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'.
Strawberry Fields
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
Strawberry fields forever
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see
It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out
It doesn't matter much to me
Nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
Strawberry fields forever
No one I think is in my tree, I mean it must be high or low
That is you can't you know tune in but it's alright
That is I think it's not too bad
Let me take you down 'cause I'm going to strawberry fields
Nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
Strawberry fields forever
Always no, sometimes think it's me but you know
I know when it's a dream, I think I know I mean a yes
But it's all wrong, that is I think I disagree
Let me take you down 'cause I'm going to strawberry fields
Oh, nothing, nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
Strawberry fields forever, strawberry fields forever, strawberry fields forever
The lyrics in Ben Harper's song Strawberry Fields allude to the Strawberry Fields Memorial in New York City's Central Park, where John Lennon of The Beatles often spent his time before his untimely death. The line "nothing is real" refers to Lennon's philosophy that everything in life is ultimately meaningless and that the true essence of life lies in what one imagines and seeks out for themselves. The song's overall message seems to center on a rejection of conformity and societal norms, instead advocating for individuality and personal freedom. The line "living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see," portrays the idea that living blindly without truly understanding life can be easier than confronting its complexities.
The lines "no one I think is in my tree, I mean it must be high or low, that is you can't you know tune in but it's alright" allude to the image of being alone and misunderstood, yet still taking comfort in finding one's own path in life. The imagery is both cryptic and dreamlike, likely mirroring Lennon's own experiences and personal philosophies. The repetition of the chorus "let me take you down cause I'm going to strawberry fields, nothing is real, and there's nothing to get hung about" emphasizes the idea that rejecting societal norms and pursuing one's passions can lead to a sense of freedom and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me take you down 'cause I'm going to strawberry fields
Come with me and escape reality by entering the imaginary and free world of Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
In this world there are no worries or concerns because everything is imaginary and nothing exists in reality
Strawberry fields forever
The world of Strawberry Fields is eternal and never-ending
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see
Life can be simple and easy when one turns a blind eye towards reality and fails to perceive the truth
It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out
It can be difficult to maintain a sense of individuality and character, but eventually everything falls into place
It doesn't matter much to me
In this world, nothing really holds any great value or importance
No one I think is in my tree, I mean it must be high or low
I feel completely isolated in this world, either on a different level from everyone else or beneath them
That is you can't you know tune in but it's alright
Even if others cannot understand this world, it's okay because it is still enjoyable and entertaining
That is I think it's not too bad
Overall, I believe that this world is a positive experience
Always no, sometimes think it's me but you know
I often feel uncertain of my true identity or place in this world
I know when it's a dream, I think I know I mean a yes
I am aware of when I am dreaming, and it feels like a reassuring confirmation of the positive nature of this world
But it's all wrong, that is I think I disagree
Despite my overall positive feelings about the world of Strawberry Fields, there are moments where I recognize its flaws and disagree with it
Oh, nothing, nothing is real and there's nothing to get hung about
Once again emphasizing that everything in this world is imaginary and that there is no need to worry or stress about anything that happens here
Strawberry fields forever, strawberry fields forever, strawberry fields forever
Repeating the eternal nature of this world and reinforcing the idea that it will always exist in the imagination
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
K Brunelle
This is my favourite cover of Strawberry Fields.
Lady Freedom’s Raw Narratives
It’s a good one. ❤
Jacob Kitts
I love the backing track to this song. Awesome instrumentation.
Mar Montero
Me encanta esta versión!!! ♥️
Tenía tiempo buscándola 😁
adanaro
Strawberry Fields Forever is a sacred mountain. And you've climbed to the top. Well done Ben
Emerald_Floyd
This has always been the most beautiful rendition of this song I've ever heard. It's absolutely gorgeous and makes me so emotional!😍
Francis Solórzano M.
He escuchado varias versiones de STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER, y no temo en equivocarme que la mejor interpretación en COVER para esta BELLISIMA CANCION es lo hecho por "BEN HARPER", me emociono por la linda interpretación, FANTASTICO, IS WONDERFUL. Saludos.
Joseph Kendrigan
One of the best covers of any Beatles song. Original and sung with heart.
MMAniac76
I'm a HUGE Ben Harper fan. Huge! But there was a rare and unique emotion in John Lennon's voice that will never be copied or reproduced.
Jeffrey Felch
one of the best covers - ever.