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'.
Forever
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No not three or four
I don't want that kind of forever
In my life anymore
Forever always seems
To be around when it begins
But forever never seems
To be around when it ends
Please your forever
Not a day less will do, from you
People spend so much time
Every single day
Runnin' 'round all over town
Givin' their forever away
But no not me, I won't let my forever roam
And now I hope I can find my forever home
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do, from you
Like a hand-less clock with numbers
An infinite of time
No not the forever found
Only in the mind
Forever always seems
To be around when things begin
But forever never seems
To be around when things end
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you
The song "Forever" by Ben Harper is a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of time and love. The lyrics open with the statement that the singer is not talking about a year nor three or four, and that they do not want that kind of forever in their life anymore. They assert that forever always seems to be around when things begin but never present when they end. They place value on the value of someone's "forever" and implore them to give them their forever, not a day less.
The first verse suggests that people can waste their time and energy on pointless endeavors, giving their forever away. The singer, however, refuses to let their forever roam and hopes to find their forever home. The second verse emphasizes the concept of "forever" being present only in the mind, with no physical manifestation.
The chorus repeats the request for a person's forever, insisting that nothing less will do. The bridge presents a metaphor of an infinite, handless clock with numbers, tying the themes of time and forever together. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, as the singer requests only someone's forever.
Overall, "Forever" is a beautiful and evocative song that speaks to the universal desire for love and companionship that is not fleeting but stands the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Not talkin' 'bout a year
I'm not looking for something that only lasts a year.
No not three or four
I'm not looking for something that only lasts a few years.
I don't want that kind of forever
I'm not looking for a temporary 'forever', but something more meaningful.
In my life anymore
I've learned that temporary 'forevers' don't bring long-term happiness, so I don't want them in my life anymore.
Forever always seems
The idea of forever is always present when things are going well.
To be around when it begins
Forever seems like a real possibility at the start of a relationship.
But forever never seems
Once the excitement fades, forever seems like an illusion.
To be around when it ends
When relationships end, the idea of forever disappears.
So give me your forever
I'm looking for someone who is willing to commit to forever.
Please your forever
I want you to give me your forever with joy and eagerness.
Not a day less will do, from you
I won't settle for anything less than a forever commitment from you.
People spend so much time
Many people spend a lot of time.
Every single day
Each and every day.
Runnin' 'round all over town
Running around the city or town where they live.
Givin' their forever away
Giving away their chance at forever by not committing to the right person.
But no not me, I won't let my forever roam
But I won't allow my forever to wander aimlessly like many people do.
And now I hope I can find my forever home
I hope to find a place where my forever can be secure and happy.
Like a hand-less clock with numbers
An analogy to describe an infinite amount of time without any specific direction or purpose.
An infinite of time
A limitless amount of time.
No not the forever found
This infinite time is not the kind of forever I'm looking for.
Only in the mind
This concept of forever is only something we can imagine in our minds.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: BEN HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerry Nelissen
Lyrics:
"Not talkin' 'bout a year
No not three or four
I don't want that kind of forever
In my life anymore
Forever always seems
to be around when it begins
but forever never seems
to be around when it ends
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do From you
People spend so much time
Every single day
Runnin' 'round all over town
Givin' their forever away
But no not me
I won't let my forever roam
and now I hope I can find
my forever a home
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you
Like a handless clock with numbers
An infinite of time
No not the forever found
Only in the mind
Forever always seems
to be around when things begin
but forever never seems
to be around when things end
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you"
Love is the Only Engine of Survival
MARANATHA!
Not talkin' 'bout a year
No not three or four
I don't want that kind of forever
In my life anymore
Forever always seems
to be around when it begins
but forever never seems
to be around when it ends
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do From you
People spend so much time
Every single day
Runnin' 'round all over town
Givin' their forever away
But no not me
I won't let my forever roam
and now I hope I can find
my forever a home
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you
Like a handless clock with numbers
An infinite of time
No not the forever found
Only in the mind
Forever always seems
to be around when things begin
but forever never seems
to be around when things end
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you
LadyLake Music
I'm reunited with the love of my life playing this 40 years later crying. Never give up!
MedusaOblongata
This was my song for a wedding with my greatest love, but the wedding never happened bc he couldn't stop drinking. 17 years now and he just got married... and i still have my wedding dress from our nuptials in my closet. Just reconnected after 10 years now... it broke my heart to see him married. We were together for so long.. he'll always have this big spot in my heart, and a part of me doesn't want to let go. Im glad you reunited with yours.
SheezyPeezyLemonSqueezy
My wedding song. We split 8 years later only to find our way back to eachother 10 years later. Our second wedding had the same song, but this time we finally understood forever. Heres to Forever, not a day less will do.
Astha Bhardwaj
Confirmation from the Universe ❤❤ 😍😍
Mark Haban
I played this song for my girlfriend as I nervously reached around in my pocket. I found what I was looking for, and slipped it on her finger. Luckily she said yes. 12 years later, and I cannot find a more beautiful and appropriate song to describe my feelings. Thanks Ben
JustinRenteria
Eltion john
valerie perie
eddy de preto
Kevin Mccarthy
This song is so powerful, by far one of my favorites, "so give me your Forever, Please your Forever, not a day less will do." Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this song.
Lênyo Araújo
Essa musica simplesmente fala com minha alma, perfeita s2 S2 s2...
J Fiscus
Thank you Ben Harper. I just lost a loved one and your words have always helped me. RIP.......... My best friend!