicked around and displaced but still trying to make their way back home. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of pebbles on a beach, moved and shifted by the feet of passers-by, a clear representation of human struggle and displacement. The next lines describe the feeling of being a loser, too slow and short to hit the peaks, feeling lost and alone, further driving home the sense of struggle and conflict.
The chorus repeats the metaphor of broken stones, emphasizing the notion that no matter how scattered or shattered they may be, there is always an innate desire to find their way back home. The lines "And another pitch shatters/Another little bit gets lost" suggest the constant loss and fracturing of the self in the face of life's challenges, but despite that, the pursuit of home remains.
Line by Line Meaning
Like pebbles on a beach
People are like pebbles on the beach, scattered and aimless.
Kicked around, displaced by feet
People can easily be stepped on and disregarded.
Oh, like broken stones
People can also be broken, damaged, and discarded like stones.
They're all trying to get home
Everyone is trying to find a place where they belong and feel accepted.
Like a loser's reach
Sometimes people feel like they are trying their best but still fall short.
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Some people feel like they can't compete with others who are more successful.
Yeah, so lost and alone
Feeling isolated and misunderstood is a common experience for many people.
Yeah, trying to get home
Despite the struggles, people are still searching for a sense of belonging.
As another pitch shatters
Just when you think you've succeeded, things can fall apart.
Another little bit gets lost
Every failure takes a piece of you with it.
What else really matters?
The constant search for success can make you question what is truly important in life.
Oh, at such a cost
The pursuit of success often comes with sacrifices.
Yeah, he's lost and alone
Feeling like an outsider can be a lonely experience.
Yeah, a lot of folks stay home
Many people give up on their dreams and settle for a comfortable but unfulfilling life.
(Yeah, now you go home)
This line is likely a commentary on the people who give up rather than continuing to push for success.
Trying to get home
The message of the song is reiterated: everyone is trying to find their place in the world.
Like broken stones
Again, the idea that people can be broken and discarded like stones is reinforced.
Oh, trying to get home
Despite all the obstacles, people are still searching for their sense of belonging.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J C
Like pebbles on a beach
Kicked around, displaced by feet
Oh, like broken stones
They're all trying to get home
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, so lost and alone
Yeah, trying to get home
As another pitch shatters
Another little bit gets lost
What else really matters?
Oh, at such a cost
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, he's lost and alone
Yeah, a lot of folks stay home
(Yeah, now you go home)
(Yeah, now you go home)
And another pitch shatters
Another little bit gets lost
Tell me what else really matters
Oh, at such a cost
Like pebbles on a beach
Kicked around, displaced by feet
Oh, like broken stones
They're all trying to get home
Like a loser's reach
Too slow and short to hit the peaks
Yeah, he's lost and alone
Yeah, trying to get home
Trying to get home
Trying to get home
Like broken stones
Oh, trying to get home
Trying to get home
Like broken stones
Harry hammond
Despite 3.6m views, I still believe this song is underrated aswell as “wild wood” Paul weller you absolute legend!!!
Allan Cooke
So,so agree when one hears some of today's music....the lyrics of Paul Weller,Noel Gallagher...so,so fantastic
Ms Carol
And You do something to me...😍
James Carr
Ah the 'underrated' fetish in full flight with the very first comment. Truly a fascinating youtube comments section psychosis. I wonder what drives this psychologically...
Demon slayer nezuko chan
Leave Noel tho it does not take genius to rip off welder and Beatles does it
Francis Brodie
His biggest hits are underrated???
rachelp161
Paul Weller is a legend.... You can't help yourself but feel good when you listen to this..
StinkRat
It's literally a song about not finding your home or place to exist. Although I love it - it is literally anything but a "feel good" tune LMAO?
Griffin Clark
I loved the Jam way back in the day, but when punk faded, I lost track of Paul Weller. Listening my way through his considerable catalog now and I'm blown away! Every album is brilliant & a fresh discovery. It's like meeting a long lost friend and picking up where we left off.
chrissy
Going Underground.., #Respect Buddy