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.
If I Could Only Be Sure
Paul Weller Lyrics
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I'd climb the highest mountains, I'd swim the deepest sea
I'd take on all your misery to make you happy
I'd turn my world upside down
I'd turn my smile back into frowns
I'd do anything at all
If you'd only let me love you baby
If I could read your mind so you love me darling
If I could read your heart so you never leave me
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
I'd give my life for you baby, yes I would
I'd turn my world upside down
I'd turn my smile back into frowns
I'd do anything at all
If you'd only let me love you baby
Let me, let me love you baby
I'd turn my world upside down
I'd turn my smile all into frowns
I'd do anything at all
If you'd only let me love you baby
Just to let me, let me love you baby
Let me love you baby
Let me, let me love you baby
[Love you baby]
[Just to love you baby]
The lyrics of Paul Weller’s song “If I Could Only Be Sure” is about a person expressing their immense love and devotion for someone they care about. The lyrics speak of the lengths the singer would go to make the person they love happy. They would climb the highest mountains or swim the deepest sea, do anything and everything to ensure the happiness of their beloved. However, the singer is unsure of their feelings being reciprocated or not. They wish they could read their love interest’s mind or heart to know whether they are loved in return.
The lyrics of the song conveys a message of selflessness and dedication, showcasing the lengths an individual is willing to go to make their loved one feel content. However, the uncertainty of their love being returned translates into heartache and longing, yet they still cling onto the hope that their affection is encompassed.
Overall, “If I Could Only Be Sure” is a song about the power of love, the sacrifices one makes for it, and the uncertainty that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could only be sure that you love me darling
If I could have complete assurance of your love for me, my dedication and determination would know no bounds
I'd climb the highest mountains, I'd swim the deepest sea
I would go to the ends of the earth and back to prove my devotion to you
I'd take on all your misery to make you happy
I would shoulder all your troubles and pains just to see you smile
If I could read your mind so you love me darling
If I could fathom your deepest emotions and feelings towards me, I would be so content
If I could read your heart so you never leave me
If I could fully comprehend your attachment and loyalty to me, I would have no fear of losing you
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
There is no limit to what I am willing to do for you, my love
I'd give my life for you baby, yes I would
I am ready to sacrifice everything for your well-being and happiness
I'd turn my world upside down
I am prepared to change everything in my life if it means being with you
I'd turn my smile back into frowns
Even my happiness is secondary to your affection and approval
I'd do anything at all
There is nothing that is too little or too big for me to do for you
If you'd only let me love you baby
If you would give me a chance to show you my love, I would be forever grateful
Just to let me love you baby
All I want is the chance to love you with all my heart
Let me, let me love you baby
I am begging you to allow me to show you how much you mean to me
Contributed by Peyton C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.