The members of the band are Ben Folds, the lead singer and pianist, who also wrote most of the songs; Robert Sledge on bass; and Darren Jessee on drums. The group enjoyed the success of the single Brick in 1997, a ballad written by Folds (with a chorus by Jessee) about his high school girlfriend getting an abortion. This song has, to a large degree, misrepresented the band to fans who aren't familiar with their other work; "Brick" is a serious ballad, whereas most of their music is characterised by jazz inflections and witty, humorous lyrics.
After the band's not-so amicable breakup in October 2000 over Ben's over shadowing of Sledge and Jessee, Folds began a solo career. Robert Sledge's subsequent band International Orange has broken up, while Darren Jessee is the frontman for the band Hotel Lights.
Folds once described their music as "punk rock for pussies" - a reaction to the angst prevalent in 90s rock. When asked about his band's name he jokingly responded "you mean a trio isn't five?". In other interviews the band said that the name was simply because Ben Folds Five sounded better than Ben Folds Three.
Ben Folds has continued with producing music on his own, striking a subtler tone than Ben Folds Five's earlier recordings. His personal relationship with William Shatner has opened the doors for a great professional one. Ben Folds produced William Shatner's album Has Been and they have since worked together on The 'Over The Hedge' soundtrack.
On September 18, 2008 at the UNC Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the band reunited for the first time in nearly 10 years for one special gig playing their critically acclaimed final album: The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner in its entirety.
The House Songfacts reports that the trio got together in 2011 to record three new Ben Folds Five songs for the compilation,The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective.
Their 4th studio album "The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind" released September 18th, 2012. A live album titled "Ben Folds Live" released soon after on June 3rd, 2013.
Another live album "The Complete Sessions at West 54th" originally recorded in June of 1997, released on July 10, 2018.
Tom & Mary
Ben Folds Five Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the benefit of Tom and Mary
Before our guests arrive
If they haven't found out already
It's gonna blow their minds
Will they find the strength
To find the will to testify
That for the benefit of Tom and Mary
Everybody here knows the story
Some with fabricated extra parts
See the sisters shout in whispers
Feeding hot air to the sparks
Put a damper on the party
It will lighten up this room
But for the benefit of Tom and Mary
We've got to see the truth today
Ms. Suthernson says "here they come"
And all the chatter and the smiles
They come undone
You could hear a pin drop on the carpet floor
Everyone's pretending not to hear them
Knocking at the door
For the benefit of Tom and Mary
Before our guests arrive
If they haven't found out already
It's gonna blow their minds
Haven't found out already
And yet the seams all seem to show
That for the benefit of Tom and Mary
For the benefit of Tom and Mary
For the benefit of Tom and Mary
We gotta let the truth me known, yeah
The lyrics of "Tom and Mary" by Ben Folds Five deal with the revelation of a secret or truth that is about to be exposed at a social event before the arrival of Tom and Mary. It is hinted that the secret involves some scandal or gossip that the guests are already aware of to some extent. The singer, who is likely one of the guests, alludes to the fact that some of the details have been fabricated, possibly for dramatic effect or to add to the intrigue of the situation.
As the song progresses, the anticipation builds, and there's a sense of anxiety and tension as the guests are waiting for Tom and Mary to arrive. The singer notes that some of the guests are avoiding the elephant in the room, pretending not to hear the knocking at the door. Despite this, there's an acknowledgement that the truth must be revealed- for the benefit of Tom and Mary. It's not clear why exactly, but it's suggested that the truth will "blow their minds" and that they will need to find the strength to testify about what they know.
In a broader sense, the song may be speaking to the human propensity towards gossiping and the desire for scandal and intrigue. It implies that we can't help but be drawn to and participate in the spreading of rumors, even when it's destructive and potentially hurtful. Ultimately, the song is calling for truth and honesty, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
Line by Line Meaning
Chicka uh chicka uh
Repetitive sound effect indicating the start of the song
For the benefit of Tom and Mary
This song is dedicated to these two individuals
Before our guests arrive
There's important information that needs to be revealed before others arrive
If they haven't found out already
Tom and Mary may not be aware of the information yet
It's gonna blow their minds
The information is shocking and will have a big impact
Will they find the strength
Will Tom and Mary be able to handle the truth
To find the will to testify
Will they be willing to share what they know
That for the benefit of Tom and Mary
The information is important for their benefit
There's something we can't hide anymore?
There's a secret that needs to be revealed
Everybody here knows the story
Others present are aware of the secret
Some with fabricated extra parts
Some have added false information to the story
See the sisters shout in whispers
People are gossiping secretly
Feeding hot air to the sparks
Spreading rumors and making the situation worse
Put a damper on the party
Stop the gossiping and keep the atmosphere calm
It will lighten up this room
Stopping the gossip will make the atmosphere better
Ms. Suthernson says "here they come"
Someone announces the arrival of Tom and Mary
And all the chatter and the smiles
The mood becomes tense as they arrive
They come undone
Everyone becomes nervous and unsure
You could hear a pin drop on the carpet floor
Everyone is silent and tense
Everyone's pretending not to hear them
People are avoiding talking to Tom and Mary
Knocking at the door
Tom and Mary have arrived and are knocking on the door
Haven't found out already
Tom and Mary may not know yet
And yet the seams all seem to show
There are signs that the secret is about to be revealed
That for the benefit of Tom and Mary
The truth needs to be revealed for their benefit
We gotta let the truth me known, yeah
The secret needs to be revealed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
silverainbow123456
Currently reading “A dream about lightning bugs” keep referencing all the songs I haven’t heard.
This is awesome 😎
Dick Wallace
This is the most awkward album to google for... "naked baby photos", I sure hope that was in some way intentional, but I'm sure it wasn't.
Ezra C
Naked baby photos are embarrassing, which is why it makes the perfect name for an album of unused songs.
the max archive_01
This song genuinely freaks me out a bit. My parents names are Tom and Mary which makes this the weirdest coincidence ever. I like the song but it always feels a bit weird to me to hear my parents names.
S k
Brentalfloss sent me. And yes, I like the song :D
David D
DAAAAAAAAAAG
greenjellybeanzz
No-one sent me. I just randomly ended up here... wait.. what?