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.
Has My Fire Really Gone Out?
Paul Weller Lyrics
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First rays of summer sun - coming down and shining
And if I open my heart and say all that you would want
Hope faith and all I believe will be there to greet me
And if I open my head remember all that I said
Hey baby what will you find - coming down to meet you?
A lot of words but no one talking
I don't want no part of that
One clear voice in the wilderness
And put an end to all your doubts -
Has my fire really really gone out?
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song, "Has My Fire Really Gone Out?" speak to the feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty that can plague a person as they navigate their way through life. The song begins with a question - "And when I open my eyes - will it then be morning?" - suggesting a sense of disorientation and a lack of clarity about what lies ahead. However, as the lyrics progress, the singer begins to contemplate what it is that they truly believe in and value: "hope faith and all I believe will be there to greet me". They also acknowledge the importance of authenticity and connection, stating "Something real is what I'm seeking / One clear voice in the wilderness".
The final line of the song, "Has my fire really really gone out?" is a powerful encapsulation of the singer's inner struggle. They are questioning whether the passion and drive they once had has dissipated, and whether they still have the strength to pursue their dreams. Throughout the song, there is a sense of searching and a desire for meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
And when I open my eyes - will it then be morning?
I wonder if my struggles and hardships will come to an end and a new day will begin.
First rays of summer sun - coming down and shining
A new and better day is approaching, like the first rays of sunlight at the beginning of summer.
And if I open my heart and say all that you would want
If I express my true feelings and desires to someone close to me.
Hope faith and all I believe will be there to greet me
I hope that my positive beliefs and faith will be realized and bring joy and comfort.
And if I open my head remember all that I said
If I reflect on my past thoughts and choices.
Hey baby what will you find - coming down to meet you?
What will be waiting for me at the end of my journey?
A lot of words but no one talking
People often speak without truly communicating or understanding each other.
I don't want no part of that
I don't want to contribute to meaningless conversations or relationships.
Something real is what I'm seeking
I yearn for authentic and genuine experiences and connections.
One clear voice in the wilderness
I wish for a singular and trustworthy guide in a chaotic world.
And put an end to all your doubts -
This guide will help me overcome all uncertainties and questions.
Has my fire really really gone out?
Am I truly losing my passion and drive for what I believe in?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind