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.
New Thing
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's wonderful and time to meet
Here's a new thing - gotta change up
Got to let go of the past
For a new thing - for some new ground
Only change will make it last
The hardest thing is letting go
But once you do, life starts to flow
Here's a new thing - gotta change up
Got to let go of the past
For a new thing - for some new ground
Only change will make it last
The dream in mind is always sweet
It's wonderful and time to meet
The race in time - is us to live
The dream in mind is peace you see
If you want it, you got it
You got to get it
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song "New Thing" revolve around the concept of change and letting go of the past in order to move forward and achieve something new. The first two lines introduce a positive mental state, a place in mind that is always sweet and wonderful. This can be interpreted as a goal or a dream that is desirable and can only be achieved through taking a step in a different direction. The phrase "Here's a new thing" emphasizes the idea of change and acts as a call to action to let go of what has been holding one back.
The chorus repeats the importance of letting go of the past and embracing change by saying "Only change will make it last". The lyrics suggest that the hardest part of change is actually taking the first step and letting go of what was comfortable and familiar. However, once this challenging step is taken, the reward is the beginning of a new and fulfilling life.
The last two lines "If you want it, you got it / You got to get it" can be interpreted as a mantra for anyone seeking change. The message is that change is attainable, but it requires effort and determination to get it done. The song's lyrics are an anthem for anyone seeking to break free from limiting beliefs and habits and start living a full life.
Line by Line Meaning
The place in mind is always sweet
The memories and ideas we hold onto in our mind always seem idyllic and pleasing.
It's wonderful and time to meet
These memories and ideas are positive and welcoming.
Here's a new thing - gotta change up
Now it's time to embrace change and try something new.
Got to let go of the past
In order to move forward and experience new things, we must let go of things we have been holding onto.
For a new thing - for some new ground
The only way to create new opportunities is to pursue them and step out onto uncharted territory.
Only change will make it last
If we don't adapt, grow, and accept change, the things we seek will inevitably fade and disappear.
The hardest thing is letting go
Although challenging, letting go of the familiar and comfortable is necessary for growth.
But once you do, life starts to flow
Once we break free from the constraints of old patterns and accept new experiences, life becomes more fulfilling and purposeful.
The dream in mind is always sweet
Our aspirations and idealized visions of the future hold a special place in our hearts.
It's wonderful and time to meet
Our goals and dreams are exciting and motivating.
The race in time - is us to live
We are in control of how we choose to live our lives and make the most of the time we have.
The dream in mind is peace you see
Ultimately, our dreams and goals are for a sense of inner peace and contentment.
If you want it, you got it
If we are determined and committed to our goals, we can achieve anything we set our mind to.
Contributed by Ethan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.