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'.
Having Wings
Ben Harper Lyrics
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I heard a street singer play a song I called my own that brought be to my childhood home
[Chorus]
Did you go back from where you came
If i get there will they have my name
If they don't I'll only have myself to blame
for all these things
Life is a grey eyed, heavy hearted, whirlwind of a storm
Something they just hurt too much to cry
Memories are like shadows, the light won't make them disappear
So I still see you smiling with your eyes
[Chorus]
So did you go back from where you came
If I get there, if they have my name
If they don't I'll only have myself to blame
For all these things
True happiness is having wings
Did you go back from where you came
If I get there will they have my name
If they don't I'll only have myself to blame
For all these things
True happiness is having wings
True happiness is having wings
True happiness is having wings
The song "Having Wings" by Ben Harper is a reflective ballad that is somewhat melancholic in tone. The lyrics open with the singer describing how they heard a song played by a street singer that reminded them of a certain person in their life, whom they feel closer to when they hear it. The song is special to them and transports them back to their childhood home. The chorus poses a question of whether this person has returned to their place of origin, and asks if the singer will be welcomed back there as well. The lyrics suggest that true happiness is attained when one has the freedom to fly, unencumbered by earthly troubles, hence the metaphor of "having wings."
The second half of the song is more introspective, with the lyrics describing life as a storm that is often too overwhelming to bear. Memories of loved ones who have left can be as fleeting and as changeable as shadows, but the singer holds onto them because they provide comfort. The closing lines emphasize that true happiness is the ability to break free from life's constraints and limitations, and soar above it all with wings. The lyrics subtly convey a sense of loss, of longing, and of not knowing what the future holds. The song's simplicity and honesty make it relatable, as most people have experienced moments of melancholy and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard a street singer play a song I knew that brought me closer to you
A musician on the street played a tune that reminded me of you and brought me back to memories of us.
Did you go back from where you came
Did you return to your roots or original home?
If i get there will they have my name
If I go back to my roots, will the people there know who I am?
If they don't I'll only have myself to blame
for all these things
If the people don't recognize me, it's my fault for losing my roots and not staying connected to my past.
True happiness is having wings
Happiness lies in having freedom, like the freedom that comes with having wings to fly away and escape limitations.
Life is a grey eyed, heavy hearted, whirlwind of a storm
Something they just hurt too much to cry
Life can be tough and turbulent, causing internal pain that is difficult to express outwardly.
Memories are like shadows, the light won't make them disappear
So I still see you smiling with your eyes
Even if light is shed on memories, they still exist and it's hard to forget certain moments, like seeing someone you love's smile.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BEN C HARPER, JASON CONRAD YATES, JUAN DWAYNE NELSON, LEON LEWIS MOBLEY, MICHAEL B. WARD, OLIVER FRANCIS CHARLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind