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!.
Sing
Ben Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wondering if the world will fall apart
Hey, you, crying in your drink
Looking for an answer to something in your heart
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
Sing, it's your favorite song
When you're singing along
Nothing is wrong
Everybody just sing
For the people who can't
It'll help them survive
We are free and alive
Everybody just sing
Hey, girl, what's the matter now
Feeling like each day it's something else
Hey, you, waiting in the shallow
Looking for a reason
Find it in yourself
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
Sing, it's your favorite song
When you're singing along
Nothing is wrong
Everybody just sing
For the people who can't
It'll help them survive
You are free and alive
Everybody just sing
I'm gonna sing, La la la la la
Come on sing with me, La la la la la
Come on, guys, La la la la la
Sing with me, La la la la la
Keep it going now, La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
You can find it anywhere
Sing, it's your favorite song
When you're singing along
Nothing is wrong
Everybody just sing
For the people who can't
It'll help them survive
You are free and alive
Everybody just sing
It's the secret revealed
If you wanna get real
If you wanna feel
Everybody just sing
For the people can't
It'll help them survive
It'll keep them alive
Everybody just sing
Come on, let's sing
The song "Sing" by Ben Lee is an upbeat and encouraging anthem that aims to inspire listeners to sing and find hope and joy in music. Throughout the song, Ben Lee addresses individuals who are feeling lost or defeated, encouraging them to look within themselves and find the answers they're seeking. He emphasizes the power of music in healing and uplifting people, and expresses a desire for everyone to sing together.
The first verse speaks directly to someone who is feeling helpless and alone, their back against the wall and their heart heavy with worry. Lee reassures them that they can find the answers they're looking for anywhere, and encourages them to sing. The chorus reinforces the message that singing is a powerful way to connect with others and feel good. It tells listeners to embrace their favorite songs and let go of everything else, allowing themselves to be free and happy in the moment.
The second verse continues the theme of finding hope within oneself. This time, Lee addresses a girl who is feeling overwhelmed by life's many challenges. He reminds her that there is always a reason to keep going, and encourages her to look within herself for the answers she needs. The chorus repeats the message that singing is a way to feel good and connect with others, with a focus on how it can help people who are struggling to survive.
Overall, "Sing" is an uplifting and empowering song that encourages listeners to embrace the power of music to bring hope and joy into their lives. Its inspiring message has resonated with audiences around the world and made it a beloved anthem for anyone who needs a little bit of extra encouragement.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, you, back against the wall
Addressing someone in a difficult or uncomfortable situation
Wondering if the world will fall apart
Feeling anxious about things happening around us
Hey, you, crying in your drink
Addressing someone who is feeling down and upset
Looking for an answer to something in your heart
Searching for a solution to an emotional problem
You can find it anywhere
Assuring the person that they can find what they're looking for
Sing, it's your favorite song
Encouraging the person to feel good by singing or doing what makes them happy
When you're singing along
Explaining how singing or doing what makes you happy can help you feel better
Nothing is wrong
Reassuring the person that everything is okay
Everybody just sing
Encouraging everyone to sing or do what makes them happy
For the people who can't
Acknowledging that not everyone is able to do what makes them happy
It'll help them survive
Explaining how doing what makes you happy can help you keep going
We are free and alive
Highlighting the importance of feeling alive and free, even in difficult times
Hey, girl, what's the matter now
Addressing someone who is down and wants to talk about it
Feeling like each day it's something else
Feeling like there are too many problems that keep piling up
Hey, you, waiting in the shallow
Addressing someone who is reluctant to dive into something fully
Looking for a reason
Searching for a motivation or purpose
Find it in yourself
Encouraging the person to look within themselves for motivation
I'm gonna sing, La la la la la
Singing and encouraging others to sing along to feel happy
Come on sing with me, La la la la la
Encouraging others to join in and sing along
Come on, guys, La la la la la
Encouraging a group to sing along
Keep it going now, La la la la la
Encouraging the singing to continue and not stop
It's the secret revealed
Implying that the solution is simple and easily accessible
If you wanna get real
Encouraging honesty and being real
If you wanna feel
Encouraging people to do what feels good
It'll keep them alive
Explaining how doing what makes you happy can help you keep going and survive
Come on, let's sing
Encouraging everyone to sing or do what makes them happy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HAN JOON BAE, HAN NO LEE, KWAN LEE, SUNG SOO LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind