Declan O’Rourke – Handouts in the Rain

Declan O’Rourke is my guest on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast – another huge talent and always a delight to talk to. Warm, humorous, super-smart and clearly a huge talent.

This time around we talk Find El Dorado and the opening song – a duet between Paul and Declan – a cover of Richie Havens’ ‘Handouts in the Rain’ – a beautiful song that reflects on humanity’s repeated failures – violence, prejudice, and exploitation – while warning of the inevitable consequences: alienation, shame, and destitution.

Written during the 1970s, its verses reflect on personal and societal cruelty, from harming neighbours and foreigners to betraying women and misleading children. The refrain – “taking handouts in the rain” – is a powerful image of collective downfall, suggesting that those who perpetuate harm will ultimately share in suffering and marginalisation.

As Paul and Declan cover the song decades later, its relevance has not diminished. In today’s world, issues of xenophobia, social division, and generational mistrust remain pressing. The song’s critique of scapegoating, violence, and inherited prejudice resonates just as strongly, if not more so, amid ongoing global conflicts, refugee crises, and polarised societies.

Both versions underscore how cycles of blame and cruelty lead only to mutual ruin – a message as urgent now as when Havens first sang it.

Richie Havens – original version

Dancing Through the Fire

Declan is one of over 250 contributors to my upcoming book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire.
Click on the image below to reserve your copy now…