His second album, called Freedom, was released on 8th March 2010, with a launch concert on the 13th March 2010 at the Gulbenkian Theatre in Canterbury. The album can be bought from iTunes or Ben's website.
Mills made an appearance on 30 November 2008 in Margate, Kent together with Sir Bob Geldof to switch on the Christmas lights. He also sang a rendition of Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" to around 2000 people.
Mills was a co-director of a marquee hire company in his home town of Whitstable before appearing on The X Factor.
He gained a diploma in music from the Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey and has been singing since he was a child. He also plays piano and guitar. He was also a keyboard player in the tribute band to The Doors called The L.A. Doors and toured the pub and club circuit with his own band called Benzego.
Mills' audition song for The X Factor was "Bring It On Home To Me" by Sam Cooke, which impressed the panel of judges; Simon Cowell thought he sounded like a young Joe Cocker, whom, incidentally, Ben names as one of his musical influences along with Tom Waits, Rod Stewart and David Bowie. During his time on The X Factor he was mentored by Sharon Osbourne.
He performed at Pontins Holiday Camp in Prestatyn, Wales in May 2009.
Maggie May
Ben Mills Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's late September and I really should be back at school.
I know I keep you amused but I feel I'm being used.
Oh Maggie I couldn't have tried any more.
You led me away from home just to save you from being alone.
You stole my heart and that's what really hurts.
The morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age
I laughed at all of your jokes - my love you didn't need to coax.
Oh, Maggie I couldn't have tried any more.
You led me away from home, just to save you from being alone
You stole my soul and that's a pain I can do without.
All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand
But you turned into a lover
And mother what a lover, you wore me out.
All you did was wreck my bed
And in the morning kick me in the head.
Oh Maggie I couldn't have tried any more.
You led me away from home cause you didn't wanna be alone
You stole my heart I couldn't leave you if I tried.
I suppose I could collect my books and get on back to school.
Or steal my daddy's cue - make a living out of playing pool.
Or find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' hand.
Oh Maggie I wished I'd never seen your face.
You made a first class fool out of me
But I'm as blind as a fool can be
You stole my heart, but I love you anyway.
Maggie I wished I'd never seen your face
I'll get on back home one of these days.
The song "Maggie May" by Ben Mills is a heartfelt expression of regret and pain that comes with falling in love with the wrong person. In the opening lines, the singer wakes Maggie up to let her know that he has something important to say. He confesses that he needs to go back to school as it's already late September, and he feels like he is being used by Maggie. Despite making Maggie laugh and feeling like she was everything to him, he feels that he couldn't have tried any harder. Moreover, Maggie led him away from home, stealing his heart and soul, which hurt him deeply.
The second verse takes an emotional turn as the singer addresses Maggie's aging appearance, which doesn't bother him, as he still loves her. He remembers all the times Maggie made him laugh without any coaxing, which makes his love for her even more intense. However, he feels betrayed after Maggie turned from being a friend to his lover, making him feel used because she only wanted him for her satisfaction. She wrecked his bed without any consideration for how it made him feel, which shows her lack of empathy, causing him deep pain.
In conclusion, "Maggie May" reveals the singer's pain and regret as he remembers the time he shared with Maggie. Despite all the hurt she caused him, he still loves her but wishes he'd never met her. It shows how love could blind a person and make them vulnerable to hurt, even from the ones they trust the most.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up Maggie I think I've got something to say to you.
I have something important to tell you, Maggie. Please wake up and listen.
It's late September and I really should be back at school.
It's already late into the school year, and I should go back to school.
I know I keep you amused but I feel I'm being used.
I understand that I make you happy, but I feel like you're taking advantage of my feelings.
Oh Maggie I couldn't have tried any more.
Maggie, I did everything I could for you.
You led me away from home just to save you from being alone.
You made me leave my home and come to you because you didn't want to be alone.
You stole my heart and that's what really hurts.
My heart belongs to you, but it causes me pain that you have it, Maggie.
The morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age
The light of the morning sun reveals your true age, Maggie.
But that don't worry me none in my eyes you're everything.
Your age doesn't bother me at all because you're everything to me.
I laughed at all of your jokes - my love you didn't need to coax.
I always found your jokes funny, and I loved you naturally.
You stole my soul and that's a pain I can do without.
You took away the essence of who I am, and that's something I can't bear.
All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand.
I only wanted a friend who could support and guide me.
But you turned into a lover and mother what a lover, you wore me out.
You transformed from a friend to a passionate lover who exhausted me.
All you did was wreck my bed and in the morning kick me in the head.
You only caused destruction in my bed and kicked me out cruelly the next morning.
You led me away from home cause you didn't wanna be alone.
You took me away from home because you didn't want to be alone.
You stole my heart I couldn't leave you if I tried.
You captured my heart, and it's impossible for me to leave you regardless of my efforts.
I suppose I could collect my books and get on back to school.
Perhaps I should pick up my school books and return to my studies.
Or steal my daddy's cue - make a living out of playing pool.
Alternatively, I could take my father's pool cue and make a living playing pool.
Or find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' hand.
I could also try to join a rock and roll band that needs my help.
Oh Maggie I wished I'd never seen your face.
I regret ever laying eyes on you, Maggie.
You made a first class fool out of me.
You made me look like an idiot with your actions.
But I'm as blind as a fool can be.
I was foolish and naive for not seeing what was happening between us.
You stole my heart, but I love you anyway.
Although you took my heart, I still love you, Maggie.
I'll get on back home one of these days.
One of these days, I'll go back to where I came from.
Writer(s): Roderick David Stewart, Martin Quittenton
Contributed by Ian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Charlotte Ashenden
This man is amazing! I went to his wedding and he is the kindest person I know!
Ann inRiverside
just rediscovering past X Factor in American Idols don't know how I missed this guy but it's been quite some time since this was published I'm going to look around to see if he's still singing
Ron S
He was amazing. He’s like a 60 year old in a 30 year old body (it’s a compliment)
Su Foster
Ben is even better now! if that is possible!
nigol1472
wow I can't believe, better than the original!
mini slash
ben is such a nice guy i know him just a lovely guy down to earth and polite :) he gives some of the best music thanet has ever had :)
Paddy Graham
The X factor could really use somebody like Ben this year! It sucks : /. Too bad Ben got Leona's year! I remember when I was 12 flicking through channels and finding this. Thanks Ben, for giving me this first taste of X factor and Rod Stewart!
Rebecca Bailey
He should have won. He should be in the charts. He should be big in the music industry. Why has non of this happened?O.o
Los Mosquitos
because of the voting public (look at them on your way to work...and imagine they had the power to rule your life:) ....arrrrgh
Straw Berry
phooar. i just love his voiceeeeee!