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.
Wild Wood
Paul Weller Lyrics
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People fly by, in the traffic's boom
Knowing, just where you're blowing
Getting to where you should be going
Don't let them get you down
Making you feel quilty about
Golden rain, will bring you riches
Climbing, forever trying
Find your way out of the wild, wild wood
Now there's no justice
Only yourself that you can trust in
And I said high tide, mid afternoon, whoa
People fly by, in the traffic's boom
Knowing, just where you're blowing
Getting to where you should be going
Day by day your world fades away
Waiting to feel all the dreams that say
Golden rain will bring you riches
All the good things you deserve now
And I say, climbing, forever trying
You're find you way out of the wild, wild wood
Said you're gonna find you way out of the wild, wild wood
Wild wild wood
The song "Wild Wood" by Paul Weller is a celebration of nature and freedom, urging the listener to find their way out of the "wild, wild wood" of modern, materialistic society and into a more authentic and meaningful existence. The lyrics describe the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with people racing about in the "traffic's boom," but also offer a vision of escape and transcendence, represented by the image of "climbing, forever trying" to find one's way out of the chaos and into a world of beauty and abundance.
Weller seems to be suggesting that there is a higher purpose to life than just material success and that true riches can only be found by reconnecting with the natural world and one's own inner truth. The idea of "golden rain" bringing riches is a metaphor for this deeper, spiritual wealth, while the line "only yourself that you can trust in" is a plea for individualism and self-reliance in the face of a conformist and consumerist society.
Overall, "Wild Wood" is a powerful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to look beyond the distractions and temptations of the modern world and to seek out a more authentic and meaningful existence. Its message is one of hope and optimism, urging us to trust in our own instincts and to follow our dreams, no matter where they may lead.
Line by Line Meaning
High tide, mid afternoon
It's a moment of high energy and activity, a peak moment when the tide is high, and the afternoon is at its peak.
People fly by, in the traffic's boom
The world is moving so fast around you, people are rushing by, and you're trying to keep up amidst the noise and chaos of everyday life.
Knowing, just where you're blowing
You have a sense of direction, you know where you're headed and what you want to achieve.
Getting to where you should be going
You're making progress towards your goals and are on your way to where you need to be.
Don't let them get you down
Don't allow negative people or situations to bring you down or make you feel less than you are.
Making you feel quilty about
Some people or situations may try to make you feel guilty or responsible for things that are out of your control.
Golden rain, will bring you riches
Good things come to those who work hard and believe in themselves. Success and wealth will come to you if you persevere.
All the good things you deserve and now
You have worked hard and deserve all the good things that come your way.
Climbing, forever trying
Life is a journey, and you must keep moving forward, taking on new challenges and striving to be the best version of yourself.
Find your way out of the wild, wild wood
Life can be challenging and full of obstacles. You must navigate your way through it all to find your true path and purpose.
Now there's no justice
The world can be unfair and unpredictable, and you cannot always rely on others to do what is right. You must be your own advocate.
Only yourself that you can trust in
You are the only person you can truly rely on. Trust in yourself and your own abilities to overcome any obstacle.
Day by day your world fades away
Life is short, and time passes quickly. Each day that goes by is one less day you have to achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams.
Waiting to feel all the dreams that say
You are waiting for your dreams to come true, and you have faith that they will.
Said you're gonna find you way out of the wild, wild wood
You will find your way out of the chaos and obstacles of life, and you will achieve your goals and live the life you deserve.
Wild wild wood
The unpredictable and challenging nature of life and the obstacles you must overcome to find your true path and purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind