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.
Fast Car / Slow Traffic
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of the slow traffic mumble
Tryin' to make the lights
Get me out of the jungle
It's been a long day
And my head's all gone
I'm tryin' to make the bridge
Fast car, slow traffic
Fast car, slow traffic
Fast car, slow traffic
Fast car, slow traffic
Zoomin' in and out
Through the slow traffic mumble
Tryin' to make the lights
Get me out of the jungle
It's been a long day
And my head's all gone
I'm tryin' to make the bridge
Before the sun goes down
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
Fast car, slow traffic
(Slow traffic, slow traffic)
The lyrics to Paul Weller's song "Fast Car / Slow Traffic" describe the frustration and restlessness of a long day spent navigating through slow-moving traffic in a bustling city. The singer is "zoomin' in and out" of the mumble of cars, trying to make it to his destination before the sun goes down. The repetitive refrain of "fast car, slow traffic" highlights the paradox of driving a powerful vehicle through congested streets, as the singer tries to navigate through the jungle of the city.
The lyrics capture a feeling of both urgency and resignation, as the singer tries to make the most of his situation but is ultimately trapped in the slow-moving traffic. He is trying to make the bridge before the sun goes down, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of his journey. Despite the frustration of the slow traffic, he still finds a sense of power and freedom in his fast car.
Line by Line Meaning
Zoomin' in and out
Weaving in and out of traffic
Of the slow traffic mumble
Dealing with the noise and congestion of traffic
Tryin' to make the lights
Rushing to make it through traffic signals
Get me out of the jungle
Getting through the chaotic and overwhelming traffic
It's been a long day
A tiring and stressful day has passed
And my head's all gone
Feeling mentally exhausted
I'm tryin' to make the bridge
Trying to reach a destination before a certain time
Before the sun goes down
Before the day ends
Fast car, slow traffic
Frustrating combination of being in a fast car stuck in slow traffic
Zoomin' in and out
Again, weaving in and out of traffic
Through the slow traffic mumble
Still dealing with the noise and congestion of traffic
Slow traffic, slow traffic
Repetition of the frustrating situation
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON DINE, PAUL WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Claire Birkin
This song and album are amazing. Blown away that Weller is delivering material of this quality so late in the game. Would love to see him work with Foxton on more tunes. All the stars are aligned here, such a great track. Foxton is in top form. The song with Foxton & Kevin Shields is another winner. Great pairing of players there!
Simon Christopher
Fire & Skill in 2010. This man will never lose it.
adam mackintosh
This is Great! Reminds me of The audacity of Pleasure Club's first record ( on Geffen-sort of..). It takes serious cajones to track a piano solo like that and feel right about it. Guys from Elysian Fields pull that business off, quite good...Cheers!
Larz Gustafsson
Reminds me of Elton Motello's second album, "Pop Art". Good stuff!
Pat Wilson
i dip inand out of this guys music am more of a metal rocker..but i listen all good punchy stuff ..this is fuckin amazing....never got the style council...the jams setting sons was classic...but his solo stuff just gets better and better ..great track and as for that piano solo..theres hope for my piano skills yet..loved it..lol
The Last Guitar Hero
Great track...Sad when it's upto the 'old guard' to keep coming up with great songs
Sean Taundry
Great song, shame foxton wasn't in the video? paul Weller should do some more stuff with him, it gets the best out of him.
Frédéric
the best 2010 rock song !!!
James Mack
Class act!
Jannen100
Great music and video. *****