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'.
Don't Look Twice
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was a fool for love
Gave my heart and soul
But it was hardly enough
It ain't love
Unless it brings you to your knees
It ain't salvation
If you're still begging to be free
If your ship hasn't come in
Don't have a problem with the shore
If you're locked out of your house
Don't have a problem with your door
The dice are no mans mistress
Black diamond snake moan
Wake up in the morning
Honey I'll be gone
You know it's bad
When the ceiling says to the floor
I'll trade you places
I can't take it up here no more
I'm a living nervous habit
I tremble and I twitch
Keep on pulling at me
Like I'm some kind of hanging stitch
Be glad your worries ain't like mine
Don't look twice
In Don't Look Twice, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite explore the theme of love, heartbreak and salvation. The song starts with Harper reflecting on his past experiences with love and how he foolishly gave his heart and soul, only to realize it wasn't enough. He states that love is only real when it brings you to your knees and salvation isn't applicable if you are still begging to be free. This could be interpreted as a message about not settling for less than what you deserve, both in love and in life.
Through the use of metaphors and creative imagination, the song continues to express the importance of accepting your current situation. Harper sings that if your ship hasn't come in, don't have a problem with the shore and if you're locked out of your house, don't have a problem with your door. This could be viewed as a message about embracing what you have and not wasting time on what you can't change. Along with this acceptance, the song suggests that to find peace, we must not dwell on our problems but learn to let them go, like the black diamond snake moan.
The last verse of the song talks about living with anxiety and feeling out of place. Harper expresses his discomfort in his living situation, saying that he would gladly trade places with the ceiling because he can't take it up there anymore. The song ends on a hopeful note, letting the listener know that their problems may not be as bad as others and not to dwell on them too much, as it can only heighten one's worries.
Line by Line Meaning
In the days of love and honor
During a time when love and dignity were valued
I was a fool for love
I made foolish decisions because of love
Gave my heart and soul
I gave my everything to my significant other
But it was hardly enough
But my efforts were not valued or reciprocated
It ain't love
True love is not just a feeling
Unless it brings you to your knees
It requires true commitment and submission
It ain't salvation
Similarly, true redemption in not easily earned
If you're still begging to be free
If you are still struggling despite seeking redemption, it may not be all you thought it would be
If your ship hasn't come in
If you have not yet found your fortune or success
Don't have a problem with the shore
Do not blame external factors for your lack of success
If you're locked out of your house
If you are having trouble finding a sense of belonging
Don't have a problem with your door
Do not blame others or external factors for your loneliness
The dice are no mans mistress
Luck is fickle and not reliable
Black diamond snake moan
A reference to blues music, can be interpreted as expressing pain or struggle
Wake up in the morning
Start a new day
Honey I'll be gone
Without notice or farewell
You know it's bad
Things have gotten worse than expected
When the ceiling says to the floor
When things around you seem to be crumbling inwards
I'll trade you places
I would rather be in your place
I can't take it up here no more
I am overwhelmed and need a change of perspective
I'm a living nervous habit
I am constantly and uncontrollably anxious
I tremble and I twitch
My anxiety is physically manifesting
Keep on pulling at me
Others continue to place demands on me despite my struggles
Like I'm some kind of hanging stitch
I feel like I am being stretched or pulled to my breaking point
Be glad your worries ain't like mine
Appreciate that your problems are not as severe as mine
Don't look twice
Do not dwell on your own problems or compare them to others. Move forward and appreciate what you have.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BENJAMIN CHASE HARPER, CHARLES MUSSELWHITE, JASON MOZERSKY, JESSE INGALLS, JORDAN RICHARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dimasvicente9880
JAZZ AND BLUES
BILLIE HOLIDAY
ENcantou !
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
EMocionou !
JANIS JOPLIN
O BLUES cantou !
BB. KING
brilhou !
ELLA FITGERALD
ETERNIZOU !
ROBERT JOHNSON
INfernizou !
VIVA O JAZZ
AND BLUES...
meu livro
ARTE E POESIA
na editora
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peace and love.
@imwhatsfourdinner
Ben Harper creates the kind of music that makes me feel things... Whether it be good or bad or sad or happy or loved, or in love, Ben Harper's music is always epic. A true musician.
@kamilamg
I never get tired of listening to Ben Harper
@frickpoo6644
am,azing Ben!!!!! long time listener,1st time caller. Seen you live several times in Detroit, and michigan outoor venues too. Your music evolves smoothly. Thank you my Friend. Music is universal and timeless.
@jayjman666
I don't know. Really don't care how I found Mr Ben Harper here. But hot damn I love it. Great music all of the songs. Big fan now. Thank you Mr Ben Harper
@stephanie802magic4
that harmonica though....best of the best
@thomasaltinimarketingdigitale
Playlist
@franciscoescobar5396
Ben Harper is heaven sent. His music touches my soul. Mucho Corazon! Well said Camila!
@TeresaLynnJohnson
OMGOSH.... So in Love with your voice and this music Mr. Harper!!!! Hugs to Charlie too!!!! Awesomeness!!!!!!
@TheVikkiSue
Still rockin' in the FREE world......
@mwilliamson3989
Ben and Charlie I got the ceiling and the floor blues! Love ❤️ your soul blues!