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.
Love-Less
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light the way
For thoughts that change
Like night to day,
And bless the course
That runs in time
No matter how for,
Shine my way.
I've gotta need to be loved
Yes I want to be loved
I gotta need to be loved
Like anyone else
Bring the night
Go bring all your thunder
Nearer the light
Shine here amongst us
No matter the flight
Fill me with wonder
No matter how far,
Shine my way
I've gotta need to be loved
You I want to be loved.
The song Love-Less by Paul Weller is a poignant depiction of the human desire for love and affection. The lyrics describe the search for a deep and meaningful connection with another person, and the need for that connection to endure through the ups and downs of life. The use of the imagery of the midnight star, and the metaphor of thoughts that change like night to day, adds a poetic depth to the lyrics, symbolizing the fleeting nature of our emotions and the importance of finding stability in our relationships. The chorus of the song is especially poignant, with the repetition of the line "I've gotta need to be loved" emphasizing the universal human need for companionship.
The second verse of the song continues the theme of the search for love, with the lines "Bring the night / Go bring all your thunder / Nearer the light / Shine here amongst us." The lyrics suggest a desire for a love that is powerful and intense, capable of overcoming any obstacles in its path. The final lines of the song, "No matter how far, / Shine my way / I've gotta need to be loved / You I want to be loved," bring the song back full circle to its central theme of the human need for love and connection.
Overall, Love-Less is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the fundamental human need for love and companionship, and the eternal search for that elusive connection with another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight star
The singer is asking for guidance and support from a star in the dark of the night.
Light the way
The singer wants the star to act like a beacon and lead them towards their destination.
For thoughts that change
The singer's mindset is often in flux, and the star should help them follow their thoughts as they change.
Like night to day,
The artist wants the star to help them navigate through change, even when it's sudden and profound like the shift from night to day.
And bless the course
The artist is asking for blessings to help them stay on track and achieve their goals.
That runs in time
The singer's aspirations are long term and require a consistent, persistent effort over time.
No matter how for,
The singer acknowledges that their goals may be difficult or distant, but they believe the star can help them overcome those challenges.
Shine my way.
Ultimately, the artist is asking for the star's light to guide them on their journey.
I've gotta need to be loved
The artist is expressing a deep desire for love and connection with others.
Yes I want to be loved
The artist is affirming their desire to be loved by others.
Bring the night
The singer is willing to confront darkness and uncertainty in pursuit of love and happiness.
Go bring all your thunder
The artist wants to experience the whole range of emotions that love can bring, even the tumultuous ones.
Nearer the light
The singer feels that love can bring joy and positive transformation, like moving closer to a source of light.
Shine here amongst us
The singer wants love to be present and visible in their life and the lives of those around them.
No matter the flight
The singer is determined to pursue love and connection, even if the journey is long or difficult.
Fill me with wonder
The artist hopes that love will bring awe and amazement into their life.
You I want to be loved.
The artist is addressing a specific person and informing them of their desire to be loved by them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind