His debut album, produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray For The Riff Raff), was released via ATO Records/Rough Trade Records.
Booker was hand-picked to open for Jack White on a series of US July dates, and following his first UK headline tour in May played a series of US dates with Courtney Barnett. He toured in the US with Hurray For The Riff Raff.
Booker's second album, "Witness", was released on June 2, 2017.
In September 2020, he released the single "Black Disco" with proceeds going to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Happy Homes
Benjamin Booker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ask you to don't worry
But the hills and the river
With the sun on the back
I've been thinkin' about love
How nuts to be to think about it?
There's a mother and her daughter that's gone
Oh, baby rest your head now
We are all on the side of the road
Oh, baby rest your head now
We are all on the side of the road
What's the point to a happy home?
You send your girl to college
She was just 16
Promised her until the day I saw her
I've been thinkin' about love
Right now I'm still thinkin' about her
I just see her lonely face
Oh, baby rest your head now
We are all on the side of the road
Oh, baby rest your head now
We are all on the side of the road
I hope to see her
I hope sooner than later
Sooner than later
The lyrics of Benjamin Booker's "Happy Homes" initially seem a bit disjointed, with the first verse discussing crosses and hills before shifting to thoughts about love and a mother and daughter in need. However, the underlying theme of the song becomes clearer as it progresses - despite our efforts to create happy homes and live fulfilling lives, we all end up on the side of the road at some point. The crosses and hills may represent the challenges and obstacles we face in life, while the comforting image of the sun on our backs suggests that there is still some hope and warmth to be found.
The second verse continues this exploration of love and loss, with Booker reflecting on a young woman he cares about who has gone off to college at a young age. He promised to be there for her, but now he sees her "lonely face" and is filled with longing to see her again. The repetition of "oh, baby rest your head now" throughout the song is a soothing refrain that suggests that even when everything else is uncertain and difficult, there is still a measure of comfort to be found in human connection and caring.
Line by Line Meaning
Crosses and ....
People try to comfort you with religion, but the reality of the natural world is still present
Ask you to don't worry
These external comforts are meant to alleviate your anxiety
But the hills and the river
Nature is a beautiful but indifferent force, with its own rules and agendas
With the sun on the back
The beautiful natural world can also be harsh and unforgiving
I've been thinkin' about love
The artist is ruminating on the complexities and paradoxes of love
How nuts to be to think about it?
They are questioning the wisdom of focusing so much time and energy on love
There's a mother and her daughter that's gone
The singer is reflecting on a particular family who are no longer together
It's the daughter that needs now crying
They are specifically concerned about the daughter's well-being
Oh, baby rest your head now
The artist wishes they could comfort the daughter
We are all on the side of the road
We are all in the same uncertain and vulnerable position
What's the point to a happy home?
The singer is questioning the value of a traditional happy family life
You send your girl to college
They reflect on the practicalities and expectations of family life
She was just 16
The singer is highlighting how young and vulnerable this girl was when expected to fulfil these expectations
Promised her until the day I saw her
The singer made a commitment to this girl which he is still thinking about and believes in
I hope to see her
The singer wants to be reunited with the girl in question
I hope sooner than later
They are expressing a sense of urgency to reconnect
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BENJAMIN RODERICK EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tim Pearce
The music carries his soul. I loved it's cool song
Brandon Zarzyczny
His voice has a really interesting affect
Someone Sometimes
How come noone told me that a song like this exists? simply amazing!
Творческое путешествие
Wow, he's so unique, i like him a lot!!!
Ricky Murray
Have you heard James Morrison and Paulo Nutini? You might like them.
Dyn Jarren
I like his raspy voice! Different but good! 👏🏻🎸😎
Antonin Odin
Encore une foi, génialissime !!
Taco Taco
he seems like a genuinely nice individual
Billy
Talent !
1blastman
Needs to play in the Blues Tent at New Orleans Jazzfest.