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.
Pretty Little Baby
Paul Weller Lyrics
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(If you leave me)
What a heartache, for heaven's sake
(Don't you need me?)
Don't leave me blue of wanting you
(How could I live?)
Don't be untrue, what could I do?
(Don't you know you)
You gave me the world, little girl
When you gave me your love
So if you take your love
You take my world with you too
Hey look at me, now can't you see
(Tears in my eyes)
Hear what I say, stay here, I pray
(Never leave me)
Why must I plead, you know I need
(All your loving)
Don't put me down, keep me around
[Chorus]
And I say, baby, pretty little baby
Don't leave me
Baby, pretty little baby
Darlin', you give me your joy, am I your toy
(Cracked and broken)
I always share your every care
(Wishin', hopin')
All through the years we have no fears
(Now I'm cryin')
You leave the tears fallin' for years
[Chorus]
And I say, baby, pretty little baby
Don't leave me
Baby, pretty little baby
The lyrics of Paul Weller's song Pretty Little Baby describe the desperation and plea of the singer for his lover to stay with him. He begs her not to leave him, stating that it would be a heartache and that he needs her. He reminds her of the love and joy she has brought into his life and tells her that if she takes her love away, she would take his world with her. The chorus repeats this sentiment and emphasizes the enormity of her importance in his life. In the second verse, he continues to plead with her, asking why he must go through this and why he has to beg for her love. He reiterates his need for her and expresses his fear of being without her. The song ends with him calling her his "pretty little baby" and asking her not to leave him.
The lyrics of this song are straightforward and showcase Weller's ability to write and sing emotional love songs. Rather than relying on complex metaphors or extended metaphors, the lyrics are direct and express the singer's anxiety through repetition and sincerity. The repetition in the chorus is particularly effective in conveying the depth of his feelings for his lover. Overall, the lyrics of Pretty Little Baby capture the universal feeling of desperation in love, making it a relatable and timeless song.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, please stay, don't go away
Please don't leave me, I'm begging you to stay
(If you leave me)
What a heartache, for heaven's sake
If you leave me, it will be a great pain and sorrow for me
(Don't you need me?)
Don't leave me blue of wanting you
Please don't leave me longing and sad, don't you know how much I need you?
(How could I live?)
Don't be untrue, what could I do?
Without you, how could I go on? Please don't be unfaithful, I would feel helpless and lost
Hey look at me, now can't you see
(Tears in my eyes)
Look at me, I'm crying and in pain
Hear what I say, stay here, I pray
(Never leave me)
Please listen to me, I'm praying for you to stay and not abandon me
(Don't put me down), keep me around
Please don't reject me or criticize me, just keep me by your side
(Don't you know you)
You gave me the world, little girl
When you gave me your love
So if you take your love
You take my world with you too
You mean everything to me, your love is my world. If you were to take your love away, you would take away everything that matters to me
Darlin', you give me your joy, am I your toy
(Cracked and broken)
You bring happiness into my life, but I feel like a broken toy that you can discard at any moment
(Wishin', hopin')
All through the years we have no fears
(Now I'm cryin')
You leave the tears fallin' for years
We've been through so much together, but now I'm crying because you're leaving me and I will be sad for a long time
And I say, baby, pretty little baby
Don't leave me
Baby, pretty little baby
I'm pleading with you not to leave me, my love, my darling
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLARENCE PAUL, CLARENCE O. PAUL, DAVE HAMILTON, DAVID HAMILTON, MARVIN GAYE, MARVIN P GAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
katym0172
Absolutely amazing would have been so great to be at this gig, Simon is on fire and Paul Weller too, absolute legends ❤️
Paul Cooke
Absolutely QUALITY night! apparently it's 1st time OCS played in Cov since about '91, well they certainly made up for it!! Thanks for posting this video, the quality is excellent & nice to see what it looks like from the balcony. We were right in the mix !
shitcasecinema
Top stuff, thanks for the upload. Great performance....wish they'd release a full on live DVD like this.
Michael Bunce
This was a great gig... good memories!
thommo19720
Fantastic, backing singer is bellowing her lungs out, while Simon, so casually, like at a pals karaoke, is laid back and not blowing the socks off one of the greatest songs ever!!!! Love it! xxx
Greta y Rodrigo
I do agree! great quality...it brings me the best memories I have for a gig (London Hammersmith, december 2008). Best regards from Mexico City!
sweetieagogo
this gig sounds amazing i wish i was there
TheBraveryGirl
thank you 4 posting this video,really makes my night,so cool seein weller and them coverin Janis Joplin song-looks like woz amazin gig!!! :)
anonrhiannon
7th February at the Kasbah in Cov...came on to suport Steve Pilgrim and then...this...atmoshpere was electric...whole room sung...magic.... The whole night was great
shitcasecinema
Yeah I have it mate, but you know, a full on electric DVD would be great too :D