Whipping Boy
Ben Harper Lyrics


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Well you can need me
Well I want you to
And you can feed me
How I like that too
But don't you lead me
I won't follow you
Listen here
I don't fear
I don't want to be your
Whipping boy

You can tease me
How I want you to
And you can squeeze me
Baby I like that too
But don't you lead me
I won't follow you
Listen here
I don't fear
I don't want to be your
Whipping boy

You can hold me
Baby I want you to
And you can scold me
Yes I like that too
But don't you lead me
I won't follow you
Listen here
I don't fear
I don't want to be your
Whipping boy

Well you can need me
Well I want you to
And you can feed me
Baby I like that too
But don't you lead me
I won't follow you
Listen here
I don't fear




I don't want to be your
Whipping boy

Overall Meaning

In Ben Harper's song Whipping Boy, the lyrics revolve around a relationship where one partner wants complete control and dominance over the other. The singer is willing to be needed, fed, teased, squeezed, held, and even scolded, but they won't tolerate being led or controlled. The phrase "whipping boy" refers to a person who is punished or criticized for the mistakes or shortcomings of others. In this context, it means the singer doesn't want to be the recipient of someone else's emotional abuse or manipulation.


The lyrics convey a sense of independence and self-respect. It's clear that the singer wants to be in a healthy and equal relationship where they're not submissive to their partner's every whim. The repetition of the chorus, "I don't want to be your whipping boy," emphasizes this point and gives the song a powerful, liberating tone. The singer is setting boundaries and refusing to be a victim.


Overall, Ben Harper's Whipping Boy is a song about standing up for oneself and not allowing others to control or manipulate them. The lyrics urge listeners to assert their independence and self-worth, even when it means walking away from a relationship or situation that's toxic.


Line by Line Meaning

Well you can need me
I am available to be needed by you.


Well I want you to
I desire to be wanted by you.


And you can feed me
I can receive from you.


How I like that too
It is gratifying to receive in the way that I prefer.


But don't you lead me
I am not willing to be led by you.


I won't follow you
I refuse to follow your lead.


Listen here
Pay attention to what I am saying.


I don't fear
I am not afraid of you or the situation.


I don't want to be your
I have no desire to be seen as your


Whipping boy
Scapegoat or victim for your actions or emotions.


You can tease me
You can playfully provoke me.


How I want you to
It is enjoyable to be provoked in that way.


And you can squeeze me
You can hold me tightly.


Baby I like that too
It is pleasurable for me to be held in that way.


But don't you lead me
I am not willing to be led by you.


I won't follow you
I refuse to follow your lead.


Listen here
Pay attention to what I am saying.


I don't fear
I am not afraid of you or the situation.


I don't want to be your
I have no desire to be seen as your


Whipping boy
Scapegoat or victim for your actions or emotions.


You can hold me
You can physically embrace me.


Baby I want you to
It is my desire for you to physically embrace me.


And you can scold me
You can reprimand or criticize me.


Yes I like that too
It is satisfying for me to receive reprimands or criticism.


But don't you lead me
I am not willing to be led by you.


I won't follow you
I refuse to follow your lead.


Listen here
Pay attention to what I am saying.


I don't fear
I am not afraid of you or the situation.


I don't want to be your
I have no desire to be seen as your


Whipping boy
Scapegoat or victim for your actions or emotions.


Well you can need me
I am available to be needed by you.


Well I want you to
I desire to be wanted by you.


And you can feed me
I can receive from you.


Baby I like that too
It is gratifying to receive in the way that I prefer.


But don't you lead me
I am not willing to be led by you.


I won't follow you
I refuse to follow your lead.


Listen here
Pay attention to what I am saying.


I don't fear
I am not afraid of you or the situation.


I don't want to be your
I have no desire to be seen as your


Whipping boy
Scapegoat or victim for your actions or emotions.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@innocentgomez8401

Well you can need me Well I want you to
And you can feed me How I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy

You can tease me How I want you to
And you can squeeze me Baby I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy

Well you can need me Well I want you to
And you can feed me Baby I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy



All comments from YouTube:

@epipd5712

I think Ben Harper is one of the most gifted musicians of our times. Every song he sings has real thought in it, and he sings his songs with a passion. I was so fortunate to see him in concert back in the 90's. It was a magical incredible night I will never forget. Kudos to Ben Harper for his awesome gift of music!

@noble103

Excellent funk, soulful... That slide is delicious, been listening to Ben a long time what a voice 👍

@rasredi

This will never sound dated.. great record!

@jeffreypattie7150

What a talented talented humble beautiful man! Was blessed to see him live, playing this, talked with him telling him I saw lennon and robert plant. Live i cant tell you how amazing!! Like jeff Buckley, live

@Hijodeganas1

First Ben Harper song I ever heard, and still my favorite.

@bigbuoy100

Same

@Greenredfield

Same

@Greenredfield

This video sucks though.

@innocentgomez8401

Well you can need me Well I want you to
And you can feed me How I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy

You can tease me How I want you to
And you can squeeze me Baby I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy

Well you can need me Well I want you to
And you can feed me Baby I like that too
But don’t you lead me I won’t follow you
Listen here
I don’t fear
I don’t want to be your
Whipping boy

@jordach545

I was at his really rainy show in Toronto a few years back. Ben still talks about that show in interviews because the rain was going sideways, the band was covered and no one was leaving lol. It was so cold and rainy and no one cared haha. The encore was bittersweet to say the least.

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