Paul Weller (born 25 May 1958) is an English singer / songwriter, leader of… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Weller (born 25 May 1958) is an English singer / songwriter, leader of two successful bands: The Jam and The Style Council. In England, he is recognised as something of a national institution yet, because much of his songwriting is rooted in English culture, he has remained essentially a national rather than an international star.

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.

One Bright Star
Paul Weller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I only want you, I only want you
You're the one bright star in my eyes
I only need you, I only need you
You're the one bright star, shine for me

Without you I feel nothing
My one bright star shine for me

I only love you, I only love you
You're the one bright star in my life
I only need you, I only need you
You're the one bright star, shine for me

Without you I feel nothing
My one bright star shine for me

Overall Meaning

In Paul Weller's song One Bright Star, the lyrics are simple and heartfelt, expressing love and devotion towards a significant other. The repetition of "I only want you" and "I only need you" emphasizes the intensity of the singer's feelings, suggesting a deep sense of dependence on their lover. The use of the image of a "one bright star" creates a romantic atmosphere and a focal point for the singer's emotions. The star symbolizes hope, guidance, and inspiration, as well as the uniqueness and specialness of the loved one.

The chorus of "Without you, I feel nothing / My one bright star, shine for me" reveals the extent to which the singer's happiness and sense of purpose rely on their relationship with the other person. This vulnerability and reliance on the beloved may be seen as a declaration of commitment and loyalty. The use of the word "shine" also suggests that the singer wants their partner to be a source of positivity, light, and energy in their life.

Overall, the song conveys a sense of emotional openness and authenticity, as well as a willingness to express vulnerability and dependence. The lyrics may resonate with listeners who have experienced strong feelings of love and connection with someone else, as well as with those who appreciate the power of poetic imagery and heartfelt declarations.

Line by Line Meaning

I only want you, I only want you
My desire is solely for you

You're the one bright star in my eyes
You bring light and hope to my life

I only need you, I only need you
My necessity is solely for you

You're the one bright star, shine for me
You bring radiance and joy to my existence

Without you I feel nothing
You are the source of my emotions and vitality

My one bright star shine for me
You are the one guiding light in my life

I only love you, I only love you
My affection is solely for you

You're the one bright star in my life
You bring significance and purpose to my being

I only need you, I only need you
My requirement is solely for you

You're the one bright star, shine for me
You bring brilliance and optimism to my world

Without you I feel nothing
You are the center of my emotional universe