They toured Australia, playing nine concerts, in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Newcastle and Surfers Paradise. A tenth at a Melbourne shopping centre was cancelled.
Lee, Folds and Kweller would play individual sets at each concert, but at the beginning and end of each one, all three would play several songs as a band. They all also improvised on various instruments and 'jammed' for the crowd. Two performances were recorded live for the Live at the Wireless (the Melbourne concert) and Live at the Basement (one of the Sydney concerts) radio series.
They recorded a four-track EP, which was initially only sold at venues, but was some months later released in Australia and overseas. Several live tracks from the two radio recordings were included on the Japanese release. One track from the original EP, Just Pretend, made it into the Triple J Hottest 100, 2003.
Though various combinations of the three have toured together at various times, as of 2005, they have not reformed as a group, and have not recorded any more material. Although rumors of a United States or United Kingdom tour persisted for more than a year afterwards, these have largely subsided and both major fan-sites have since allowed their domains to expire.
Both Kweller and Lee have mentioned recently (late 2006) that a LP from The Bens and a US tour would be "soon." Folds has said, "eventually."
Just Pretend
The Bens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happy years pass by
It's OK to cry
After all
In the end
Just pretend
and broken homes
that taught us how to smile
After all
In the end
Just pretend
There's a name that plays in my head
like a song
all day long
she's with me every day
After all
In the end
Just pretend
Everyone needs
Everyone needs
Everyone needs
If the sun can't shine
you'll be just fine
look into your mind
where you're free
After all
In the end
Just pretend
Cause we heard each other
once before
lets not do that again
After all
In the end
Just pretend
And a voice so familiar
wakes me up in the middle
if she thinks I'm having a bad dream
After all
In the end
Just pretend
Everyone needs
Everyone needs
Everyone needs
After all
It's the end
The Bens' song "Just Pretend" is a poignant expression of the bittersweet reality of love and loss. The opening lines "While I held you with our undry eyes, happy years pass by, it's OK to cry" suggest a relationship that has seen its share of tears and struggles, yet has managed to endure. The chorus "After all, in the end, just pretend" delivers a sobering message about the impermanence of life and love. The line "Well it's sticks and stones and broken homes that taught us how to smile" suggests that the couple has powered through tough times to emerge stronger and united.
The song's imagery and themes are further reinforced through the verse "There's a name that plays in my head like a song all day long, she's with me every day." The singer is haunted by memories of a past love, but chooses to cope by pretending that everything is alright. The line "If the sun can't shine, you'll be just fine, look into your mind where you're free" offers a glimmer of hope, reminding the listener that even in the darkest of moments, one can find peace within themselves. The song concludes with the powerful refrain "Everyone needs, everyone needs, everyone needs," driving home the message that love and connection are fundamental human needs that transcend time and place.
Overall, "Just Pretend" offers a powerful and uplifting message about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the pain and heartache that inevitably come with love and loss, the song suggests that there is hope and a chance for redemption, as long as one is willing to keep pretending.
Line by Line Meaning
While I held you with our undry eyes
I was so overwhelmed with emotion that we both cried tears of joy
Happy years pass by
Time flew and we barely noticed because we were so happy
It's OK to cry
It's acceptable to express your emotions
After all
Despite everything we've been through
In the end
When everything is said and done
Just pretend
Sometimes it's easier to pretend that everything is okay
Well it's sticks and stones
The harsh words and actions of others
and broken homes
Growing up in a broken or dysfunctional household
that taught us how to smile
Despite the hardships, we learned how to find happiness
There's a name that plays in my head
I can't stop thinking about someone
like a song
Their name repeats in my mind like a melody
all day long
From the moment I wake up to when I go to bed
she's with me every day
I carry her memory with me wherever I go
Everyone needs
Every person requires
If the sun can't shine
When things aren't going well
you'll be just fine
Don't worry, you'll be okay
look into your mind
Reflect on your thoughts and feelings
where you're free
A space where you can be yourself
Cause we heard each other
We hurt each other emotionally
once before
In the past
lets not do that again
Let's avoid making the same mistake
And a voice so familiar
I recognize the voice
wakes me up in the middle
It startles me out of my sleep
if she thinks I'm having a bad dream
If she senses that I'm upset while sleeping
After all
Despite everything that's happened
It's the end
Everything has come to a close
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Reni
I’ve just rediscovered this song after all these years. Perfection 👌
KingSpasm
Same for me. Couple friends just introduced me to The Rentals today, the reminded me of The Ben's. Had this on a mixed CD and would listen to it while I'd cruise in my mid 90s jeep. It brought me right back!
Ben Biggerstaff
Those of us who were lucky enough to know are lucky enough to know this band and its members 🤘🏻
Jorge Straight
Ben Biggerstaff I’m definitely envious of the people that were able to see these three tour together more then a decade ago and hear these songs live.
Max Underwood
Amen I still got the unopened ep
Ezra C
You just like it because your name is Ben
Don't lie to us.
Ben Biggerstaff
@Ezra C bru!!!! There’s a little truth to that hahahaha
Christopher Quinn
I wish these three would release another album... or two or three
EbonyTweedly
I liked themas a group when I was a kid. As a teen, I "discovered" them individually, not knowing that they were these guys! Music is always full circle!
secretsausage1
Three musicians, all renowned for their 'songwriting' talent.