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.
Your Redneck Past
Ben Folds Five Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who do you want to be?
Billy idol or cool moe dee?
If you're afraid they might discover
Your redneck past
There are a hundred ways to cover your redneck past
They'll never send you home
Roots
The funny limbs that grow underground
That keep you from fallin' down
Don't you think that you'll need 'em now?
Just find a place where no one knows of
Your redneck past
Yeah, you can easily dispose of your redneck past
You'll show them all back home
Desole
Je suis American
Please cook my steak again
Je suis American
Desole
Je ne parle pas francais
Laws vary from state to state
Getcha some books on tape
To learn about holes in space
If you're afraid they might discover
Your redneck past
There are a hundred ways to cover your redneck past
It's good to be back home
In Ben Folds Five's song "Your Redneck Past," the lyrics describe a person who is trying to hide or cover up their roots and past. The first verse mentions different magazines and celebrities, asking the question of who the person wants to be. This shows the pressure to conform to certain societal standards or expectations. The second verse references the importance of one's roots or heritage, using the metaphor of roots as something that keeps someone from falling down. However, the chorus repeats the idea of covering up one's "redneck past" in order to fit in and not be sent home. The final verse mentions the differences in laws and the need to learn about things that may be unfamiliar or outside of one's own experience.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggle of fitting in and trying to overcome one's past or background, while also acknowledging the value in one's roots and heritage. The lyrics suggest that it is possible to cover up one's past or change oneself to fit in, but ultimately, it is important to be true to oneself and not be ashamed of where they came from.
Line by Line Meaning
Choose from any number of magazines
You have an endless choice of magazines that can help you change your identity and pretend to be someone else.
Who do you want to be?
You're unsure of your true identity and are willing to become anyone society tells you to be.
Billy idol or cool moe dee?
You're conflicted between whether you should be a rockstar or rapper, completely different people.
If you're afraid they might discover
You're worried that others will find out you come from a 'redneck' background, which you feel is a shameful identity.
Your redneck past
You feel your heritage as a rural, Southern American is a mark against your true identity.
There are a hundred ways to cover your redneck past
You're willing to do anything to hide your past, even if it means erasing a part of yourself.
They'll never send you home
You don't want to be sent back to your roots or past, as that would be too painful to bear.
Roots
Your upbringing and childhood that shaped who you are today.
The funny limbs that grow underground
The roots, though hidden, are the source of stability and support that prevent you from falling apart.
That keep you from fallin' down
Your past and heritage act as a grounding force and help you stay balanced in life and prevent further hardship.
Don't you think that you'll need 'em now?
You're starting to realize the importance of embracing your past and heritage to provide a sense of stability.
Just find a place where no one knows of
You're attempting to escape your past and find a new home where you aren't judged for your heritage.
Yeah, you can easily dispose of your redneck past
You believe it's easy to just forget your past and become someone else to start anew.
You'll show them all back home
You're trying to prove to those who didn't believe in you or judged you for your past that you're someone better and worthy of respect.
Desole
Sorry.
Je suis American
I am American, a statement showing pride or shame.
Please cook my steak again
A request made in English, showing how cultures and languages can blend together.
Je suis American
I am American, again showing pride or shame and possibly inferring that being American is all they know.
Desole
Sorry, either for their lack of French speaking ability or just in general.
Je ne parle pas francais
I do not speak French, a statement of fact and an admission of being an outsider in some way.
Laws vary from state to state
States in America can have different laws based on location, which can cause confusion.
Getcha some books on tape
Standard pronunciation for the Southern dialect, a reminder of the cultural divide.
To learn about holes in space
An unclear reference to space or possibilities, a possible comment on how they view their future.
It's good to be back home
Despite all efforts to escape the past and blending with other cultures, there's an underlying feeling of nostalgia and longing for one's true home.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FOLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind