Paul Weller - Above The Clouds (Acoustic Session '92)

/ therightearofnash
I came across a Paul Weller bootleg a few weeks ago called "Groove A Little" which featured Paul live at the Royal Albert Hall, London from 13th October 1992. Although the bootleg was really nothing special it had five acoustic songs on end of it from a Dutch Radio Session Paul did in September of '92. One of the five was this wonderful acoustic version of "Above The Clouds".
The intro is Paul talking about the song on the Munich to Cologne Express in August of '92. Paul is obviously tired and a maybe little drunk but does a great version of the song anyway.
Lyrics:
Autumn blew it's leaves at me,
Threatening winter as I walked.
Summer always goes so quick, barely stopping like my thoughts.
Which dip and spin and change so fast
I have to wonder - will I last.
Through the windows of the train,
I caught reflections of a paper cup,
Hanging small in a pale blue sky,
Never knowing which way's up.
Above the clouds, what's to be found,
I have to wonder - will I be around.
As my anger shouts - at my own self doubt,
So a madness creeps - into my dreams
When you're scared of living - but afraid to die
I get scared of giving - and I must find the faith to beat it
I must be me that's rushing by,
Time just lingers on the wind.
Bristlin' through my open fears,
I wonder what it's going to bring.
Above the clouds, what's to be found,
I have to wonder - will I be around.
Run and hide, run and hide
I catch the sail at evening's tide.

[@vinnyhunt8756]

The best artist of my generation.

[@cliffthefish]

It's hard to find words to do justice to a man that sings your whole life to you. " ...Scared of living but afraid to die " One of the most heartfelt lines in any song I think. Genius.

[@scotteranger4524]

Indeed....

[@terrikirschenzaft4353]

It's so connecting to us when Paul sings what we all feel sometimes, yes, echoes what we feel which makes us feel less alone! Terri Leckner, Montreal@@scotteranger4524

[@78Rudys]

When I meet my maker, I will recall the sound of this timeless melody as one of my favorite memories...

[@anthonyallen6838]

One of the greatest song writers of our times.

[@terrynicholls4173]

So many great song from Paul, what can you say, hes up there with the very best.

[@robthemod58]

Truly sublime. A haunting melody - perfect for my lonely room. PW ❤

[@GAFloppa]

His best era right here - soulful, groovy - acid jazzy

[@MrMerseyblue]

Couldn't agree more. He definitely peaked round about then Stanley Road and then Modern Classics. Yeah I know the latter is a greatest hits but he's not done anything near the songs on those albums. Still the mod father though. Brilliant.

[@GAFloppa]

@Ari Rowan and let me guess, you flog bitcoin, stocks and shares, skincare products and holiday homes too. Get lost spammer

[@anthonykelly4514]

This is the song I will be laid to rest with !!

[@MrPeterpronk]

One of my fav. Weller songs & lyrics, makes me wandering, but still a believer😎🙏 al comes well!

[@noeldenoel3192]

Through the windows of the train, I caught reflections of a paper cup, Hanging small in a pale blue sky, Never knowing which way's up.

[@two-tricky1630]

this tune is so good i can play it on repeat 24/7 never get tired of listening to above the clouds

[@dannyc9903]

Been a fan since start of the Jam. I met him about 3 years ago when my Father in Law put on Charity gig which Paul played at. People say never meet your idols, they've never met Paul Weller then- true class.

[@MrMerseyblue]

Yeah never meet your idols/hero's is a daft saying. I met Liam Gallagher in Liverpool. He was hilarious and a very nice guy.

[@scottsimmons5846]

When you're scared of living but afraid to die I get scared of giving but must find the faith to beat it ye MINT!

[@annem9138]

super cute, ultra talented! it's Paul Weller!!!

[@jadedsoul1]

Great to see paul smiling... Moody git .. great chords...

[@deb8498]

Who Else could make a song so effortlessly stunning On a train..! alone .. I love those images also.. A paper cup hanging small in a pale blue sky Never knowing Which ways up.. 🕊🌿🍃

[@smz0316]

Paul Weller 才能は隠しきれない。。。

[@bordercollie1140]

Scared of living but afraid to die. What a fucking lyric!

[@dgutes]

Such a soulful voice

[@darry9462]

Beautiful, I fucking love that man.

[@georgealty]

That train session is amazing.

[@havennewbowtow8835]

He’s a very good guitarist to boot. Thanks Paul, so many wonderful songs over the years

[@Mcfc81]

The coolest guy ever

[@dav1dc293]

Wish I could ‘like’ this much more than once!!!

[@mozdickson]

His best slow choon and possibly best lyric. Helped me a few times when the dog showed up

[@jonathanhadley2555]

When you're scared of living but afraid to die

[@MrSpartanm33]

Sheer, unadulterated class - I dont understand anyone who cannot see the consummate artiste and musician in Paul Weller - put all that early Jam (copying Beatles, Who and Small Faces) and later Britpop nonsense behind you - every young musician has strong influences - he has surely transcended them now and I have the greatest admiration for anyone who can just pick up an instrument at an odd moment on a train late in the evening and sing / play in this way. And his own song too. Thanks for posting.

[@amandajaneweller9460]

So very true, Paul .....

[@amandajaneweller9460]

Beautiful ...

[@jimchorley]

British Soul music...

[@jfemonanon4809]

magical...truly one, if not THE best, of his compositions

[@ianclarke5404]

The best we have had and still have .

[@amandaweller5461]

Love Weller .......................

[@gunofapreacherman1340]

Great singing Paul. We need some more of that please, governor. ✌🏻

[@freebeerduo6913]

Lovely that. Favourite Weller song. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldandnew1234]

See Mr. Weller play this live several times absolutely perfect. Xx

[@armbando1299]

Must be me that's rushing by, time just lingers on the wind

[@unbefestigt]

inspiring truthfulness, soulfulness - a real musician and human being

[@johnmccann8319]

Beautiful!💚

[@richardd2063]

Met him briefly last year, what a gentleman he was. I love him to bits, in my books a national treasure. Thanks for posting.

[@danrl9710]

I met him a couple of months ago in Washington, DC before his gig. He's a gentleman all right. I honestly can't think of any words that do him justice!

[@georgie5293]

richardd2063 yes I met him with my daughter too in a cafe and he kindly spoke to us and paid for our coffees bless him!

[@oldandnew1234]

My Musical hero, I'm so jealous. You must have all been in awe. Xx

[@bockjagne6598]

What can you say? Legend, and that's it.

[@nicholasseanbarber7397]

What a legend and it should be sir PAUL WELLER

[@staffh3815]

He wouldn't accept a knighthood mate ,he anti monarchy

[@stuartparker3209]

Such a great song.

[@GB260800]

Brilliance

[@caneandabel]

Wonderful

[@amandaweller5461]

Just soo beautiful wat a gem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alejandroorozco2071]

Long life to Paul!!!! 💛

[@johncoen6124]

absolute geezer

[@johncoen6124]

ill catch the sail at evening tide absolute geeez

[@19971492]

rock with a bossa nova style , love the sound of the guitar

[@ThePaulhankinson]

Splendid

[@outtayardstudio]

Masterclass...

[@fetzcou]

Paul is the man!!!

[@paulalancornelius8671]

He's brilliant.

[@algej1961]

From the heart, keep on moving mr W :)

[@xxnonstopdancingxx]

Such a talent

[@fetzcou]

Class!

[@tooslimpat]

Magical.

[@amandajaneweller9460]

I know the feeling Paul, My Legend.❤

[@mickfoskett6629]

Amanda Jane Weller ..you have great taste!..are you related in any way?..peace🎶

[@reneangulotrujillo1]

Beautiful tribute to this most gorgeous song and man. Gracias!

[@psibri1]

Always the Modfather this man means so much to me. Such a huge influence. Saw him live two times, cannot get enough.

[@johnantonescu5096]

Brian DRFW In a way, Paul Weller and I somethings in common. We both got our first guitar when we were 12 and the celebratiy that was alive today we would meet is Marvin Gaye and John Lennon.

[@graemepae2839]

+John Antonescu Weller and myself have something in common too...... both travelled by train :D LOL

[@kevinharkens3529]

+John Antonescu Hang on to that. If you feel it helps.

[@alanmahoney167]

Saw him live early nineties at Cambridge corn exchange shouted out, Above The Clouds, just as the whole crowd went quiet, he came back on and did it as part of the encore not sure if he ever heard me shout it out but it made my fucking night

[@trevorjohnson8644]

Unbelievable man 👍👍👍

[@jfemonanon4809]

I think you'll be alright, I think you'll be okay, Paul :-)

[@jasonantigua6825]

Taught him everything he knows ! :)

[@darrenkrobinson]

Genius

[@maureencoley4678]

The lyrics touched me, resonated with me as I am feeling so low at the moment...I do wonder, will I be around?

[@tanyawebber8867]

Love this song,sat 16 sep 23

[@vv247]

bloody awesome Paul

[@milenabiella9060]

elegante in toto!!!

[@karenrobson898]

love this version :)

[@darrenkrobinson]

Amazing interview

[@mozdickson]

Gold! there was another studio filmed acoustic version of this on YT but appears to have gone - it was sublime

[@paulbryan3757]

We’ll always have Weller xx

[@julienhiggins7017]

Wonderful lyrics Paul... a real gem...

[@theressamurphy2996]

Lovely❤❤❤❤❤

[@vv247]

its brilliant 👏

[@mediasurfer]

Moving, honest and inspiring interview. What a true artistic soul Paul is. I wish we could watch the full interview...

[@jaypzl]

thx for sharing this... and the lyrics!

[@Wellerwellerable]

Thanks for this upload, it's brilliant!

[@vv247]

One of my favourite songs of his solo career ... Its a beautiful version on the train.

[@ladyofsouthlondon]

This is so good!!

[@sebastiantodt6646]

The comfy trains in Germany in the 90s...nice!

[@nrgcap1]

He is brilliant as usual and I believe that it has been recorded on an itallan train...^^

[@jfemonanon4809]

if at 2:20 does not melt your heart...well, then, go away....okay, or re-evaluate, his smile is rare and yet majestic,,,,sorry, fangirling here

[@MrSpartanm33]

Fanboy here - this song and his voice tear me up in a good way. Vastly underrated and up with the beatles for me

[@gaysy1st]

His smile is just gorgeous isn't it? 😊

[@kimanddavidtonelli-mcbain9057]

Thank you... so intimate - brilliant !

[@dubtownman9508]

Musical genius

[@davidclegg2455]

The elusive lyrics .... and i thought it was just ,me... X x X

[@tobiassafar3896]

Superb chords suite.

[@jfemonanon4809]

"autumn blew it's leaves at me"....give me a break...and that may not even be the best fucking line "When you're scared of living - but afraid to die" ug does he qualify for the Poet Laureate title ??

[@MrSpartanm33]

Yes he's a fucking genius and a poet no doubt

[@jenniferaaparo]

It's one of my favorite songs and best lyrics ever,agreed. I think it's gotten me through some very difficult times.

[@joeblack5661]

Where is the rest Paul, its great.

[@two-tricky]

This is in my opinion the best track Paul Weller has ever wrote. But that's just my opinion, an opinion !!!! Two-Tricky. SuperbTrack. Sometimes you stumble across quite by accident a diamond, a gem and I feel that is exactly what I have tonight by stumbling across "TheRightEarofnash" So was it you all those years ago that uploaded this video of Paul Weller on a train singing "Above the Clouds?" I have watched that video so many times as you do, and always I wondered where was he going, where the train was going now I know. It must be the "Last Trans Central" to the planet Mars because all these years later he is still on it,he is still drinking grolsch and he is still the genius, the modfather and he is defo from another planet or just born on a different cloud as Liam Gallagher sings. Respect to and this site. I have subscribed !!!!

[@kevinharkens3529]

+Two Tricky best? sad...

[@danielwalsh7538]

Very underrated album

[@stevedoughty1941]

I like his more gentle songs the most..I would like more of them they seem to suit his vocal better..only an opinion of course, don't want to upset anyone..peace out.

[@gaysy1st]

Totally agree 😊

[@TheRightEarOfNash]

It's taken from the "Paul Weller EPK". Unfortunatly it too only contains the same amount of footage that is found in this vid. It cuts to a live performance of "Above The Clouds" which is a shame, I would have loved to have heard the whole of the version on the train.

[@dav1dc293]

100% agree!!

[@audriuslebednykas8025]

Hey, where would I be able to find that live performance? I really like it, but Im only finding him with the band, not the one used in this video :)

[@thomasjcox]

What is the electric version of this from? I love it! Paul weller is a great guitarist.

[@rehabilitation100]

But the rest of the bootleg up mate .. This is mega

[@jfemonanon4809]

no gum!!! WOW

[@ulisurbahov5044]

🤗🩵🫠

[@johnkenny3569]

Weller's the man,but we got to give a shout out to Steve Cradock.

[@jfemonanon4809]

"can I play it"///

[@rehabilitation100]

But the rest of the bootleg up please mate