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.
Falling Down
Ben Jelen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stuck in 1st and I wonder if I should stay
The ride is history and to my left the shores is right
But this seems a little bit too hard
And all the questions come running through my mind and will I see this another way
The simple truth isn't falling falling down
And I don't want to drag you through the bottom
Sit in front of me
Turn around you'll see
I'm everything you want
All you'll ever need
Come back into my world
You know I'm always yours
And she makes so much since
When she says done throw this away
Its hard to know what's real when it all seems wrong
But I promise you ill find what's going on
I just need to follow the sun before Ill know if ill see this another way
The simple truth isn't falling falling down
And I don't want to drag you through the bottom
Then she says
Sit in front of me
Turn around you'll see
I'm everything you want
All you'll ever need
Come back into my world
You know I'm always yours
And she makes so much since
When she says done throw this away
Isabelle she drifts so lightly floating in her dripsy dresses
Even as her words cut deep I can't deny the truth in them
On the phone she talks so loud to me and I listen hopelessly
So direction the side headed to oblivion
And then I decide to give another round of memories of the firs time we sang out to the sea
Oh Isabelle you always understood me
Please Isabelle forgive me now
And all the questions come running through my mind and will I see this another way
The simple truth isn't falling falling down
And I don't want to drag you through the bottom
The lyrics to Ben Jelen's song Falling Down are a reflection of a young man's inner thoughts as he faces a crossroad in his life where he feels lost and unsure of the path to take. As he sits at a stoplight in the middle of the night, he questions whether he should stay or move on. The simple truth isn't falling down, and he doesn't want to drag someone else through the bottom with him. In the midst of his mental turmoil, a voice of reason calls out to him, urging him to come back into her world where she's everything he wants and needs. This person's words are both soothing and cutting as they make him question everything about his life, but they also offer him direction and hope.
The lyrics reveal a sense of longing, regret, and confusion as the singer struggles to find his place in the world. The mention of Isabelle and their memories together adds another layer of depth to the song, as it suggests that the singer is struggling to let go of someone from his past who he feels has always understood him. Furthermore, the singer is conscious of the fact that he needs to find his way before he'll realize that there might be another way.
Line by Line Meaning
At a stoplight in the middle of the night
I am feeling lost and unsure of my direction in life.
Stuck in 1st and I wonder if I should stay
I am unsure if I should continue on my current path or make a change.
The ride is history and to my left the shores is right
My past is behind me and the future is within reach, but I am still unsure of how to proceed.
But this seems a little bit too hard
I am feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my abilities.
And all the questions come running through my mind and will I see this another way
I am questioning my decisions and wondering if I will ever find clarity.
The simple truth isn't falling falling down
The solution to my problems is not becoming any clearer.
And I don't want to drag you through the bottom
I do not want to involve others in my struggles.
Then she says Sit in front of me
Someone offers me comfort and guidance.
Turn around you'll see
The solution may be behind me, or in my past.
I'm everything you want
This person is offering me everything I need to find happiness and clarity.
All you'll ever need
This person is assuring me that they can provide all the support I need to succeed.
Come back into my world
This person is offering to help me feel safe and comfortable.
You know I'm always yours
This person is assuring me of their commitment to helping me.
And she makes so much sense
I am finding comfort and clarity in the advice of this person.
When she says done throw this away
This person is advising me to let go of my current struggles and move on.
Its hard to know what's real when it all seems wrong
I am struggling to find truth and clarity, despite feeling lost.
But I promise you ill find what's going on
I am making a promise to myself and my loved ones that I will find my way.
I just need to follow the sun before Ill know if ill see this another way
I need to keep moving forward and seeking clarity before I can find the answers I seek.
Isabelle she drifts so lightly floating in her dripsy dresses
I recall a person from my past who provided comfort and guidance.
Even as her words cut deep I can't deny the truth in them
Even though this person may have criticized me, their words still hold meaning and truth.
On the phone she talks so loud to me and I listen hopelessly
I recall a time when I felt lost and hopeless, and this person tried to help me.
So direction the side headed to oblivion
I am scared that my current path will lead me to failure and despair.
And then I decide to give another round of memories of the first time we sang out to the sea
I recall a happy memory from my past that provides comfort and solace.
Oh Isabelle you always understood me
I recall a person who has always been there for me and understood me.
Please Isabelle forgive me now
I seek forgiveness and comfort from this person, even if they are not present in my life anymore.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN JEFFREY POWELL, LAWRENCE JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind