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!.
I'm With The Star
Ben Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a corny supermodel song
I tried to cheer, but the cat had my tongue
You came out of the dressing room
In a t-shirt with a red front
I'll be your hanger-onner
If that's what you want
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
I'm with the star
Am I speaking too soon if I say I'm in love
I'm with the star
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
You're wasting your pretty face
Hiding behind that mask
The mask of a beautiful star
I tried to think
Maybe I could drop a hint
I'm really awful
At this kind of thing
You came out of the dressing room
In a t-shirt with a red front
I'll be your groupie-supermodel-hanger-onner
If that's what you want
Yeah I'm with the star
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
I'm with the star
Am I speaking too soon if I say I'm in love
Yeah I'm with the star
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
Wish I could drive you round
Around in your car
The car of a beautiful star
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
Yeah I'm with the star
Am I speaking too soon if I say I'm in love
Yeah I'm with the star
'Cause that's what you are
A beautiful star
Wish I could drive you round
Around in your car
The car of a beautiful star
The lyrics of Ben Lee's song "I'm With The Star" narrate the story of a fan who is infatuated with a celebrity, presumably a singer or an actress. The fan sees the celebrity on the catwalk, but is too shy to talk to her. He admires her beauty and recognizes her as a star. He hopes to be a part of the celebrity's life in whatever capacity she desires, calling himself a "hanger-onner" and a "groupie-supermodel-hanger-onner." The fan is in love with the star and wishes to be closer to her, even dreaming of driving her car.
The lyrics seem to explore the allure of fame and the power celebrities have over their fans. The fan is enamored with the star's beauty and talent, and is willing to do anything to be close to her, whether it be as a groupie or a simple companion. The repetition of the phrase "I'm with the star" reinforces the fan's devotion to the celebrity and his desire to be associated with her.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm With The Star" can be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on celebrity culture and the way in which people often become obsessed with famous individuals they know little about.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I saw you on the catwalk
I noticed you as you walked on the stage
Not a corny supermodel song
This is not a song about typical supermodel behavior
I tried to cheer, but the cat had my tongue
I wanted to cheer for you, but I got too nervous and couldn't speak
You came out of the dressing room
You appeared after coming out of the place for changing clothes
In a t-shirt with a red front
You wore a t-shirt with red color in the front
I'll be your hanger-onner
I will be a follower of yours
If that's what you want
I will do it if that is what you desire
'Cause I'm with the star
I am supporting you as the star
'Cause that's what you are
You are a shining and big personality in the entertainment industry
A beautiful star
You are not only famous, but also an exquisite personality
Am I speaking too soon if I say I'm in love
Is it too early to say that I have fallen in love with you?
You're wasting your pretty face
You are not utilizing your pretty face the way it should be
Hiding behind that mask
You are hiding behind the makeup and mask of a celebrity
I tried to think
I attempted to come up with some idea or plan
Maybe I could drop a hint
I thought maybe I could leave a subtle clue for you to understand my feelings
I'm really awful
I am not very good at expressing my feelings
At this kind of thing
When it comes to expressing emotions or affection
I'll be your groupie-supermodel-hanger-onner
I am willing to be your biggest fan, cheerleader and follower
Yeah I'm with the star
I am supporting you as the star
Wish I could drive you round
I wish I had the chance to be with you
Around in your car
In your ride
The car of a beautiful star
The car that belongs to and suits a brilliant personality like you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BENJAMIN MICHAEL LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind