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'.
Touch From Your Lust
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need to come down but I'm too wired
When the sun comes up I miss the moon
Cause I know tomorrow is gonna come too soon
She only wants to be wanted
But time crumbles blue roses to dust
Now I long to feel the touch from your lust
But I'll roll like the ocean if you'll blow like the wind
Sweet Texas angel what have your blue eyes seen
I'll be your country gentleman
If you will be my Mason Dixon queen
Queen
She only wants to be wanted
But time crumbles blue roses to dust
Now I long to feel the touch from your lust
So much sweeter than all the rest
You're what lies between pain and death
Sinners and saints call you by name
If you're gonna take the praise
You're gonna have to learn to take the blame
She only wants to be wanted
But time crumbles blue roses to dust
Now I long to feel the touch from your.
The lyrics to Ben Harper's song Touch From Your Lust are rich in meaning and imagery. The song seems to be addressing the human need for connection, both physical and emotional. The first stanza describes a person who is too exhausted to sleep, yet too wired to relax. The singer longs for something more, something that will transport them beyond the mundane and into a realm of intense feeling. The chorus repeats the phrase "She only wants to be wanted," which speaks to the deep longing we all have to be seen and loved. However, the line "time crumbles blue roses to dust" reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and that everything we hold dear will eventually fade away.
The second stanza delves deeper into the idea of physical connection. The scars on the person's back tell a story of where they have been, but the singer is willing to roll with the ebb and flow of life, as long as they can find a moment of respite in the touch of someone they desire. The last two lines of the stanza speak to the idea of social class and regional identity, but ultimately the message is one of unity and acceptance.
The third stanza takes a darker turn, referencing sinners, saints, pain, and death. The singer seems to be grappling with the idea that to fully embrace life and all its pleasures, one must also take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The final line of the chorus reinforces the idea that, despite everything, the singer still craves the touch of someone they desire.
Overall, Touch From Your Lust is a complex and nuanced song that explores themes of longing, loss, and desire. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth, making for a powerful listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I need to sleep but I'm too tired
I am exhausted and need rest, but my mind is too active to relax.
I need to come down but I'm too wired
I crave a state of calmness, but my energy level is still too high.
When the sun comes up I miss the moon
When the bright and lively day arrives, I long for the darkness and mystery of night.
Cause I know tomorrow is gonna come too soon
I am aware that time passes quickly, and I am not ready for whatever is ahead.
She only wants to be wanted
This woman desires to be desired and appreciated by others.
But time crumbles blue roses to dust
Despite the beauty and delicate nature of blue roses, time destroys them all the same.
Now I long to feel the touch from your lust
I crave a physical connection fueled by passion and desire from the person I desire.
Scars on your back tell where you've been
The marks on your body indicate the experiences and hardships you have faced and overcome.
But I'll roll like the ocean if you'll blow like the wind
I am willing to be adaptable and flexible if you reciprocate and show me the same level of openness.
Sweet Texas angel what have your blue eyes seen
You are an innocent and pure person, but I am curious about the experiences and knowledge that you possess.
I'll be your country gentleman
I will treat you with respect, kindness, and chivalry if you allow me the opportunity to do so.
If you will be my Mason Dixon queen
If you accept my offer of companionship and share my values and interests.
Sinners and saints call you by name
People from all walks of life acknowledge and know your reputation and presence.
If you're gonna take the praise
If you desire to receive recognition and admiration from others.
You're gonna have to learn to take the blame
With public attention and accolades come the responsibility to accept criticism and accountability for one's actions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BEN HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind