Howard taught Ben how to play the drums when he was just a seven-year-old. For the next year, the father and son would jam together almost every night after Howard got home from work. With Howard singing and playing guitar and Ben keeping the beat, the duo would play songs by The Beatles, The Hollies, Jimi Hendrix, and other artists of the 60s. Howard also has been a long-time friend of Bruce Springsteen associate Nils Lofgren, the two having gone to high school together.
When Ben turned eight, someone showed him how to play the chestnut "Heart And Soul" on the piano. The youngster immediately began to create his own songs using the same chords. By the time he was 9 he had a dozen original compositions under his belt and entered a songwriting contest sponsored by Billboard magazine. Kweller won honorable mention.
In 1993, Kweller became friends with another young local musician, drummer John Kent, and the two formed the band Radish with bassist Ryan Green. The trio played locally in and around Greenville, Texas and recorded two independent releases, ''Hello'' (1994) and ''Dizzy'' (1995), with Martin Baird at Verge Music Works recording studio in Dallas, Texas. Around the time of ''Dizzy's'' release, Ryan Green decided to leave the band and focus his attention on school. Lorin Hamilton filled in for a few months until Bryan Bradford AKA Bryan Blur joined on for most of the band's career. Ben sent a copy of ''Dizzy'' to Nils Lofgren. Nils was impressed with Radish and recommended them to Roger Greenawalt who was producing Lofgren's album at the time, ''Damaged Goods''. Greenawalt took Radish into a studio where they recorded a demo tape which was subsequently shopped around to record labels nationwide, After an unexpected bidding war, Radish eventually signed to Mercury to release the album Restraining Bolt.
Radish made appearances on ''The Weird Al Show'', ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and ''Late Show with David Letterman'', but despite the much-hyped signing, the band failed to strike big success. Radish earned a large cult following in the United Kingdom with their top 40 hit "Little Pink Stars". The band toured several times in Europe including opening slots for Faith No More and Main Stage at Reading Festival '97. Radish released two singles. In 1998 Radish became a quartet featuring Joe Butcher (Polyphonic Spree, UFOFU) on lead guitar and Debbie Williams on bass. Radish went to Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama to record the follow-up to ''Restraining Bolt'', provisionally titled ''Discount Fireworks''. The band recorded with record producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, The Lemonheads). While mixing ''Discount Fireworks'' in NYC, Kweller and Kent met bassist Josh Lattanzi who would become Radish's 5th and final bass player. As a result of Polygram's merger with Universal Music Group, the 18-song album was never released and Radish soon secured a release from their contract with Mercury Records.
At age 19, Ben Kweller moved to New York with his girlfriend Liz Smith, where he began his solo career. He played acoustic shows and self-released four EP's, comprising some of the unreleased Radish ''Discount Fireworks'' recordings and other songs recorded in his apartment on a laptop computer. It was one of these EPs, ''Freak Out, It's Ben Kweller'', that caught the attention of Evan Dando of The Lemonheads, and Dando invited Kweller out on tour with him, playing across America and Europe. Jeff Tweedy, Juliana Hatfield and Guster also began to notice Kweller and took him on tour with them
In 2001 Ben Kweller became ATO Records's first worldwide signing and released a 5-track EP entitled ''EP Phone Home''. In March 2002, ''Sha Sha'', Kweller's first solo studio Album was released. ''Sha Sha'' included the very radio-friendly and popular single "Wasted & Ready". The album featured John Kent on drums, Josh Lattanzi on bass, and showcased a wide variety of sound from Quirky Pop music to Folk to Punk. The album grew in popularity with a grassroots effort based on his website and a promotion group called teamBK, which promoted via word-of-mouth advertising. To support the release of the album and EP, he put together a live band, initially comprising Lattanzi on bass, Fred Eltringham on drums, and Mike Stroud on guitar and keyboards. Towards the end of the ''Sha Sha'' album cycle, the four-piece performed on PBS's Austin City Limits
In 2003, Kweller toured Australia with Ben Folds and Ben Lee as The Bens. The trio produced an eponymous four-song EP, with each member taking lead vocals on one song, and a final song in which they all contributed vocals. In an interview on October 14 2006 Ben hinted that The Bens may do another album. Later in 2003, Kweller provided lead vocals on the song "I Hope Tomorrow is Like Today" from Guster's album ''Keep It Together''. Kweller and Guster co-wrote the song after a late night jam at Gusters' Brooklyn studio. The song is prominently featured in the movie The Wedding Crashers.
''On My Way'' (2004), Kweller's second album, went in a new direction. The album, produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon), was recorded 'live' - there were limited overdubs and no use of headphones. After the release of On My Way, Kweller embarked on more touring, playing to his largest audiences ever, including a US tour co-headlining with Death Cab for Cutie. By this point, the lineup of his live band had changed to include John Kent on drums and Jason Roberts on guitar and keyboards, after Mike Stroud left to concentrate on his own band Ratatat and Fred Eltringham left to play drums in The Wallflowers.
In 2006 he recorded his third album, ''Ben Kweller'' with record producer, Gil Norton. Unlike the previous studio albums, Kweller played all the instruments on this record himself. Kweller continued to tour to support his self-titled album, and expanded his band into a five piece, which grew to include Dan Horne on bass, Mark Stepro on drums, Jay Barclay on guitar and organ, and Jason Roberts on lead guitar. Kweller continued to play guitar and piano on this tour, but it also gave him the opportunity to just sing on certain songs.
His tie-in "Trio on the Train Track Tour" included a new live band comprising Chris Morrissey on bass and Mark Stepro on drums. During the Australian leg of the tour, the band was composed of Jay Barclay on guitar, Dan Horne on bass and Mark Stepro continuing on drums.
As part of his 2006 tour, Kweller played the Austin City Limits Music Festival, where he was plagued by a severe nosebleed for the entirety of his set. After covering his guitar in blood, he attempted to stop the flow by inserting a travel-size tampon thrown onto the stage by a fan, which expanded painfully during a performance of "This Is War." After attempting to play "Falling" at the piano, which also became covered in blood, Kweller was forced to end the set early.
In the Spring of 2007, Kweller co-headlined with his label-mates Gomez. He continued through the summer with his own string of headlining dates which eventually ended at another appearance at ACL fest. This time no bloody nose, however, commemorative T-shirts were sold at the merch booth with fake blood stains that said "ACL 2007: The return of Ben Kweller".
Immediately following his performance at ACL, Kweller began recording his fourth full-length LP, ''Changing Horses'' in Austin, Texas on September 21, 2007. The album features the trio on the train tracks, and Pedal Steel/Dobro player Kitt Kitterman. In 2008, Kweller re-signed with ATO Records who released ''Changing Horses'' in early 2009.
Kweller's fifth studio album, entitled "Go Fly A Kite," was his first release produced solely by his own record label, The Noise Company. In earlier interviews, Kweller had stated that it would be released as early as March or April of 2011. However, after that the manager of The Noise Company stated that the album was now set to come out either late January or early February of 2012. Kweller confirmed on stage at Stubbs in Austin on 4/16/11 that the delay in release is a result of Kweller's parting ways with his former record label, ATO Records, and his desire to release the recording independently. Kweller had also stated the album would be very electric and energetic while dealing with some darker topics. It will be accompanied by a comprehensive world tour and several media appearances. The album was released in February of 2012.
In 2013 Kweller announced via facebook that he would be doing a "split" record with Waylon Jennings.
More info here: http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/content/nrn/vinyl-kweller-jennings.htm
On My Way
Ben Kweller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But he turned around and ran
I'll kill him with karate
That I learned in Japan
He wouldn't see my face
I wouldn't leave a trace
I wouldn't use a bullet
'Cause a bullet's a disgrace
Aw, momma
I never thought that I was a murdering man
But tonight I'm on my way
There's this drawer that I know
In a house up the road
That's full of things
That are easily sold
When they go out of town
I could go and snoop around
And make myself rich
Off the things that I found
Aw, momma
I never thought that I was a stealing man
But tonight I'm on my way
I was sitting on the bleacher
Staring at the speaker
Reading his lips
But I could not understand
So I opened up my ears
And clearly I could hear
This detailed story
All about a grain of sand
Aw, momma
I always dreamt of being a good listener
So tonight I'm on my way
There's this kid you gotta meet
He lives across the street
He's got spirit and heart
We're ten years apart
He is up for anything
He can hang with anyone
He still likes the things
We used to think were fun
Aw, momma
I never thought that I could have a friend
But tonight I'm on my way
I'm in love with someone
Who's as pretty as a flower
Her life gives me power
So I'm buyin' her a ring
She makes hats with her hands
She is such an artist
I'm her biggest fan
And I'm teaching her to sing
Aw, momma
I never thought that I could love no one
But tonight I'm on my way
The lyrics of Ben Kweller's song "On My Way" are deceptively simple, as they tell the story of a man's decision to commit various crimes and pursuits. The first verse describes the man's desire to kill someone with karate, which he learned in Japan, showing his violent tendencies. The second verse is about stealing from a neighbor's house when they are out of town. The third verse shifts to a more positive note, as the man sits on bleachers and learns to listen and appreciate a story about a grain of sand. In the fourth verse, the man talks about a younger neighbor who he finds to be a kindred spirit, and in the final verse, he expresses his love for a woman who is an artist and who he is teaching to sing.
However, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a deeper meaning. The song can be viewed as a commentary on the human experience and our intrinsic desires for fulfillment, whether that is through violence, stealing, listening, friendship, or love. The singer of the song is exploring various avenues for self-expression and identity, and through those experiences, he is finding meaning and purpose in his life. The song is a reminder that everyone has different paths to fulfillment, and that it is important to explore and embrace them.
Overall, "On My Way" is a complex and evocative song that combines catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys and what they are seeking in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to kill this man
I have an intense desire to end the life of this individual
But he turned around and ran
However, he quickly fled upon realizing that I intended to harm him
I'll kill him with karate
I will utilize my skills in the martial art of karate to inflict lethal damage to this man
That I learned in Japan
I acquired these combat abilities during my time in Japan
He wouldn't see my face
I will go to great lengths to conceal my identity from this man
I wouldn't leave a trace
The crime will be executed in such a way that no evidence is left behind
I wouldn't use a bullet
I refuse to utilize a firearm for this act of violence
'Cause a bullet's a disgrace
I consider the use of a gun to be an inferior and dishonorable method of killing
Aw, momma
Expression of addressing his mother
I never thought that I was a murdering man
I never believed myself capable of committing murder
But tonight I'm on my way
However, tonight I am headed towards that very path
There's this drawer that I know
I am aware of a specific drawer in a nearby house
In a house up the road
The aforementioned dwelling is located just a short distance away
That's full of things
This drawer contains an assortment of valuable possessions
That are easily sold
These items can be quickly and readily sold for a profit
When they go out of town
If the owners leave the premises unattended
I could go and snoop around
I would investigate the area without permission or legal authority
And make myself rich
Thus resulting in an increase in my financial status
Off the things that I found
Based on the valuable items that are discovered
I always dreamt of being a good listener
I have long desired to be a person who listens well and effectively
So tonight I'm on my way
Therefore, tonight I shall endeavor to fulfill that aspiration
I was sitting on the bleacher
I had taken a seat on the bench in the designated spectator area
Staring at the speaker
My gaze was fixed upon the singer in front of me
Reading his lips
I was attempting to understand the artist's words through lip-reading
But I could not understand
Unfortunately, I was unable to comprehend the message being conveyed
So I opened up my ears
I then decided to pay close attention to what was being spoken
And clearly I could hear
Through this active listening, I was able to confidently perceive and understand
This detailed story
The artist went on to share an intricate and descriptive account
All about a grain of sand
Related to the fascinating aspects and properties of a simple grain of sand
There's this kid you gotta meet
There is a young person that I highly recommend you encounter
He lives across the street
This individual is located in the nearby residence across from ours
He's got spirit and heart
He embodies strong enthusiasm, passion, and courage
We're ten years apart
Despite the age difference between us
He is up for anything
This person is highly adaptable and willing to engage in various activities
He can hang with anyone
He is capable of socializing with individuals of any background or personality
He still likes the things
He continues to enjoy similar activities and pastimes
We used to think were fun
That we once shared and found enjoyable
I'm in love with someone
I have developed strong romantic affection for an individual
Who's as pretty as a flower
This person is dramatically beautiful and visually pleasing
Her life gives me power
Being with this person ignites confidence and energy within me
So I'm buyin' her a ring
I have decided to purchase an engagement ring for this person
She makes hats with her hands
This individual enjoys crafting headwear manually
She is such an artist
She possesses incredible talent and skill in creating artistic pieces
I'm her biggest fan
I am extremely supportive and appreciative of her artistic work
And I'm teaching her to sing
I am patiently providing singing instruction to her
I never thought that I could love no one
I believed that I was incapable of feeling romantic love towards another person
But tonight I'm on my way
However, tonight I am actively moving towards loving and valuing this person in my life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ben Kweller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oliverdurkin-cinematograph2693
Simply a folk classic. Never gets old. Some people extend all traditions and they grow.
@NicolasCurcio5295
This song is fucking incredible but the strange, surprisingly dark lyrics really take it to the next level.
@tylerclark1033
Saw him live on Ed Sheeran's X tour. So much talent!!!
@AEOuriel
I know I'm a bit late here....but he toured with ed sheeran??
@TheMarthalane
@@AEOuriel I'm more than a bit late - but that kinda breaks my heart. Kweller's music is art, Sheeran's is ephemeral.
@steveleetay
Many great stories in one song!!
@richgrahn6831
had the pleasure of working for Ben several times, always a class act..great family man. love this tune..he belongs here in ATX. I've even been out to the ranch. i wish this guy nothing but the best...ritchie rich
@sebalyon237
Rich Grahn he's amazing
@amberlove8
One of my favorite songs ever
@tommytownsend9156
Isn't it just.