The Style Council – The Lodgers

Released in 1985, “The Lodgers (Or She Was Only A Shopkeeper’s Daughter)” was one of the most politically charged songs from The Style Council’s second album, Our Favourite Shop. Written by Paul Weller and Mick Talbot, the track combined the band’s sophisticated blend of soul, jazz, pop and funk with a sharp social commentary on Britain during the 1980s.

The song takes aim at social inequality, class divisions and the political climate of the period. Its subtitle is a pointed reference to Margaret Thatcher and her background, while the lyrics question a society in which ordinary people can feel increasingly excluded and powerless. Weller delivers the words with a mixture of frustration and determination, giving the song a distinctly confrontational edge without sacrificing its musical sophistication.

Musically, “The Lodgers” is built around a memorable bass-driven groove, keyboards, rhythmic guitar and crisp percussion. The arrangement also incorporates soulful backing vocals and a striking jazz-influenced instrumental passage, demonstrating the adventurous approach that made The Style Council so distinctive.

The song remains an excellent example of Paul Weller’s transformation from the politically charged punk and mod music of The Jam into the broader musical world of The Style Council. “The Lodgers” combines sharp political observation with an infectious, sophisticated arrangement, creating a recording that is both unmistakably rooted in its time and still relevant to listeners today.

It peaked at No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart on 5th October 1985.