1999's Breathing Tornados marked a new direction for Lee as he introduced synths and increased instrumentation into his sound. The album was a huge success, with the first single, "Cigarettes Will Kill You", finishing second in that year's Triple J Hottest 100. Lee also enjoyed success with the single "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" - from the album hey you. yes you. - reaching no 22 in 2002's Triple J Hottest 100.
In 2001 he joined forces with Evan Dando, Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick and Jason Schwartzman of Phantom Planet and acting fame. Calling themselves Dando Lee Petersson Schwartzman, they recorded a single, "Dead or Anything", at Globe Studios, New York.
During 2003 he teamed up with Ben Kweller and Ben Folds for a side project entitled The Bens. They recorded four songs together in Nashville, resulting in a self-titled EP.
In late 2004, he left Steve Pavlovic's Modular Recordings and started up his own record label, Ten Fingers. The first release on the label was the single, "Gamble Everything For Love", followed by the album, Awake Is The New Sleep in February 2005. A defining release in his career, the album showcased a much brighter, positive side of Lee's personality, in contrast to his previous darker musings. Awake Is The New Sleep received several nominations for the 2005 Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards, and Lee won Best Male Artist, Best Independent Release, and Single Of The Year for "Catch My Disease". Catch My Disease was also number 2 on the 2005 Triple J Hottest 100.
In September 2007, Lee released his sixth solo album, named "Ripe" after the final song on the record. The album is somewhat controversial, with most songs relating in some way to sex, lust and love. Mandy Moore features on the album in the song "Birds and Bees", and Benji Madden plays electric guitar in "Sex Without Love". It also features Sara Watkins, Rachael Yamagata, Charlotte Martin, Ned Bower, Taylor Locke and Robert Schwatzman (who is also credited for co-writing 'Sex Without Love'). It was a big step away from the spiritual "Awake is the New Sleep", but shows Lee's need for change in songs. The album was produced by John Alagia and released under the Inertia/Ten Fingers label 'Awake is the New Sleep' was released under.
February 2009 brought the release of his latest LP entitled "The Rebirth of Venus." This release also includes a bonus disk that includes six cover songs that Ben has done including "Kids" by MGMT and "New Wave" by Against Me!.
Birds And Bees
Ben Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like somebody somewhere should be callin? their name
Prayin? in churches or out in the club
Everyone?s lookin?, lookin? for love
Birds and bees and songs like these
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
Birds and birds and bees and bees
It?s not a secret, it?s not a crime
I've never done this before, well, neither have I, yeah right
So I blow out the candles and I'm makin? a wish
Come over here babe and give me a kiss
Birds and bees and songs like these
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
Birds and birds and bees and bees
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
And it?s natural, baby
I get the feelin? everyone?s feelin? the same
You lean in close and you whisper my name
You're whispering, you're whispering, life is but a dream
And you are so beautiful, you make me wanna scream
Birds and bees and songs like these
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
Birds and birds and bees and bees
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
And it?s natural, baby
And it?s natural, baby
The song "Birds And Bees" by Ben Lee explores the concept of human desire and how it is a natural part of being human. The song begins by stating that everyone is searching for love and that this desire is something that connects us all. The chorus of "Birds and bees and songs like these, 'cause we want what we want and it's natural, baby" emphasizes the idea that our desires are innate and should not be hidden or shamed.
The second verse of the song acknowledges that the act of expressing our desires can be nerve-wracking and even scary, but it is still a natural and essential part of being human. The line "I've never done this before, well, neither have I, yeah right" suggests that vulnerability and uncertainty are universal experiences when it comes to desire. The song ends with a romantic moment between two people, where they acknowledge the beauty of the moment and the power of their desire.
Overall, "Birds And Bees" celebrates our natural desires and encourages us to embrace them without shame. It communicates the message that it is okay to desire romance and connection and that these desires make us human.
Line by Line Meaning
I get the feelin? everyone?s feelin? the same
There is a sense of unity among people as everyone is searching for love.
Like somebody somewhere should be callin? their name
People have an inherent longing to be wanted and called by someone.
Prayin? in churches or out in the club
Regardless of the venue, people are seeking love and acceptance.
Everyone?s lookin?, lookin? for love
The common desire among people is to find love and build meaningful relationships.
Birds and bees and songs like these
Love and attraction are natural instincts, much like the birds and bees in nature.
'Cause we want what we want and it?s natural, baby
Desire for love is a natural and innate human emotion.
It?s not a secret, it?s not a crime
Seeking love is perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
I've never done this before, well, neither have I, yeah right
Both parties share a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty when it comes to love.
So I blow out the candles and I'm makin? a wish
Love is something that people wish for and hope to find.
Come over here babe and give me a kiss
Acting on attraction is a natural human behavior.
You lean in close and you whisper my name
Showing affection and closeness is an important aspect of love.
You're whispering, you're whispering, life is but a dream
The moment of love is often magical and dreamlike.
And you are so beautiful, you make me wanna scream
The feeling of love is powerful and overwhelming.
And it?s natural, baby
Love and the desire for it is a natural human behavior that should be embraced.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BEN LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind