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.
Farmer Chords
Ben Gibbard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And everyone knows
I know you know it, too.
It's a complicated fear
That grows with every year
And it's walking on it's own, finally
All I can offer are farmer chords,
These simple rhymes and you painted in words
Or whistle it through your teeth
And it will feel like home
No matter how far you'll be
From my lonely arms outstretched
Just beyond your reach
Singing "ooh, baby, please"
The song Farmer Chords by Ben Gibbard is a song about unrequited love and the feelings of inadequacy that come with it. The singer is in love with someone who is out of their league, and they know it. They can't compete with this person, and they fear that everyone knows it. This fear has been growing for years, and it has become something that walks on its own.
Despite feeling inadequate, the singer can offer a simple gesture of love: "farmer chords." These are simple chords that anyone can play, and they represent the limited musical ability of a farmer. The singer can only offer simple rhymes and paint the person they love in words. They acknowledge that this may not be enough, but they hope that the person will at least find comfort in the song. Even if the person is far away and out of reach, they will always have this song to remind them of the singer's love.
Overall, the song shows the vulnerability and insecurity that often come with unrequited love. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures can mean the most.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't begin to compete with you
I acknowledge that there is a great distance in our skills and abilities
And everyone knows
It is common knowledge for everyone around us
I know you know it, too.
I am certain that you are also aware of it
It's a complicated fear
The feeling of inadequacy is complex and deeply rooted
That grows with every year
The fear becomes stronger with every passing year
And it's walking on it's own, finally
The fear has taken a life of its own and has become independent
All I can offer are farmer chords,
The only thing I can offer are simple and basic musical compositions
These simple rhymes and you painted in words
The lyrics express basic emotions, and it is up to the listener to draw their own interpretations
You can sing this when alone
The song is suitable for solo singing
Or whistle it through your teeth
It can also be enjoyed by simply whistling the tune
And it will feel like home
The music is comforting and familiar
No matter how far you'll be
Even when you are physically distant
From my lonely arms outstretched
And I feel lonely and longing for you
Just beyond your reach
Despite that you are not there with me
Singing "ooh, baby, please"
I am singing to express my sadness and heartache
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bennjimin
There are so few artists that give me more pleasure when listening to the live version of a song, rather than the studio version.
Alec Breen
Thanks for uploading this. It's the best version of the song I've heard by far.
Sarah L
I thought I found all of death cab's songs and then I found this and the ep its from I'm literally on the verge of tears
John
This defines easy listening, just listen and let Ben Gibbard take you away.
Phille
love this songs. I love The Ben Gibbard, the best artist ever known! Love Death Cab, love All-Time Quarterback and I lvoe the Postal Service. Done since i was 11! Greetings from sweden
Ae Muse
I'm gonna study music and agriculture and this song really does comfort me.
Tanner Dodge
This is amazing.
SpinPikachu
Beautiful
PurelyPhased
Thanks for everything ben,
Andrew
i have an irrational view of ben gibbard. and things like this are the reason why....