Gibbard has been actively writing, recording and releasing music since 1994, when he graduated from Olypmic High School. He appeared as a guest on Jimmy Tamborello's (his Postal Service collaborator) Dntel album entitled Life is Full of Possibilities (2001) - Specifically, he contributed vocals to the song "(This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan.". In addition, played bass for the band Pedro the Lion on their 2000 tour, and he played drums on the song 'Carparts' for The Long Winters' 2002 album, "The Worst You Can Do Is Harm." He has also released a split EP with Andrew Kenny (of American Analog Set) in the Home Series on the Post-Parlo record label on March 30, 2004. Styrofoam's 2004 album Nothing's Lost features Gibbard's vocals on the track "Couches in Alleys." Additionally, Ben contributed vocals to a song (Handle With Care) on Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis's side project Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins's album, Rabbit Fur Coat.
Gibbard will make his acting debut in the film "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men," an adaptation of David Foster Wallace's collection of short stories. Actor John Krasinski (NBC's "The Office") wrote the screenplay and directed the film.
Carolina
Ben Gibbard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all the make-up in the world couldn't hide the scars
I leave today, I'm packing light: a suitcase, some toiletries
The rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina wait for me
You never learned, the rules have changed since we were nine
This isn't school, boys don't assault the girls they like
These two will here on cease to be
Sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me
Fields of grain go whipping by from the window seat
I'm drifting in, I'm drifting out catching up on sleep
I couldn't get indentured since the very crest of 17
I left my keys and broken dreams 'cause Carolina waits for me
I will never forgive a single day
Mile markers seem to call my name and say,
"You're safer now through every town, we'll light your way in reflective green"
All the way, the entire state of Carolina waits for me
In Ben Gibbard's song Carolina, the lyrics describe the escape of a battered woman from an abusive partner. The first verse references the physical and emotional trauma experienced at the hands of the abuser, with screams bleeding through paper walls and makeup failing to hide scars. The singer is leaving behind the abuse, packing only a suitcase and some toiletries, and heading towards the rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina. The second verse touches on the societal norms that have failed to protect women from assault, and the taste of blood and the claim of love that are the twisted justifications for this violence. However, the singer's determination to leave brings her closer to the peace of Carolina. The third and final verse describes the singer's journey to safety, with mile markers offering solace and guidance along the way.
The lyrics of Carolina are full of meaning and depth, portraying the courage of an abused woman leaving her abuser behind and embarking on a journey towards hope and healing. The powerful imagery of the rolling hills and willow trees, mile markers calling out to the singer, and fields of grain whipping by from the window seat, create a vivid picture of the journey and the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Every scream went bleeding through these paper walls
The screams were so loud that they penetrated the thin walls made of paper
And all the make-up in the world couldn't hide the scars
The scars are too deep to be hidden by any amount of make-up
I leave today, I'm packing light: a suitcase, some toiletries
I am leaving immediately and only taking the essentials with me
The rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina wait for me
The lovely natural environment of Carolina is where I am heading
You never learned, the rules have changed since we were nine
Things are different now and unacceptable behavior is not tolerated
This isn't school, boys don't assault the girls they like
It is not acceptable to physically assault someone who you are interested in romantically
The taste of blood, the claim of love
Violence and love cannot coexist
These two will here on cease to be
Violence and love cannot both exist and therefore one must be abandoned
Sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me
Violent tendencies must be left behind in order to move on in life
Fields of grain go whipping by from the window seat
The fields of grain can be seen from the window
I'm drifting in, I'm drifting out catching up on sleep
I am in and out of sleep, trying to catch up on rest
I couldn't get indentured since the very crest of 17
I have been independent since I turned 17
I left my keys and broken dreams 'cause Carolina waits for me
I left behind my past and everything that held me back, in order to move forward towards Carolina
I will never forgive a single day
I cannot forgive my past and everything that has happened
Mile markers seem to call my name and say,
The landmarks along the way are leading me toward my destination
"You're safer now through every town, we'll light your way in reflective green"
The markers are guiding me and assuring me of my security
All the way, the entire state of Carolina waits for me
I am heading towards the entire state of Carolina, which holds my new future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAN KINCHLA, JOHN C. POPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wwoods9237
I wish I had remembered this song as I was fleeing domestic violence. I loved it before and rediscovered it after when I was free to like my own interests again.
I didn't go to either of the Carolinas, but I did take a very long bus ride with a suitcase. And I'm glad I did.
And if you're wondering if you should, then.. maybe you should.
@laudanumpotion
Everybody talking about Gibbard when there's two people who made this album possible. His name is Andrew Kenny and he's made amazing music as well.
@pseudogenesis
The vocal harmony in the hook is beautiful.
@thegreatkilljoy1730
pseudogenesis I agree
@garbear384
Came across this gem on pandora. Instant classic!
@earthisbeautiful3921
Garett Jerel I like this song because the title is my name
@MJC1891
Dude has such a great singing voice. Thank you ben
@HoneeGarden
This song means the world to me, I really wish it were on Tidal
@imaflymydroneatit
This song means so much to me
@AtomNotAdam
I've always said that about Ben<3 he is my inspiration when it comes to any kind of writing.