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.
Strange Museum
Paul Weller Lyrics
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I won't refuse - those who want to see
Bring your loved ones - those you hold dear
Bring them all - there's no restrictions here
But don't look for blame - as an easy escape
There's nothing on show - that isn't your shame
So come on in - it's a small price to pay
Said it's strange......
The lyrics to Paul Weller's song, The Strange Museum, are intriguing and metaphorical. The first two lines of the song, "Come on in - admissions free, I won't refuse - those who want to see," suggest that the singer is inviting listeners into a museum. However, the following lines reveal that this is no ordinary museum. The singer invites the listeners to bring their loved ones with them, suggesting that what they are about to experience is not something that should be witnessed alone. The singer asserts that there are no restrictions here, but warns that visitors should not look for blame or an easy escape.
The following lines, "There's nothing on show - that isn't your shame," suggest that the museum is actually a metaphor for the human experience. The singer seems to be saying that everything on display in the museum is a reflection of the viewers themselves. The next two lines, "So come on in - it's a small price to pay, And I won't refuse - those who've lost their way," suggest that the museum may actually be a place for lost souls to find solace. The final line, "Said it's strange," seems to suggest that even the singer finds the entire experience strange and otherworldly.
Overall, the lyrics of The Strange Museum are open to interpretation. However, they seem to suggest that the museum is a place for introspection and self-reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on in - admissions free
You are welcome to enter without a cost.
I won't refuse - those who want to see
I will not stop anyone from coming in to explore.
Bring your loved ones - those you hold dear
You may bring anyone close to your heart along with you.
Bring them all - there's no restrictions here
There are no limitations on who you can bring with you.
But don't look for blame - as an easy escape
You cannot find an excuse for your mistakes by allocating blame elsewhere.
There's nothing on show - that isn't your shame
The exhibits reflect your faults and are not meant to be displayed with pride.
So come on in - it's a small price to pay
Entering the museum incurs a minor cost, but is worth it for the experience.
And I won't refuse - those who've lost their way
Even if you have lost your way, I will not reject you.
Said it's strange......
Despite the unconventional museum, it still draws a crowd.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MICK TALBOT, PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind