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!.
The Loft
Ben Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The axe on the wall isn't the only one
The case in the hall, show to everyone
The lock on the door
If you wanna, if you oughta
If you kinda, shoulda, sorta
If you'd like some, if you'd try some
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
The train will pass the loft each night at ten
Phone echoes round the loft at six am
People come and leave the loft every now and then
I love the loft
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
I'll be around
I'll be around
I'll be around
I'll be around
In "The Loft," Ben Lee paints a picture of a space that embodies freedom and experimentation. The first verse sets the tone by introducing a sunny pig on the floor and an axe hanging on the wall. The loft is a place where anything goes, where multiple cases are displayed for all to see, and where the lock on the door is significant. The message is clear: in this space, people can explore their wildest selves without the fear of intrusion or judgment.
In the second verse, Lee describes the essence of the loft in more detail. The train passes by every night at ten and, in the morning, the phone echoes around the space at six. People, too, come and go from the loft, indicating that it is not a static space but rather a dynamic one that consists of various individuals exploring their creativity. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Gotta come to terms with what I've found," which implies a sense of discovery—a realization that there is something special about this space that unleashes the best in people.
Overall, "The Loft" is a celebration of creativity and space. It is about finding a place where one can grow, expand, and become more free. The loft represents the potential for transformation and the excitement that exploring new aspects of oneself can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Piggy's on the floor getting some sun
A piggy bank is placed on the floor and is receiving sunlight.
The axe on the wall isn't the only one
There are other objects which are similar to the axe that are hung on the wall.
The case in the hall, show to everyone
The case is placed in the hall for the purpose of exhibition.
The lock on the door
A lock is fitted on the door to ensure security.
If you wanna, if you oughta
If you kinda, shoulda, sorta
If you'd like some, if you'd try some
So you're sure before you buy some
If you want something, if you should have it; if you feel inclined to try it, so you can be certain before you make a purchase.
Gotta come to terms with what I've found
I have to accept and make peace with what I have discovered.
The train will pass the loft each night at ten
Phone echoes round the loft at six am
People come and leave the loft every now and then
I love the loft
A train passes by the loft every night at ten, the phone rings and echoes through the loft at six in the morning, and people come and go from the space. Despite all of this, the singer still loves the loft.
I'll be around
The artist will be present and available.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BENJAMIN MICHAEL LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind