Harper grew up listening to blues, folk, soul, RnB, and reggae. Harper's blend of groove-laden funky soul and folky handcrafted acoustics helped him to gain cult status during the course of the 1990s and widespread attention toward the end of the decade. Harper combines elements of classic folk singers, blues revivalists and jam bands and is embraced by critics and college kids alike. Harper's body of work sells consistently and he tours constantly, building a solid, dedicated fan base.
Harper began playing guitar as a child in his hometown of Claremont, California (in California's Inland Empire). He eventually specialized in the acoustic slide guitar (Weissenborn guitars). As a young man, he recorded an LP (Pleasure and Pain) with fellow folk guitarist Tom Freund. After this limited edition record, Harper got a record deal with Virgin Records, who released his debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World (1994).
This was followed by the incendiary Fight For Your Mind (1995) which became a college radio favorite and generated an abundance of songs which still fill his set list to this day.
In 1999 at the Santa Barbara Bowl, Harper met Jack Johnson, who was unknown at the time and had not recorded. Harper obtained a demo tape of 12 of Johnson's songs that he forwarded to his producer, J.P. Plunier, with whom Johnson recorded his first album.
From early on in his career, his music received more attention in Europe than it did in his home country. While he was a well-known and respected figure in the States, in countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, and The Netherlands he was a star, receiving a great deal of airplay and critical acclaim. His popularity in Europe is such that he was French Rolling Stone Magazine's "Artist of the Year" (Artiste De L'Année) in 2003, and his tour that year for Diamonds on the Inside played to packed arenas across the continent.
In 2004, Harper recorded the album "There Will Be a Light " as the collaboration Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
In October 2004, Harper participated in the Vote for Change concert tour organised to benefit Moveon.org and encourage people in the swing states to vote during the 2004 U.S. presidential election.
Over the summer of 2005, when the Zooma tour scheduled with Trey Anastasio and various side stage performers was cancelled, Harper took on a tour of more private clubs/venues such as the Avalon Ballroom in Boston, the Tabernacle in Atlanta, and a full-band acoustic performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. This series of concerts saw the debut of a number of new Harper songs, such as "Get It Like You Like It" and "Dressed In Black."
In 2006, Harper released the double album Both Sides of the Gun which debuted at #7 on the Billboard charts.
Next Harper did a worldwide tour, with support from Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on the North American leg.
In 2007, Harper released the album Lifeline, recorded in Paris just after his tour.
In 2009, Harper recorded the album "White Lies for Dark Times", as the collaboration Ben Harper and Relentless7.
In 2014, Harper recorded the album "Childhood Home" as the collaboration Ben & Ellen Harper.
In 2018, Harper recorded the album "No Mercy in This Land" as the collaboration Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite. At the 40th Blues Music Awards ceremony, Harper's joint composition with Charlie Musselwhite, "No Mercy In This Land", was named as 'Song of the Year'.
11. beloved one
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knockin' upon love's door
Begging for someone to let us in
Knowing this we can agree to keep each other company
Never to go down that road again
My beloved one, my beloved one
You are so divine to me
Your heart has a home in mine
We won't have to say a word
With a touch all shall be heard
When I search my heart it's you I find
My beloved one, my beloved one, my beloved one
You were meant for me, I believe you were sent to me from a dream straight into
To my arms
Hold your body close to me
You mean the most to me
We will keep each other safe from harm
My beloved one, my beloved one, my beloved one
The song "Beloved One" by Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals is a song that speaks to the purity of love and the beauty of finding someone who understands your deepest emotions. Through the lyrics, Harper reflects on past relationships and the failed attempts at finding real love. He sings of begging for someone to let him in and the mutual understanding that he and his beloved must share to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Harper describes his lover as divine and with eyes that shine through him. He speaks of their hearts being intertwined and their ability to communicate deeply without even saying a word. The lyrics emphasize the power of touch and the strength of their emotional connection. Above all, Harper acknowledges that his beloved one was meant for him and has brought him a sense of safety and protection from the harms of the world.
The song's simple yet powerful language and melodic tune captivates listeners and invites them to delve into their own intense emotional bonds. It reminds us of the importance of connection, understanding, and genuine love between two individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
We have both been here before
We have experienced similar situations in our past
Knockin' upon love's door
We are seeking love and affection
Begging for someone to let us in
We are pleading for acceptance and a chance at love
Knowing this we can agree to keep each other company
We understand each other's past and will support each other
Never to go down that road again
We have learned from our mistakes and won't repeat them
Your eyes shine through me
Your presence illuminates my being
You are so divine to me
You are heavenly beautiful and sacred to me
Your heart has a home in mine
Our love rests within each other's hearts
We won't have to say a word
Our love is so strong that we can communicate through touch
With a touch all shall be heard
Our love speaks louder than words
When I search my heart it's you I find
My love for you is the most profound feeling in my heart
You were meant for me, I believe you were sent to me from a dream straight into
I deeply feel that you are my soulmate and destiny brought you to me
To my arms
To be wrapped in my love and protection
Hold your body close to me
I long to feel your embrace and intimacy
You mean the most to me
You are the most important person in my life
We will keep each other safe from harm
We will protect each other from emotional and physical pain
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind