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'.
Where Could I Go
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I fear that our time has come and gone
They say freedom is just a place to hide
Now I'm coming to you with my arms open wide
(Oh - won't you tell me)
Where could I go to the Lord
Oh - And give it to the Lord
Give it to the Lord
Cause nothing else could save a sinner
Sinner like me
Oh - But an angel's word
Just an angel's word
Now - Oh now - what is - what is too true
What is hard is much too true
Oh - and what's true Oh - is much too too hard
And now where - where could I go but to the Lord
Mama was hard on us but we could take it
And papa didn't give a damn and he couldn't fake it
They say freedom
Oh - Freedom is just an other place to hide
Now I'm coming to you with my arms open wide
(And tell me)
Where could I go - Oh - but to the Lord
The lyrics to Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama's song "Where Could I Go" are an expression of the search for redemption and the longing for spiritual refuge. The song starts with the realization that there are no negotiations to be done with the dawn, representing the end of a certain time and the beginning of another. The idea of freedom as a place to hide is introduced, hinting at the idea that the only safety one can find is in the arms of the Lord. The phrase "Where could I go to the Lord" is repeated throughout the song, driving home the central message of the lyrics.
The second verse takes the listener on a journey of humility and surrender. The singer is asking for someone to take a prayer to heaven on their behalf, acknowledging that only the Lord can save a sinner like himself. The phrase "just an angel's word" conveys the idea that sometimes all it takes is a small gesture or sign from the divine to turn one's life around. The chorus is repeated again, solidifying the idea that there is no other place to go but to the Lord.
The final verse tells a brief story of a difficult childhood and the challenges faced by the singer's parents. The repetition of the phrase "Freedom is just an other place to hide" creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the singer is running out of options. The chorus is repeated once more, bringing the song to a close on a note of surrender and hope.
Overall, the lyrics to "Where Could I Go" are a powerful testament to the human need for spiritual guidance and the search for redemption. The song uses vivid imagery and repetition to drive home its message, making it a moving and memorable piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no deals to be made with the dawn
We can't bargain with time and age.
Now I fear that our time has come and gone
I am worried that our chance is already over.
They say freedom is just a place to hide
People think that freedom only provides an escape from their problems.
Now I'm coming to you with my arms open wide
I am approaching you with an open heart and mind.
(Oh - won't you tell me) Where could I go to the Lord
I am seeking advice on where to find God.
Take a prayer with you to heaven for me
Please take my prayer to God.
Oh - And give it to the Lord
Deliver my prayer to God.
Cause nothing else could save a sinner
Only faith in God can rescue a sinful person.
Sinner like me
Like myself, who has erred and requires God's forgiveness.
Oh - But an angel's word
Only the heavenly messenger's message can be trusted.
Just an angel's word
Only the angel's word holds sway in this situation.
Now - Oh now - what is - what is too true
Now it has become so true that it's unambiguous.
What is hard is much too true
The truth is often tough to digest.
Oh - and what's true Oh - is much too too hard
The truth is often challenging to accept.
And now where - where could I go but to the Lord
I have no other place to go other than to God.
Mama was hard on us but we could take it
Our mother's discipline was strict, but it was bearable.
And papa didn't give a damn and he couldn't fake it
Our father was apathetic and he was incapable of pretending to care.
They say freedom
The general belief is that liberty
Oh - Freedom is just an other place to hide
Provides only another solitude from the rest of the world.
Now I'm coming to you with my arms open wide
Open to your help in gaining the religious guidance required.
(And tell me) Where could I go - Oh - but to the Lord
Asking for suggestions for any but him.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ben C Harper, Marc Ford, Jason Yates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind