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.
Handouts in the Rain
Paul Weller Lyrics
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You can grab him by the collar
You can hurt him only if he hollers
"Let me go let me go"
But we all know that's old-fashioned
And it can only lead to pain
Where we might end up on the corner
You can bomb your foreign brother
You can hurt him until he dies
You can kill him until he never asks you why
You're on his land you're on his land
But we all know that's all over
And that can only lead to blame
Where we might end up for our country
Taking handouts in the rain
You can trample on your sister
You can hurt her only if she cries
You can hurt her only if she cares
With all her heart with all her heart
But we all know she'd be a mother
And that could only lead to shame
Where she might end up for her children
Taking handouts in the rain
Teach your children stories
You can fill them full of lies
You can make them all despise
One another one another
But when they all find out later
And they call us by our rightful names
And send us shamefully to old age
Taking handouts in the rain
Taking handouts in the rain
Taking handouts in the rain
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song "Handouts in the Rain" confront the idea that causing harm to others will only lead to pain and suffering, and that kindness and empathy are ultimately the better choice. He reflects on the past tactics of violence and oppression which have been used on neighbors, foreign countries, and family members. He acknowledges that while these tactics may have worked in the past, they are no longer acceptable actions of society. We must now choose the alternative, which is leading with a heart of love and compassion.
Weller recognizes that the beliefs we pass on to our children have the possibility to either contribute to this more loving society or further perpetuate harmful behaviors. He warns of the repercussions of teaching our children lies and misinformation, ultimately leading to a disintegrated and broken social order. "Taking handouts in the rain" serves as a metaphor for the potential consequences of these destructive actions; being left vulnerable and without support when we need it the most.
Overall, "Handouts in the Rain" is a reflection of our societal values and calls for empathy and human connection, despite the hardships and challenges that may lie ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
You can talk about your neighbor
You have the power to discuss your neighbor.
You can grab him by the collar
You have the ability to grab him by the collar.
You can hurt him only if he hollers
"Let me go let me go"
You can only hurt him if he screams in pain and wants to be freed.
But we all know that's old-fashioned
It's an outdated form of thinking
And it can only lead to pain
It causes nothing but pain.
Where we might end up on the corner
It could lead to begging on the streets.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
You can bomb your foreign brother
You have the capability to bomb your brother from another country.
You can hurt him until he dies
You can cause him physical harm until death occurs.
You can kill him until he never asks you why
You're on his land you're on his land
You have the power to take his life so he never questions your right to be on his land.
But we all know that's all over
This way of thinking is outdated and no longer acceptable.
And that can only lead to blame
It only results in placing blame.
Where we might end up for our country
It could result in having to ask for help for our country.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
You can trample on your sister
You have the capability to trample on your sister.
You can hurt her only if she cries
You can only hurt her if she cries in response.
You can hurt her only if she cares
With all her heart with all her heart
You can only cause her pain if she truly loves with all her heart.
But we all know she'd be a mother
She has the potential to be a mother.
And that could only lead to shame
It would result in disgrace.
Where she might end up for her children
She could end up needing help for her children.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
Teach your children stories
Narrate fiction to your children.
You can fill them full of lies
You can explain falsehoods to them.
You can make them all despise
One another one another
You can instigate hatred between them.
But when they all find out later
However, as they grow up and gain understanding,
And they call us by our rightful names
They'll refer to us by our real identities.
And send us shamefully to old age
They might send us to old age with shame.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
Taking handouts in the rain
Being in the situation of asking for help and receiving it in the most difficult of circumstances.
Lyrics © SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Written by: RICHIE HAVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rich Rose
Richie Havens at his song-writing peak! Also, the Cowboy Junkies do an outstanding cover of this soul-searching expression of human anguish.
ShreadTheWeapon
A fellow musician directed me here, and I am very thankful he did. Richie Havens always had a knack for encapsulating what we need to hear, no matter whose song he was singing. He left us in 2013, and despite the unreality of his absence, I for one am most thankful for the gifts he left us, such as this one.
Thomas Shepard
One of my favourite singers just a fantastic artist
Zeppolino100
Thank you for this heartfelt song. If only more people acted according to his words.
Kathleen McCormick
Richie...always on the side of kindness and peace.
Michael Monagan Music
If I ever met Clive Davis I would ask him why Richie Havens never became more of a star that he was. His albums were fantastic, his performances legendary, his voice distinctive, his message universal, and his style unique. Seems to me that he had it all but I know he struggled getting record deals and was forced to record on very small budgets. I just don't get it. He's always been an icon to me and I just wish more people knew about him.
TheRestfulwind
Glad I am that Mr Havens calls me to listen to words and music when the need is there
Weller
I came to this trough Paul Weller. What a song, such a wonderful artist!!!. R.I.P Richie Havens
Monica MacDonald
I Love Paul Weller...
Susan M Risk
Always a fave! A voice rather like Cat Stevens.