Weller's eleventh studio album, Sonik Kicks, was released on 19 March 2012. The Green Songfacts reports that it was recorded in Wellerβs 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 β 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.
Village
Paul Weller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a single cloud in my eye
Not a thing I'd change if I could
I'm happy here in my neighborhood
And all the things I've never been, I've
Never seen, I don't care much
And all the things I've never done, I've
Never knew what a world this was
'Til I looked in my heart
Saw myself for what I am
Found a whole world in my hands
And all the things I'm supposed to be
And all the things that you want from me
I don't know why, I don't know why
I don't know why, I don't know why
I don't need all the things you got
I just wanna be who I want
I don't need all the things you hold
In high regard, they mean nothing at all
And all the things I've never been, I've
Never seen, I don't care much
And all the things I've never done, I've
Never won, I don't care much
This village is where I'm from
It's one place that I call home
You wanna show me another side
But I've got Heaven in my sights
Never knew what a world this was
'Til I looked in my heart
Saw myself for what I am
Found a whole world in my hands
And all the things I've never seen, I've
Never seen, I don't care much
And all the things I've never done, I've
Never won, I don't
care much
The lyrics to Paul Weller's song "Village" speak to the contentment and satisfaction one feels when they embrace their true selves and find solace in their own surroundings. The opening lines, "Here I am, ten stories high, not a single cloud in my eye," convey a sense of euphoria and freedom. The singer is at peace with themselves and their life, and they wouldn't change a thing even if they had the chance.
The lyrics also highlight a sense of indifference towards societal expectations and norms. The lines "And all the things I've never been, I've never seen, I don't care much" suggest that the singer isn't bothered by what they haven't achieved or experienced according to societal standards. They are content with their own unique journey and are unfazed by societal pressures to conform.
The song emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The lines "Never knew what a world this was, 'til I looked in my heart, saw myself for what I am" convey the transformative power of introspection. By delving into their own inner world, the singer discovers a whole new perspective and a sense of empowerment. They realize that they have the power to shape their own reality and find fulfillment within themselves.
Ultimately, the message of the song is about finding joy and purpose in the simple pleasures of life and recognizing the significance of one's own identity and community. The village, representing the singer's hometown, symbolizes a place of belonging and a sense of home. It is a testament to the idea that true happiness can be found by embracing who we are and cherishing the connections we have with our surroundings.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am, ten stories high
I am feeling elevated and content
Not a single cloud in my eye
There is nothing obstructing my view or causing me distress
Not a thing I'd change if I could
I am completely satisfied with my current situation
I'm happy here in my neighborhood
I find joy and contentment in the community where I belong
And all the things I've never been, I've
I have no interest in conforming to societal expectations
Never seen, I don't care much
I am unaffected by experiences or material possessions I have not encountered
And all the things I've never done, I've
I have no desire to achieve things others define as success
Never won, I don't care much
I am unconcerned with societal standards of winning or achieving
Never knew what a world this was
I was unaware of the true essence of the world
'Til I looked in my heart
Until I introspected and discovered my inner self
Saw myself for what I am
I recognize and accept my true identity
Found a whole world in my hands
I realized the immense potential and possibilities within myself
And all the things I'm supposed to be
I am not interested in fulfilling society's expectations of me
And all the things that you want from me
I do not feel compelled to meet your demands or desires
I don't know why, I don't know why
I am unable to comprehend the reasons behind this
I don't need all the things you got
I have no requirement for the possessions you possess
I just wanna be who I want
I only aspire to be my authentic self
I don't need all the things you hold
I have no interest in acquiring the things you value
In high regard, they mean nothing at all
Those things hold no significance or importance to me
This village is where I'm from
This community is my place of origin
It's one place that I call home
It is the only place I truly belong and feel connected to
You wanna show me another side
You wish to expose me to different perspectives or experiences
But I've got Heaven in my sights
But I am focused on my personal vision of bliss
And all the things I've never seen, I've
I remain indifferent to experiences I have yet to encounter
Never seen, I don't care much
They hold no importance or fascination to me
And all the things I've never done, I've
I have no desire to pursue endeavors I have not attempted
Never won, I don't care much
Attaining victory or success does not interest me
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul John Weller, Jan Nicholas Kybert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelinglis1856
The Mod Father, heβs done it again. This song is just perfect like so many of his others. My life has been enriched by this guy, thatβs all there is to it, thank you Mr Weller!
@oldandnew1234
Totally agree. THE Modfather has done it again pure genius. Fantastic live.
@solofaces7255
More brilliance. His voice is as good as it ever has been.
@Gez-C
This song got me through 2020, it was a tough year for me personally and listening to this song / album made me think how lucky I am in life with the people I have in it, and who got me through it
@megamegan8607
Fantastic summer tune πππ
@paulwellertv7007
Thanks for your sincere compliment and love, Iβm not complete without you as my Fan πΉπ» I have you to be most thankful for π»π»πΉ
@megamegan8607
@@paulwellertv7007 I have all your albums Paul , you just get better and better . Looking good too. X
@paulwellertv7007
@@megamegan8607 thanks for your love and support πΉπΉπΉ
@megamegan8607
@@paulwellertv7007 always xx
@stevehinders7100
This is the best tune Paulβs come up with for awhile, imo. It feels true, honest, soulful, natural, and righteous. It oozes goodness. Right on, Paul! Ever forward...