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'.
Better Way
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lightning in my bones
Push me to the edge
But my will is stone
'Cause I believe in a better way
Fools will be fools
And wise will be wise
Straight in the eyes
I believe in a better way
I believe in a better way
What good is a man
Who won't take a stand
What good is a cynic
With no better plan
I believe in a better way
I believe in a better way
(Hope these words feel pleasant as they rest upon your ears)
(Hope these words feel pleasant as they rest upon your ears)
(Upon your ears, upon your ears, upon your ears, upon your ears)
Reality is sharp
It cuts at me like a knife
Everyone I know
Is in the fight of their life
And I believe in a better way
Take your face out of your hands
And clear your eyes
You have a right to your dreams
And don't be denied
I believe in a better way
I believe in a better way
I believe in a better way
The opening line of the song, "I'm a living sunset, lightning in my bones" is a metaphor for someone who has a strong, vibrant presence and is full of energy. This line is the perfect way to introduce listeners to the song's message, which is that no matter how hard life gets, it's important to have hope and believe that there's a better way.
The chorus of the song is very simple, but it echoes the song's main message perfectly: "I believe in a better way". The singer is saying that even in difficult times, he chooses to believe that things will get better. He's not willing to give up on hope, even when others around him may have lost faith.
The last verse of the song is especially poignant: "Reality is sharp, it cuts at me like a knife. Everyone I know is in the fight of their life. And I believe in a better way." Here, the singer is acknowledging the harsh realities of life that we all face, but he's refusing to be defeated by them. Instead, he's choosing to hold onto his belief that there's a better way forward.
Overall, "Better Way" is a song that's deeply rooted in hope and optimism. It encourages listeners to believe that no matter how hard things get, there's always a chance for things to improve.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a living sunset
I am alive and vibrant like a sunset
Lightning in my bones
I am filled with energy and passion that courses through me like lightning
Push me to the edge
Challenge me to my limit
But my will is stone
But I am steadfast and determined
'Cause I believe in a better way
Because I have faith that there is a better way of living
Fools will be fools
Some people are bound to make foolish decisions
And wise will be wise
While others will make the wise choice
But I will look this world
But I will face this world
Straight in the eyes
Directly and honestly
What good is a man
What is the point of a man
Who won't take a stand
Who will not firmly assert his beliefs
What good is a cynic
What is the use of a person who always sees the bad in everything
With no better plan
Without any alternative solution
I believe in a better way
I am sure that there is a more positive approach to life
Reality is sharp
The truth can be harsh and painful
It cuts at me like a knife
It causes me emotional pain like a sharp blade
Everyone I know
All of the people in my life
Is in the fight of their life
Are struggling with serious issues
Take your face out of your hands
Lift your head up and stop crying
And clear your eyes
See things clearly and objectively
You have a right to your dreams
You are entitled to pursue your aspirations
And don't be denied
Do not be discouraged from reaching your goals
Hope these words feel pleasant as they rest upon your ears
I hope that these lyrics bring you comfort and joy
Hope these words feel pleasant as they rest upon your ears
I hope that these lyrics bring you comfort and joy
Upon your ears, upon your ears, upon your ears, upon your ears
Repeated for emphasis and rhythm
I believe in a better way
I have faith that a more positive approach to life is possible
I believe in a better way
I am convinced that there is a better way to live
I believe in a better way
I trust that a better future is ahead of us
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@darioquintana2377
"Better Way"
I'm a living sunset
Lightning in my bones
Push me to the edge
But my will is stone
Fools will be fools
And wise will be wise
But i will look this world
Straight in the eyes
What good is a man
Who won't take a stand
What good is a cynic
With no better plan
Reality is sharp
It cuts at me like a knife
Everyone i know
Is in the fight of their life
Take your face out of your hands
And clear your eyes
You have a right to your dreams
And don't be denied
I believe in a better way
@jeremymacklem2510
Dec. 12th 2023 and still listening....the message here is more powerful than ever! ❤
@anthonyourbrother
This was played at my son's birth. 🙏✨️
It was glorious, amazing, and beautiful.
He is healthy, happy, and strong. He is a grown man now. I am so proud of him.
He has dedicated himself to a cause he believes in, which helps, supports, and encourages. I love him. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
@darioquintana2377
"Better Way"
I'm a living sunset
Lightning in my bones
Push me to the edge
But my will is stone
Fools will be fools
And wise will be wise
But i will look this world
Straight in the eyes
What good is a man
Who won't take a stand
What good is a cynic
With no better plan
Reality is sharp
It cuts at me like a knife
Everyone i know
Is in the fight of their life
Take your face out of your hands
And clear your eyes
You have a right to your dreams
And don't be denied
I believe in a better way
@domingomorenogonzalez6099
Dario Quintana thank you so much
@MrPiggy-kl6xz
Maybe google copy and paste?
@sollayegi7041
Kkk
@caisersoseimpera
Grazie di aver riportato queste bellissime parole!
@pisceanqueen1
Recorded when the sun used to shine ✨️
@elmarie1699
Mr Harper not only believes in a "Better Way" . He has FOUND IT! ~ Beautiful ~
@Christopher-kx9es
Yea, where's that led?