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.
Talisman
Paul Weller Lyrics
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And you know so much
It must be easy for you
To turn me into gold
You got a pretty strong hand
Backed up with your talisman
That hangs from your neck
You got the keys to the city
But you'll find no place to stay
'Cause for all your talk
You still got nothing to say
And your talisman
Like the wind blows sand
Must fly away
Here's a turn to move
And half the world will give you too
Oh, caught up in your gravity issues
Just to leave us with
Ridin' to the fields we shared
Ah, takin' us closer, closer
To our groove
As you look to the skies
With empty eyes and say
I've got the gift of the world
But I still don't understand
And my talisman
Like the wind blows sand
Must fly away
As you look to the skies
With empty eyes and say
I've got the gift of the world
And I still don't understand
He's got the light of the world
But still can't see his way
As he's ready to fight
But there's nothing left to slay
And your talisman
Like the wind blows sand
Must fly away
The song Talisman by Paul Weller seems to be about a person who possesses a unique touch that can turn everything into gold. The individual probably acquired some kind of magical knowledge or skill, and the songwriter is impressed by it. The person's talisman hanging around their neck is mentioned, and it seems to be one of the sources of their power. The talisman symbolizes something that is precious and provides the individual with security and confidence.
It appears that this person has a lot of potential, but they are not living up to their abilities. Despite their power and knowledge, they lack the ability to communicate effectively or convey their ideas to others. Even though they hold the keys to the city, they cannot find a place to stay. The talisman, too, is temporary and disappears like sand drifting in the wind, indicating that the person's power may be fleeting.
The lyric "As you look to the skies with empty eyes and say, 'I've got the gift of the world but still don't understand'" suggests that the talisman holder is struggling to comprehend how to use their gift properly. Ultimately, the songwriter suggests that the person's talisman will fade away, leaving them with little to fight for.
Line by Line Meaning
You got your magic touch
You possess a certain ability or charm that seems to work wonders on others
And you know so much
You appear to have an impressive knowledge of many things
It must be easy for you
Your skill or intelligence appears so effortless to others
To turn me into gold
Others may see you as capable of enhancing or improving the lives of those around you
You got a pretty strong hand
You have a strong influence over others in many different ways
Backed up with your talisman
Your influence or success is somehow supported or bolstered by a particular charm or object that you hold dear
That hangs from your neck
This charm or object is worn close to your heart, and is very important to you
You mind that, you don't show
Whatever the charm or object represents, you keep its value or meaning private and do not flaunt it
You got the keys to the city
You have access to many resources or advantages that others do not
But you'll find no place to stay
Despite having many opportunities and resources available to you, you may feel lost or without a clear purpose
'Cause for all your talk
Even though you may be charismatic or persuasive, your words alone cannot sustain you
You still got nothing to say
You may feel that your own perspective or voice is not being heard or recognized
And your talisman
Whatever represents your success or influence, can be as fleeting and fragile as the wind blowing sand
Like the wind blows sand
Your status or influence may be impermanent, and can easily slip away
Must fly away
Whatever your talisman represents, may only last for a moment before disappearing
Here's a turn to move
There may be new opportunities or changes on the horizon
And half the world will give you too
Many people may support, admire, or follow you in whatever you do
Oh, caught up in your gravity issues
Your influence or success may have both positive and negative consequences on yourself and others, and can be difficult to navigate
Just to leave us with
Despite any challenges or obstacles, there may be something that you leave behind for others
Ridin' to the fields we shared
There may be experiences or memories that you have created with others that will stay with them
Ah, takin' us closer, closer
These experiences or memories may bring people together and strengthen relationships
To our groove
These moments of connection and shared experience can provide comfort or happiness
As you look to the skies
When you reflect on your own success or status
With empty eyes and say
Despite your accomplishments or status, you may still feel a sense of emptiness or lack of contentment
I've got the gift of the world
You may have many resources or advantages that others do not
But I still don't understand
Despite having so much, you may still be searching for a deeper purpose or meaning
He's got the light of the world
You may be seen as someone who illuminates or enlightens others
But still can't see his way
Despite your ability to inspire or help others, you may struggle to find your own path
As he's ready to fight
You may be prepared to overcome obstacles or challenges
But there's nothing left to slay
These challenges may seem pointless, or not worth the struggle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind