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'.
Say
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it takes all night
We won't have to be alone
If you say you will
Like Marie Antoinette
Said to Louis XVI
Man I think we're going down
And I'm afraid slim just left town
Now you've had me hanging
All on your line
But I know all too well
Love ain't nothin' but
A worried mind
I love you like
A candle loves a flame
Like a crying man
That has no shame
When you hit me I feel no pain
Like the last days that remain
Say you will
This song centers around a plea for a lover to commit to a relationship. The singer is asking for reassurance from their partner that they will stick by them even if it takes time to work through any issues they may have. They are willing to put in the effort and time required to make it work if their partner is willing to do the same. The lyrics, "Baby say it's all right, If it takes all night, We won't have to be alone, If you say you will" speak to this willingness to persevere even when the going gets tough.
The reference to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI is interesting as it adds a historical context to the song. The phrase, "Man I think we're going down, Our chances are slim and none, And I'm afraid slim just left town" addresses the idea of impending doom that the couple may be feeling in their relationship. The singer acknowledges that things may not be going well, but they still have hope and want their partner to share that hope with them.
The lines, "I love you like, A candle loves a flame, Like a crying man, That has no shame, When you hit me I feel no pain, Like the last days that remain, Say you will" further cement the intensity of the singer's feelings for their partner. They love them deeply, they feel vulnerable and exposed in their presence, and they are willing to go through anything if their partner will commit to them.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby say it's all right
Assuring your partner that everything is fine and they don't have to worry about anything.
If it takes all night
Telling your partner that you're willing to wait for them even if it takes all night.
We won't have to be alone
Reassuring your partner that they won't have to be alone, and that you'll always be there for them.
If you say you will
Asking your partner to promise you that they will stay with you and be there for you always.
Like Marie Antoinette
Comparing your situation to the doomed love story of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI.
Said to Louis XVI
Referring to the conversation Marie Antoinette had with Louis XVI before their imminent downfall.
Man I think we're going down
Expressing the feeling of being hopeless and on the brink of failure.
Our chances are slim and none
Believing that the odds of success are very low or non-existent.
And I'm afraid slim just left town
Feeling as though all hope is lost and the chances of success have vanished.
Now you've had me hanging
Feeling as though your partner has been stringing you along and leaving you uncertain about your future together.
All on your line
Feeling like your partner has all the power and control in the relationship.
But I know all too well
Acknowledging that you're aware of the risks and dangers involved in being in love.
Love ain't nothin' but
Believing that love is challenging and can be difficult at times.
A worried mind
Feeling stressed and anxious about the future and the state of the relationship.
I love you like
Expressing your deep love for your partner.
A candle loves a flame
Using a metaphor to describe the intensity and passion of your love.
Like a crying man
Showing vulnerability and a willingness to express your emotions.
That has no shame
Being unashamed of your feelings and emotions.
When you hit me I feel no pain
Comparing the intensity of love to the lack of physical sensation when being hit.
Like the last days that remain
Feeling as though every moment with your partner is precious and should be cherished.
Say you will
Asking your partner to make a commitment to you and promising to stand by your side always.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: LEON LEWIS MOBLEY, BEN C HARPER, OLIVER FRANCIS CHARLES, MICHAEL B. WARD, JUAN DWAYNE NELSON, JASON CONRAD YATES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind