Shout To The Top!
August 11th 2008 04:46
Continuing with my Paul Weller lovefest. This time showcasing his work with his post-Jam project The Style Council.
I was half in mind - I was half in need,
And as the rain came down - I dropped to my knees and prayed
I said "oh Heavenly thing - please cleanse my soul,
I've seen all on offer and I'm not impressed at all".
I was halfway home - I was half insane,
And every shop window I looked in just looked the same
I said send me a sign to save my life
'Cause at this moment in time there is nothing certain in
these day's of mine
Y'see it's a frightening thing when it dawns upon you
That I know as much as the day I was born
And though I wasn't asked (I might as well stay)
And promise myself each and every day - that -
When you're knocked on your back - an' your life's a flop
and when you're down on the bottom there's nothing else
but to shout to the top - shout!
Paul Weller often cops flak, from fans and critics alike. for his Style Council days, where the band is derided as been a softer (and less impressive) version of The Jam. But I adore this song. I will admit it was the catchy chorus and toe tapping beat that first drew me in but take a closer look and, as is usually the case with Weller, you will discover the true meaning of the song.
The upbeat tone and sheer pop exuberance of this 1984 offering belies its serious message. Drawing on themes Weller explored with The Jam, Shout To The Top is a song about unemployment and poverty in Britain during the Thatcher years.
The song is told from the point of view of a man who has lost his job.
The shops look the same because they have been closed and boarded up.
Nothing is certain because the economy was in upheaval and jobs were lost at the drop of a hat.
Praying to God '(oh heavenly thing') is futile as God has not offered anything to those in need.
The man realises he has been duped his entire life: "I know as much as the day I was born".
This is not just a catchy chorus to sing along to. Shout To The Top is a call to arms to the working class to raise their voices, in unison. To be heard. To demand a better life. Because when you have been knocked over flat on your back, when all seems lost and when you're down on the bottom there's nothing else but to shout to the top - shout!
I was half in mind - I was half in need,
And as the rain came down - I dropped to my knees and prayed
I said "oh Heavenly thing - please cleanse my soul,
I've seen all on offer and I'm not impressed at all".
I was halfway home - I was half insane,
And every shop window I looked in just looked the same
I said send me a sign to save my life
'Cause at this moment in time there is nothing certain in
these day's of mine
Y'see it's a frightening thing when it dawns upon you
That I know as much as the day I was born
And though I wasn't asked (I might as well stay)
And promise myself each and every day - that -
When you're knocked on your back - an' your life's a flop
and when you're down on the bottom there's nothing else
but to shout to the top - shout!
Paul Weller often cops flak, from fans and critics alike. for his Style Council days, where the band is derided as been a softer (and less impressive) version of The Jam. But I adore this song. I will admit it was the catchy chorus and toe tapping beat that first drew me in but take a closer look and, as is usually the case with Weller, you will discover the true meaning of the song.
The upbeat tone and sheer pop exuberance of this 1984 offering belies its serious message. Drawing on themes Weller explored with The Jam, Shout To The Top is a song about unemployment and poverty in Britain during the Thatcher years.
The song is told from the point of view of a man who has lost his job.
The shops look the same because they have been closed and boarded up.
Nothing is certain because the economy was in upheaval and jobs were lost at the drop of a hat.
Praying to God '(oh heavenly thing') is futile as God has not offered anything to those in need.
The man realises he has been duped his entire life: "I know as much as the day I was born".
This is not just a catchy chorus to sing along to. Shout To The Top is a call to arms to the working class to raise their voices, in unison. To be heard. To demand a better life. Because when you have been knocked over flat on your back, when all seems lost and when you're down on the bottom there's nothing else but to shout to the top - shout!
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know many people felt the Style Council were far wimpier than The Jam, but I loved the smoothness of his voice and music. It's infectious and timeless.
Fantastic overview of the song, Ruby.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
And yeah, I thought Style Council copped a bit too much, I guess it was just disappointment at the end of The Jam.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life