Benjamin Ivan Jelen (born 8 July, 1979; Scotland, UK) is a singer/songwrite… Read Full Bio ↴Benjamin Ivan Jelen (born 8 July, 1979; Scotland, UK) is a singer/songwriter. He plays the piano, violin, and guitar. He has lived in Scotland, England, Texas, New Jersey, and New York.
He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in biology. After that, he moved to New York City to work as a producer and sound-engineer at a local recording studio.

Ben was discovered by Joseph Janus of Fearless Management, who originally wanted to sign Ben as a model. Instead, Ben handed him a demo, and shortly thereafter, he was signed to a label and released his debut album "Give It All Away". His music has been featured on One Tree Hill, Smallville, Las Vegas, and was used to promote the Academy Award Nominated "Finding Neverland" starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. He has also written music for Tori Amos' RAINN organization and joined the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Wildlife Works. Ben also independently released the EP "Rejected" through Fearless Management Records in 2005.

In 2007, Ben Jelen released a proper followup to "Give It All Away". The CD is called "Ex-Sensitive" (formerly titled "East" and "Pulse") and it was released on Custard Records. This album is all about love, but unlike his debut, this album does not focus on romantic love, but love for the earth and the environment.

Criminal
Ben Jelen Lyrics

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Leaving waves of lies behind
No time to contemplate
Sailing ships of solitude
I never let the sadness dissipate
Leave behind an angry anchor
It's never too late

I guess it's in a time like this

The winds would blow the other way
Sailing through a sea of doubt
I have the time to contemplate
A world so harsh to face and lies so commonplace
We're insecure 'cause we want more
What about the time before?
Was it ignorance?
We said never again

I'm a criminal
I turn away when I know what's going on
My children will ask me, “How did you ignore”
If you really don't see
Then open up your eyes
'Cause its glaring out in front of me
I'll go by myself

I guess it's in the times like these
When the winds are fake
When I wish we'd sail together
Take these empty seas away
In a world so harsh to face and lies so commonplace
We're insecure 'cause we want more
What about the time before?
Was it ignorance? We said never again

Was it ignorance or innocence?
Aren't they really the same?

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Ben Jelen's song "Criminal" describe the singer's perspective on leaving behind a life of lies and moving forward with a sense of solitude. He declares that he will not let his sadness dissipate or be weighed down by an "angry anchor," suggesting that he is leaving toxic relationships or a past he is not proud of behind. In the next verse, he reflects on the complexity of navigating through a world that is both harsh and full of lies. He acknowledges the need to contemplate and face the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. The chorus presents the central theme of the song, with Jelen confessing that he feels like a "criminal" for turning a blind eye to what is going on around him. He urges others to open their eyes and fight against the injustices they see. The final lines of the song pose a question about whether ignorance and innocence are two sides of the same coin.

Overall, "Criminal" is a powerful commentary on the importance of facing the truth and not turning a blind eye to the injustices in the world. Jelen's lyrics are introspective and reflective, encouraging listeners to think critically about their own choices and actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Leaving waves of lies behind
Moving on from a past of deception

No time to contemplate
Can't stop to think about it

Sailing ships of solitude
Traveling alone

I never let the sadness dissipate
Not letting go of emotional pain

Leave behind an angry anchor
Let go of negative emotions

It's never too late
It's never too late to change

I guess it's in a time like this
This situation makes me think

The winds would blow the other way
Things could be different

Sailing through a sea of doubt
Feeling uncertain

I have the time to contemplate
I have the chance to think it over

A world so harsh to face and lies so commonplace
The world is cruel and dishonest