God

Album: 22 Dreams (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul Weller told Mojo magazine June 2008 about this spoken word piece: "It was (guitarist, Steve) Craddock suggested we had a spoken-word piece. I'd had a poem knocking around for two or three years. I showed it to him and he liked it. It's Aziz Ibrahim (one-time Stone Roses guitarist) reading it - he also put some Punjabi at the end. He's a Muslim but agrees with the words."
  • Weller added in an interview with told The Sun newspaper: "I've had the poem for ages. I've not been able to use it even though I liked the sentiment in it. Then Steve Cradock was saying we really needed a poem on this album. Aziz just came down on a social visit and we got him to do it. It's an interesting one because he's a very devout Muslim man - it's an interesting twist."
  • This track suggests to some that The Modfather has found religion. Weller told The Sun : "I don't know about finding God. God finds you, I think. I don't have any belief in any organized religion. I find that all very divisive. I wouldn't knock any organized religion. If it gives people faith and strength it's a good thing. But if it divides people it's the antithesis of what it's supposed to be about."
  • Weller discussed his religious beliefs further during an interview with The Observer March 11, 2012, telling the newspaper that he believes in God, "but not in a Christian way." He added that he believes, "Some kind of force, energy," has mapped out his life. "You don't always choose the life you have, do you?," he concluded.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.