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.
Instant Karma
Paul Weller Lyrics
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Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin' to do
It's up to you, yeah you
Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
You better get yourself together darling
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughing at fools like me
Who on earth d'you think you are?
A superstar? Well right you are
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Every one, come on
Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Every one you meet
Why in the world are we here?
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there?
When you're everywhere
Come and get your share
But we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
And we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on
Yeah yeah, alright, ah haa, aaaahh
But we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
And we all shine on
On and on and on on and on
But we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
But we all shine on
The lyrics of "Instant Karma" speak to the power of cause and effect, and the idea that what you put out into the world will come back to you - instantaneously. The phrase "Instant Karma's gonna get you" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a warning that our actions have consequences. The verses then pose a series of questions, asking the listener to reflect on their own behavior - "What in the world you thinking of?...Who on earth d'you think you are?" - and encouraging them to join the "human race" and recognize that we are all interconnected. The chorus, with its repeated declaration that "we all shine on," reinforces this message of unity and asks us to embrace our own inherent greatness.
Overall, the message of "Instant Karma" is one of personal responsibility and the power of positivity. By recognizing that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and by striving to put good out into the world, we can make a positive impact on the people around us and the world at large. The song is a call to action, urging us to get out there and make a difference, while also recognizing the beauty and interconnectedness of all things.
Line by Line Meaning
Instant Karma's gonna get you
The consequences of your actions will catch up to you quickly
Gonna knock you right on the head
These consequences will hit you hard
You better get yourself together
You need to start acting responsibly
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead
Your recklessness could lead to serious harm
What in the world you thinking of
What could possibly be going through your mind
Laughing in the face of love
Making a mockery of something so important
What on earth you tryin' to do
Your actions have no purpose or reason
It's up to you, yeah you
You have the power to change your ways and make better decisions
Gonna look you right in the face
The consequences will be impossible to ignore
You better get yourself together darling
You need to start acting responsibly, especially if you want to be taken seriously
Join the human race
Start behaving like everyone else and do your part for society
How in the world you gonna see
How can you possibly understand anything if you're blinded by arrogance
Laughing at fools like me
Making fun of people for no reason is foolish and immature
Who on earth d'you think you are?
Your behavior is so egregious that it's hard to fathom
A superstar? Well right you are
You may think you're above everyone else, but you're not as great as you think
Well we all shine on
Everyone has their own talents and strengths
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
These talents and strengths are unique and valuable
Every one, come on
We should all be proud of who we are and what we can contribute
Gonna knock you off your feet
The consequences will be so severe that they'll disable you
Better recognize your brothers
We're all in this together, so we need to support each other
Every one you meet
Treat everyone you encounter with kindness and respect
Why in the world are we here?
What is the meaning of our existence and what should our purpose be
Surely not to live in pain and fear
It's not our destiny to suffer and be afraid for our entire lives
Why on earth are you there?
Why are you squandering your potential and not contributing to society
When you're everywhere
You have so many opportunities to make a positive impact, but you're not taking them
Come and get your share
You deserve to be happy and fulfilled just like everyone else, but you need to work for it
On and on and on on on
Life is a continuous journey with no clear endpoint
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ChiaraMichela23
Paul has John's soul singing Intsant Karma in this way!!! Best cover ever Paul! You're GREAT!
The Curves
great cover, weller is the man
Skileswwl Romeohiv
pucker !!!!!!!!!!
alan and steve white drumming together. great!
great cover, weller is the man
Mod 66
Weller is just a complete legend Lennon would of liked this
黃信淵
Shades got instant karma
Top cover of a legendary track by a Legend
Great version....and a kick in the balls to the sun glasses...
cirosarno
alan and steve white drumming together. great!
Kenneth Ostrer
My fave cover of this song. One legend tributing another
Kenneth Ostrer
One of the great John covers ever. From one genius to another
blouie 1979
Best cover of Shine On I've seen, there's been many but left out(captured) the true energy that John gave us, good Jodi indeed..
AL M
Paul sounds better when he’s mad