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'.
Wicked Man
Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you got to peel the skin to get the food
And while one is living high, another is grieving
But what sweet by morning is bitter by the evening
I say the wicked man shall fall
When the moon chase away the sun
And force my day to run
For I know upon the other side is light
I say the wicked man shall fall
Every man is a common man
And every common has his plan
But while the hungry man seek any food, any food in sight
There's a greedy man who seek only appetite
I say the wicked man shall fall
The lyrics of Wicked Man by Ben Harper/The Blind Boys of Alabama talk about the dichotomy between those who seek the truth and those who seek power and wealth. The children are the ones who come running to the truth, seeking knowledge and understanding. However, the truth is not always readily available, and much like peeling a fruit to get to the good part, one must peel away the layers of distractions and misconceptions to get to the truth.
The song also touches upon the imbalance of power and resources in society, where one person can live a life of abundance while another is grieving in poverty. However, this imbalance is not sustainable, and what may appear sweet at first will eventually become bitter. The wicked man, who seeks only power and greed, will eventually fall, as the truth and light will always prevail.
Overall, the message of the song is grounded in the belief that justice and truth will always overcome greed and corruption. It encourages listeners to seek the truth, even if it means peeling away uncomfortable truths, and assures them that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for light to emerge.
Line by Line Meaning
Children come running to the truth
Children are naturally drawn to the truth and seek it out eagerly.
But you got to peel the skin to get the food
To truly understand something or gain knowledge, you must delve deeper and uncover the hidden layers.
And while one is living high, another is grieving
There are always those who are successful and those who are struggling. Happiness and sorrow exist side by side.
But what sweet by morning is bitter by the evening
The good things in life can turn sour and lose their value just as quickly as they were gained.
I say the wicked man shall fall
Those who do wrong will eventually suffer the consequences of their actions.
When the moon chase away the sun
A time will come when darkness will overtake the light.
And force my day to run
Despite this, I will not be afraid and will face the challenges that come my way with courage and determination.
I shall not fear the darkest night
Even in the darkest of times, I will not be overcome by fear or despair.
For I know upon the other side is light
I have faith that there will be a brighter future and that the trials of the present will lead to greater things.
Every man is a common man
We are all equal and share the same human experience, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances.
And every common has his plan
Everyone has their own goals and strategies for achieving them.
But while the hungry man seek any food, any food in sight
Some people will do anything to survive, even if it means sacrificing their dignity or values.
There's a greedy man who seek only appetite
Others are driven purely by their own selfish desires and will stop at nothing to satisfy them.
I say the wicked man shall fall
Again, those who do wrong and act without consideration for others will ultimately suffer the consequences.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BEN C HARPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind