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'.
Reason To Mourn
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I know you've had enough
Some baptize in water
Some in flames
What has life done to you
All you ever wanted was someone to run to you
There's more to life than what makes you cry
Don't you give me a reason to mourn
Look into my eyes with all your hate and scorn
I'll remove the crown of sorrow which you have been adorned
But don't you give me a reason to mourn
The song Reason To Mourn by Ben Harper is a song that tries to comfort someone who has had their fair share of pain and suffering. The first few lines of the song are a bit cryptic, but as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the song is about a person who has been hurt by life, and needs someone to help them out of their dark and difficult situation. The lyrics suggest that the person has been through a lot, but is still fighting to find some peace and meaning.
In the lyrics, Harper sings, "What has life done to you? All you ever wanted was someone to run to you. There's more to life than what makes you cry." These lines are a reminder that even in the darkest moments of life, there is still hope and a reason to keep going. The chorus is a call to action for the person in pain, "Don't you give me a reason to mourn. Look into my eyes with all your hate and scorn. I'll remove the crown of sorrow which you have been adorned. But don't you give me a reason to mourn." This chorus is a plea to the person not to give up, but to keep fighting and to trust that things will get better over time.
Overall, the song Reason To Mourn is a message of hope for those who have suffered in life. It acknowledges the pain and the hurt, but encourages people to keep fighting and to find the joy and purpose that can make life worth living. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reaffirmation that no matter what happens in our lives, there is always hope.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't know the hell you love
I may not understand what you love, even if it sounds like hell, but I realize you've been through enough.
But I know you've had enough
You're exhausted and heartbroken from everything that's happened to you - I know that much for sure.
Some baptize in water
People look to cleanse themselves of pain and sorrow in different ways - some find relief in water, whether it be in baptism or otherwise.
Some in flames
Others look to burn their troubles away, finding rebirth or purification in the heat of fire.
What has life done to you
Life has been difficult and oppressive for you, and you haven't deserved the trials it's handed you.
All you ever wanted was someone to run to you
You've always craved someone to come to your side, to support and protect you in your times of need.
There's more to life than what makes you cry
It can be hard to see past the pain and sadness, but there are other things in life that can bring us happiness and fulfillment too.
Don't you give me a reason to mourn
I won't let myself grieve for you yet, but I need you to stay strong and keep fighting your battles with me.
Look into my eyes with all your hate and scorn
I want you to confront your feelings and fears, even if they come out as anger or resentment - I'm here to be your sounding board and your rock.
I'll remove the crown of sorrow which you have been adorned
I'll help you take off the weight of sadness and despair that's been weighing on you, and help you find a more positive perspective.
But don't you give me a reason to mourn
I don't want to lose you, and I don't want to mourn for you just yet - please stay strong and keep fighting alongside me.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind