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'.
Jesus on the Main Line
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
You gotta call him up and tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
You gotta call him up and tell him what you want.
If you want in his kingdom, tell him what you want.
If you want in his kingdom, tell him what you want.
If you want in his kingdom, tell him what you want.
You gotta call him up and tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
You gotta call him up and tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
The lyrics of Ben Harper's song "Jesus on the Main Line" present a message of faith in God and the power of prayer. The repetition of the line "Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want" emphasizes the idea that people can communicate their needs and desires to God through prayer, and the listener is urged to take advantage of this means of communication. The line is also a reference to an old gospel song, which is included in the chorus of Harper's version.
The song begins with a focus on physical healing, stating that if you are sick and want to get well, you should tell Jesus what you want. This is followed by a shift towards spiritual healing, as the listener is encouraged to ask for entrance into God's kingdom. Throughout the song, the lyrics emphasize the idea that God is accessible to everyone, and that the listener should take advantage of the opportunity to communicate with Him and ask for what they need.
Overall, "Jesus on the Main Line" is a message of hope and faith, urging the listener to turn to God in times of need and ask for what they want.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus is on that mainline, tell him what you want.
Jesus is always available to listen and help, so if you need something, just let him know.
If you're sick and you want to get well, tell him what you want.
If you're feeling unwell, talk to Jesus about it and ask for his healing.
You gotta call him up and tell him what you want.
In order to receive help from Jesus, you need to be open and honest about what you need.
If you want in his kingdom, tell him what you want.
If you want to be part of Jesus' kingdom, express your desire and dedicate your life to him.
Contributed by Madison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cabralzex
Jesus is the main line, always! He was born, has died, and is coming back again! I love BH, musicm but I Love Jesus even more! good song
@jaspertjek7124
AMEN!!
@TimBirkenholz
@cabralzex Yes this song is awesome indeed!
@TimBirkenholz
@jcooper6899 I believe that Jesus existed, but not the thing around his existance and his relation to God. I don't believe in God either. I do respect Ben Harper's religion and so this song. Singing along with this song doesn't feel akward at all, even if it's about Jesus and that he'll help us and that you can tell him what you want. Jesus is on the mainline! haha
@michielvdvlies3315
If you believe Jesus existed you cant say you dont believe in God. for Jesus IS God
@Apostolicification
There are many verses in the bible that establish Jesus in the new testament as jehovah of the old testament.One day every knee shall bow.Why not do it voluntarily.