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.
Equanimity
Paul Weller Lyrics
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And what will you keep bar the penny in your fist for the tide?
Become the joke because you can't let go
You suffer hurt because you can't let go
Give the penny to the boatman, see he guides you well
Reflect upon the water as you reflect upon yourself
This river always will be here
So
As equanimity shows
To try and stay in control
And not fall apart
Slow
The ataraxy will grow
As the shepherd has shown
Gentleness and kindness
Is what our world needs now
Find it in my heart somehow
Oh
Yeah, you know
This river always will be here
Always rushing here, all traces disappear
And soon
Equanimity blooms
Giving scent to the room
You might not have noticed
Ah, and so
Some self control
Might save the day
Which is worth saving
It's what our world needs now
Let's find it in our hearts somehow
You know
Yeah, you know
In these lyrics, Paul Weller explores the concept of equanimity, which refers to maintaining mental calmness and composure in the face of challenges or difficult emotions. The opening lines inquire about what one will hold onto when faced with the impending loss of life and the transient nature of material possessions. The question asks whether we will cling to a sense of identity or let go and embrace the impermanence of life.
The chorus suggests that instead of holding onto a penny (symbolic of material wealth), it is better to give it to the boatman who guides us on our journey. This act of surrendering material possessions represents a deeper reflection on oneself and the interconnectedness of our existence. Weller implies that by embracing this surrender, we can find solace in the flow of life, symbolized by the river, and let go of our ego's grip on control.
The lyrics further highlight the importance of equanimity in the face of hardships. Weller suggests that holding onto resentment or suffering is a result of our inability to let go. By recognizing this pattern and finding the state of ataraxy (calm and tranquility), we can navigate through difficult times with more grace and composure. The reference to the shepherd and his example of gentleness and kindness indicates that embodying these qualities is crucial in cultivating equanimity within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
Weller emphasizes that the world is in need of gentleness and kindness, and it is something that we can find within ourselves. By incorporating these qualities into our hearts and actions, we can contribute to collective well-being and offer a counterbalance to the challenges and conflicts of the world. The repetition of the line "This river always will be here, always rushing here, all traces disappear" serves as a reminder that life is ever-changing, and it is our ability to find inner peace that can guide us through its constant flux.
Finally, Weller encourages us to notice how equanimity blossoms within us, filling the room with its scent. Through self-control and a mindful approach to life's challenges, we can save the day and make a positive impact in our own lives and the world around us. This call to action emphasizes the urgent need for embracing equanimity and finding it within our hearts as a powerful force for change and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
What ya gonna do when the light slips from your eyes?
What will you do when your life loses its spark and hope?
And what will you keep bar the penny in your fist for the tide?
What possessions will you hold onto except for a small amount of money that will be useless in the end?
Become the joke because you can't let go
You become a mockery because you refuse to move on and release your grip.
You suffer hurt because you can't let go
You experience pain because you cannot release and move past what has caused it.
Give the penny to the boatman, see he guides you well
Offer the small amount of money to the ferryman, who will provide guidance and help.
Reflect upon the water as you reflect upon yourself
Contemplate the water's surface as a metaphor for introspection and self-reflection.
This river always will be here
The river symbolizes the constant flow of life and its challenges.
Always rushing here, all traces disappear
It always moves swiftly, erasing any evidence of what has passed.
As equanimity shows
The state of calm and composure
To try and stay in control
Attempting to maintain authority over one's emotions and reactions
And not fall apart
Without losing composure and breaking down
The ataraxy will grow
The peace of mind and tranquility will increase
As the shepherd has shown
Taking guidance from a wise and gentle leader
Gentleness and kindness
Showing compassion and benevolence
Is what our world needs now
These qualities are essential for our world at present
Find it in my heart somehow
Discover it within oneself, despite the challenges
This river always will be here
The constant flow of life remains unchanged
And soon
In the near future
Equanimity blooms
Inner peace and stability flourish
Giving scent to the room
Permeating the environment with a calming atmosphere
You might not have noticed
Perhaps you haven't realized
Ah, and so
Therefore
Some self control
Exercising restraint and discipline
Might save the day
Could potentially salvage the situation
Which is worth saving
Something that is valuable and deserving of preservation
It's what our world needs now
These qualities are crucial for our world's current state
Let's find it in our hearts somehow
Let us discover and cultivate these qualities within ourselves
You know
You understand the significance
Yeah, you know
Indeed, you are aware
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul John Weller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind