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.
Can You Heal Us
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But none will stop us falling
Pulling faster all the time,
Powerless to warnings
If you feel the hand of God,
Can you guide it holy man?
But you are only flesh and blood,
Waiting too for judgment
Everybody gets their time
Don't be sad don't be blue,
Pray for me
I'll do the same for you
Split the Father and the Son,
Hand words to ease them
If you have the hand of God,
Can you heal us holy man?
But you are only flesh and blood,
Waiting too for judgment
Still saying!
Hang on tight hang on strong
How much longer can this go on
But don't be sad don't be blue,
It's one more thing set to confuse
Daddy don't weep Momma don't cry
Every fear must have its time
Don't be sad don't be blue,
Pray for me
I'll do the same for you.
Can you bring the hand of God?
Can you stop the killing?
Get us back to hope and love,
Never more be needed
Still saying!
Bloods gone bad bad to worse
Worse to bad and back again
But don't be sad don't be blue,
It's one more thing sent to confuse
Momma don't weep Daddy don't cry
Every fear must have its time
Don't be sad don't be blue,
Pray for me I'll do the same for you.
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song "Can You Heal Us" have a spiritual aspect to them, as they raise the question of the ability of a person to act as a conduit for the divine. The phrase "Crystal words that hang so fine, but none will stop us falling," suggests that elegant language and rhetorical flourishes cannot prevent us from experiencing tragedy or falling into despair. Then, the next line "Pulling faster all the time, powerless to warnings" implies that we are in a state of constant acceleration towards something terrible, despite any efforts to slow down or change course.
The chorus "Daddy don’t weep, mama don’t cry, everybody gets their time," seems to acknowledge that suffering is a universal experience, and that it is a part of life that we all must endure in different ways. There is also a sense of mutual support and care in the line "pray for me, I'll do the same for you." The song urges the listener to be strong and resilient, to not lose hope, and to embrace the difficult moments in life as part of the human experience.
Overall, the song seems to be a meditation on the limits of human power, and the need to rely on something higher to help navigate life's challenges. It also highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, and the potential for us to lift each other up in times of sorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
Crystal words that hang so fine,
Words that are clear and eloquent, but cannot prevent our downfall.
But none will stop us falling
Despite our best efforts, we cannot avoid failure.
Pulling faster all the time,
The forces of destruction are increasing in speed.
Powerless to warnings
We are unable to heed the signs of impending doom.
If you feel the hand of God,
If you have a divine connection,
Can you guide it holy man?
Can you use it to help us?
But you are only flesh and blood,
However, you are still just a mortal,
Waiting too for judgment
And will also face judgment for your deeds.
Still saying! Daddy don't weep Momma don't cry
Despite the challenges we face, we must remain strong for our loved ones.
Everybody gets their time
Everyone will face their own trials and tribulations.
Don't be sad don't be blue,
Do not despair,
Pray for me
I need your support and encouragement
I'll do the same for you
And I will offer the same to you.
Split the Father and the Son,
Invoke both God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Hand words to ease them
Offer comforting words to both.
If you have the hand of God,
If you are truly connected to the divine,
Can you heal us holy man?
Can you use your power to bring us healing and restoration?
But you are only flesh and blood,
Still, you are only human,
Waiting too for judgment
And will also have to answer for your actions.
Still saying! Hang on tight hang on strong
We must hold on tightly and not lose hope or faith.
How much longer can this go on
We wonder how much longer we can endure the trials we face.
But don't be sad don't be blue,
Still, we must not give up hope.
It's one more thing set to confuse
Even though we may not understand why these things are happening.
Every fear must have its time
We must confront our fears and face them head on.
Can you bring the hand of God?
Can you invoke the divine and bring us guidance?
Can you stop the killing?
Can you put an end to the senseless violence?
Get us back to hope and love,
Bring us back to a place of optimism and love.
Never more be needed
So that we may never again face such dire circumstances.
Bloods gone bad bad to worse
The situation has become even more dire.
Worse to bad and back again
We continue to experience a cycle of despair and turmoil.
Momma don't weep Daddy don't cry
We cannot give in to grief or despair.
Don't be sad don't be blue,
We must remain hopeful and optimistic.
Pray for me
Please offer your support and encouragement.
I'll do the same for you.
I will offer you the same in return.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@neildougal1294
most of this world does not realise this how brilliant this man is.
@Lunatic4Bizcas
Undoubtedly. This song is more relevant than ever in this present time.
@CyberPin2001
He really is sooo good. The power, the presence, the songwriting, the voice. He's got the lot.
@abigailsweaton2502
One of the greatest men alive, and most of my generation dont even know his name... Sad
@iangardiner8303
Had the privilege of seeing him with my daughter by my side at Edinburgh Castle a few years back........ Top night 🌃
@Murp268
Piano, guitar, killer vocalist and songwriter. Not much Paul Weller can't so. Total package. Love your music!
@draganapasti_
If you don’t have a clue what a musical 🎵 genius is, just listen to this man. One and unique, multi gifted, romantic & energetic giant , Mr Paul Weller. 🌹
@waltersobchak926
this was Paul's best band line up
@dalgais1
Some times i forget how good.
@MrSpartanm33
Which idiot has put a thumbs down? PW is one of the few British artistes to come close to Lennon and McCartney. The guy is a bloody artiste supreme and stil going strong in his 50's. Thanks for posting this. Keep the faith!