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'.
The Way You Found Me
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The more I talk, the less I think
The less I think, the more I feel
Folks don't change
They just reveal
My mind is broke, my last nerve is shot
What you want from me, I ain't got
So please don't tell me twice what I need to do
There's no rules to lust
Only passion, and it can be so unjust
If we don't speak, we'll get along just fine
Don't ask me how I'm doing
Cause I don't feel like lying
Take me as I am
Or leave me the way you found me
In his song, "The Way You Found Me," Ben Harper describes his state of mind at a time when he is feeling overwhelmed and lost. He reveals that he is engaging in self-destructive behaviors, smoking and drinking more as a result of his inability to think straight. He has lost touch with his emotions and can no longer think clearly. He feels like he is at the end of his rope with his last nerve shot. He misses close human connections and feels misunderstood, his mind broken.
The song reflects a deep sense of resignation and acceptance, which is illustrated in the idea that people don't change, they only reveal who they really are. He believes that there are no rules to our passions, and that love can be so unjust. Sometimes it is better to keep quiet and avoid conflicts, because it can lead to a peaceful co-existence. Ben concludes by challenging the listener to either take him as he is or leave him the way he found him.
The song reflects on the relatable and recognizable experiences of feeling lost, overwhelmed, and misunderstood. It is a reminder that change does not always come easily, and that it is important to acknowledge and accept our flaws and shortcomings as part of who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
The more I smoke, the more I drink
Indulging in harmful habits can lead to further indulgence and a vicious cycle.
The more I talk, the less I think
Talking too much can cloud judgement and prevent sound decision-making.
The less I think, the more I feel
Ignoring rational thought can lead to an abundance of emotions and irrational behavior.
Folks don't change
People generally remain true to their nature and character.
They just reveal
People's true selves become more apparent over time.
My mind is broke, my last nerve is shot
Mental and emotional exhaustion can make it difficult to function properly.
What you want from me, I ain't got
I cannot meet your expectations or fulfill your desires.
Two plus two will never be twenty-two
Some things are fundamentally impossible, no matter how much you try to make them happen.
So please don't tell me twice what I need to do
I understand what is being asked of me, repeating it will not change the outcome.
There's no rules to lust
Desire and attraction do not follow a set of guidelines or regulations.
Only passion, and it can be so unjust
Strong feelings can lead to impulsive decisions and unfair actions.
If we don't speak, we'll get along just fine
Avoiding confrontation or discussion may prevent conflict, but it also hinders communication and understanding.
Don't ask me how I'm doing
I do not wish to discuss or disclose my current state or emotions.
Cause I don't feel like lying
I do not want to be dishonest or insincere about my feelings or situation.
Take me as I am
Accept me without trying to change or mold me to your expectations.
Or leave me the way you found me
If you cannot accept me as I am, then it is best to part ways without altering who I truly am.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind