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Ben Harper — Morning Yearning
Album: Both Sides Of The Gun
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1289









Released: 2006
Length: 3:59
Plays (last 30 days): 2
A finger's touch upon my lips
It's a morning yearning
Pull the courtains shut, try to keep it dark
But the sun is burning

The world awakens on the run
And will soon be earning
With hopes of better days to come
It's a morning yearning

Another day, another chance to get it right
Must I still be learning
Baby crying kept us up all night
With her morning yearning

Like a summer rose, I'm a victim of the fall
But I'm soon returning
Your love's the warmest place the sun ever shines
My morning yearning
Comments (124)add comment
I remember seeing him a few years back at an outdoor venue on a gorgeous August day. His performance was marvelous.
 oldsaxon wrote:

Nothing went wrong. Things just  changed. Stay focused.
 
whoa. dude. well placed.

also - what blowme said below. mostly. 
 scadawizard wrote:
Makes me look at the empty space in the bed next to me and wonder what went wrong.

 
Nothing went wrong. Things just  changed. Stay focused.
Makes me look at the empty space in the bed next to me and wonder what went wrong.
So calming and pretty, slowy transports you to a certain... mood/time/place. 
Thank God for blessing the world with Ben Harper!
Lovely song...
Its got a well worn rhythm, a well worn voice characterization. Its well worn. 
I like Mr. Harper - despite my actual evening yawning!
Definitely on a slow bent this Monday morning. Because it's a holiday? Let's hope it ends soon.
HA!!!  {#Clap}
 
horstman wrote:

That's because you're close to a lot of assholes!
 


 Jelani wrote:
I've heard farts more entertaining than this.
 
That's because you're close to a lot of assholes!


{#Stupid} Only 6.8 ? {#Ask}
I love both Ben Harper and Jackson Browne, i own everything either has put down on vinyl. This tune is pure and beautiful. You can see my live concert photos of Ben on gonzoshots.com. I'm photographing Jackson in August and can't wait to see a legend in action.

 bloughmee wrote:

Really?  Jackson Browne? Wow. I don't mean any disrespect by this - but maybe it's a generational thing.  Jackson Browne and his great band would be the last thing on earth I'd compare Ben Harper to.  Harper's guitar players make noise with their Devi-ever stompboxes...  Mark Goldenberg (Jackson Browne's band) is an unbelievable technically trained studio guitarist who can play in any style, sight-read anything put in front of him, and do it with emotion and musicality.  He doesn't depend on noise boxes.  the rest of his band ditto - they're refined and calculated where  Harper's band is like a garage band on meth - just going for it -  barely in tune.  It's like trying to compare Steely Dan to the Ramones IMO.   Or  Larry Carleton to  Pearl Jam   They're two totally different things. ( IMO)

Jackson Browne is part of the whole southern CA  JD Souther/Bonnie Raitt /John Hall /Don Henley songwriting tradition. Their perspective as writers is totally different,  the music is much more mainstream/commercial (I don't mean that in a bad way) . But mostly- Browne is a totally different kind of singer. Laid back and easy to listen to - I'd compare Jackson Browne and James Taylor -  their styles are very similar - they "sing" where Ben Harper screeches and screams. I've never heard Jackson Browne cut loose and scream or even push his range -  Harper does it with regularity.    That's not to say you're wrong - I would not say that because there is no right or wrong here — you think they sound similar... so to you they do.  And -I've been listening to Jackson Browne for 30 yrs or whatever - I didn't know Ben Harper existed until a a year ago and know very little about him.  My total frame of reference is Jimmy Kimmel and  Austin City Limits (better... still bad... but much better than Kimmel)    Best Regards .
 
All I know is Ben Harper & Jackson Browne are 2 of my all time favorite artists.  This song is very mellow, but Ben sure can rock.


Wow.....
Morning yearning = morning wood?  Just sayin... especially after "Laid" and those comments....

Ed and Ben II by ~dcantoni
©2009-2010 ~dcantoni

ben harper eddie vedder duet



 keller1 wrote:


Whew ... where to start.

I think that there are a lot of similarities between Ben Harper and Jackson Browne.

Both are talented.  Harper's band is better, but that's just my opinion.  And I've seen em both live.

The bottom line is good songs.  Browne has a few, Harper maybe a few less, but this is no slam dunk, my friend.

 
Really?  Jackson Browne? Wow. I don't mean any disrespect by this - but maybe it's a generational thing.  Jackson Browne and his great band would be the last thing on earth I'd compare Ben Harper to.  Harper's guitar players make noise with their Devi-ever stompboxes...  Mark Goldenberg (Jackson Browne's band) is an unbelievable technically trained studio guitarist who can play in any style, sight-read anything put in front of him, and do it with emotion and musicality.  He doesn't depend on noise boxes.  the rest of his band ditto - they're refined and calculated where  Harper's band is like a garage band on meth - just going for it -  barely in tune.  It's like trying to compare Steely Dan to the Ramones IMO.   Or  Larry Carleton to  Pearl Jam   They're two totally different things. ( IMO)

Jackson Browne is part of the whole southern CA  JD Souther/Bonnie Raitt /John Hall /Don Henley songwriting tradition. Their perspective as writers is totally different,  the music is much more mainstream/commercial (I don't mean that in a bad way) . But mostly- Browne is a totally different kind of singer. Laid back and easy to listen to - I'd compare Jackson Browne and James Taylor -  their styles are very similar - they "sing" where Ben Harper screeches and screams. I've never heard Jackson Browne cut loose and scream or even push his range -  Harper does it with regularity.    That's not to say you're wrong - I would not say that because there is no right or wrong here — you think they sound similar... so to you they do.  And -I've been listening to Jackson Browne for 30 yrs or whatever - I didn't know Ben Harper existed until a a year ago and know very little about him.  My total frame of reference is Jimmy Kimmel and  Austin City Limits (better... still bad... but much better than Kimmel)    Best Regards .


Ran to the computer to comment on this song, only to discover I'd done that in February.  Well, it's March, and I still LOVE this beautiful song!  Thanks for playing it!
Love this song!  It actually inspired me to write a new song.  When I first heard it, I picked up my guitar and couldn't put it down for hours.  It's hauntingly beautiful and Ben's voice is perfect.  Both the song and his voice remind me of Nick Drake.  Exceptional!

Twice I've seen Ben Harper play live, and I'd go see him again - no question. 

 bloughmee wrote:


I just caught this dude on Jimmy Kimmel - honestly felt pitifully sorry for him and his band.  They looked and sounded like a bunch of terrified kids in high school playing at their first dance.  Just awful  - amatuerish.   I find it hard to believe an A/R pro at a major record label would give this a second listen, much less sign him.   As a songwriter, maybe there's something there... but if y'all remember Burt Bacharach, one of the greatest writers of the 60s...  he didn't try to sing his own material b/c he knew he couldn't cut it.

And it's not like Ben is a dynamic performer with at mediocre voice... he's a terrible performer with no ability to sing.  I hate to put it that way - but today the bar is so high.   Heard Jackson Browne tonight on Soundstage (PBS) - now there is a talented singer-songwriter with an unbelievable band.
 

Whew ... where to start.

I think that there are a lot of similarities between Ben Harper and Jackson Browne.

Both are talented.  Harper's band is better, but that's just my opinion.  And I've seen em both live.

The bottom line is good songs.  Browne has a few, Harper maybe a few less, but this is no slam dunk, my friend.

I tend to find Ben Harper a bit all over the place.  Some I cannot stand and others are great.  This is later.  A well deserved 8.
 OldFrenchie wrote:
Screw you nay sayers and ne'er do wells. This song is great
 

I agree wholeheartedly! This song stops me in my tracks, every time. I'm forced to listen and enjoy. The deep feeling in the song is incredible.
Bleat bleat bleat....
Well said {#Clap}.
OldFrenchie wrote:
Screw you nay sayers and ne'er do wells. This song is great
 


Not seen any live performances and apparently I'm not missing much, but perhaps that allows me to rate this song for what it is.. and that's a 7.
 Mugro wrote:
the more I hear of Ben Harper, the more I like. What a talented artist!!
 

I don't want to offend you Mugro - one person's coal is another's diamond and everyone has their own taste in music.. it's totally subjective.. but I'm not seeing it or hearing it.   He really looks uncomfortable on stage - like his mommy is making him sing at the garden club or something.  He might be a talented songwriter but as a performer, honestly - he drew my pity as a performer.  He is so completely out of his league I found it embarrassing to watch him struggle.  Sort of like watching George Bush butcher his way through a sentence - he tries to make a point but has such limited vocabulary he is unable to.
 rocklandlove wrote:
Is it just me, or do you find yourself thinking of Cat Stevens when you hear this song? (perfect segue would be into "Into White"!)
 

Stylistically - yes.
 wrangler wrote:


BINGO.  {#Clap}
 

I just caught this dude on Jimmy Kimmel - honestly felt pitifully sorry for him and his band.  They looked and sounded like a bunch of terrified kids in high school playing at their first dance.  Just awful  - amatuerish.   I find it hard to believe an A/R pro at a major record label would give this a second listen, much less sign him.   As a songwriter, maybe there's something there... but if y'all remember Burt Bacharach, one of the greatest writers of the 60s...  he didn't try to sing his own material b/c he knew he couldn't cut it.

And it's not like Ben is a dynamic performer with at mediocre voice... he's a terrible performer with no ability to sing.  I hate to put it that way - but today the bar is so high.   Heard Jackson Browne tonight on Soundstage (PBS) - now there is a talented singer-songwriter with an unbelievable band.
 jwb wrote:
Ugh. The real problem here is that Ben Harper can't sing, and it doesn't help when the song is insipid.
 

BINGO.  {#Clap}
 robco1 wrote:
...for your lack of soul...
 

Very ironic.  The main criticism I and some others have with Ben Harper is that his singing lacks soul, or any emotional involvement of any kind, for that matter.  This particular piece is exemplary in that regard.
Is it just me, or do you find yourself thinking of Cat Stevens when you hear this song? (perfect segue would be into "Into White"!)
Awesome follow-up to Todd Hannigan.
Darn, I always seem to miss this song! 
Yes indeed.

OldFrenchie wrote:
Screw you nay sayers and ne'er do wells. This song is great
 


 OldFrenchie wrote:
Screw you nay sayers and ne'er do wells. This song is great
 

{#Yes}


I like this song, but it gets more airplay here than it should.
A nice sentiment, but melodically and tempo-wise it doesn't cut it.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Lowered it to a 1. We need a knob that goes to 11 -- and to minus 1. You know which one this goes to.
There you are, now you go turn yourself.
JohnBauer wrote:
Beats the socks off Nick Harper's Blue Sky Thinking.
That's damning with faint praise!
Beats the socks off Nick Harper's Blue Sky Thinking. I like it. Haunting strings. Soulful vocals. Are the rest of his tracks this good?
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Lowered it to a 1. We need a knob that goes to 11 -- and to minus 1. You know which one this goes to.
I don't think we need any more knobs round here.
Heath Ledger directed a very, very beautiful music video to this song. It's worth searching for on youtube.
the more I hear of Ben Harper, the more I like. What a talented artist!!
Amazingly good heartfelt song.
redeyespy wrote:
I just passed one that was more melodic than this song.
Reasonably entertaining the first 10 times. Too repetitive and flat to bear repeated playing.
Jelani wrote:
I've heard farts more entertaining than this.
I just passed one that was more melodic than this song.
Thanks - this is more of the GOOD.
Morning yearning - sun is burning?? He's hung over and has to pee!?!
Screw you nay sayers and ne'er do wells. This song is great
Ugh. The real problem here is that Ben Harper can't sing, and it doesn't help when the song is insipid.
I like this guys music alot..
Jelani wrote:
I've heard farts more entertaining than this.
I hope they don't last as long...
I've heard farts more entertaining than this.
But yeah. It's pathetic. I just really hate this.
xkolibuul wrote:
Pathetic.
Pathos is a complicated concept. But thanks.
Keep these great tunes rolling along, what a great October morning, nice. Thank You.
coding_to_music wrote:
Morning Wood ?
Way to go, Beavis!
Odyzzeuz wrote:
for you.
Pathetic.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
for you.
...for your lack of soul...
Subtle segueway from Eels Blinking lights. Smooth.
Dancing_banana wrote:
LOVE THIS SONG!
for you.
Hannio wrote:
Learn what? How to mumble your way through a very pedestrian song?
Yep.
Lowered it to a 1. We need a knob that goes to 11 -- and to minus 1. You know which one this goes to.
Both the mood and the singing voice on this one are really sounding or coming across like EagleEye Cherry
Oh no! Ben's singing about his unit again!
ulibcn wrote:
Lenny Kravitz: listen to this and learn!
Learn what? How to mumble your way through a very pedestrian song?
LOVE THIS SONG!
I think this is quite a lovely song, with a nice melody, an appropriate singing voice, and quite a solid feeling of reflection . . . big 9 from me.
I do like this song, and this album, but IMO this song is way overplayed.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
This is Ben's answer to ''Afternoon Delight.'' One of his less annoying songs, though they're all annoying on some level. I did just bump this one up to a 2. Not a fan.
Sorry your not a fan. Personally I'm grateful to RP for introducing me to Ben Harper. I love his work.
This is Ben's answer to ''Afternoon Delight.'' One of his less annoying songs, though they're all annoying on some level. Not a fan.
Morning Wood ?
bokey wrote:
Niceeee segue from "Hurt"
I'll second that.
yah.... too slow for me.
Sounds like warmed over Nick Drake - Not meant as a compliment to either.
I just love this song. I'd like to hear more from him. He's new to me.
Ben Harper is totally amazing!
This song always makes me smile - nice, mellow feeling. Music to stretch by, maybe.
This is even more Nick-Drake-ish than Todd Hanigan doing Thicker Than Water!
Great transition from Blinking Lights.
philbertr wrote:
Do they even know about seques on commercial radio?
Not any more. Add it to the list of our cultural losses over the last couple of decades.
Niceeee segue from "Hurt"
pannaramma wrote:
My morning yearning is coffee. BH sounds like he needs some. Maybe lots.
True. Morning lethargy, this is.
It made me miss my 15 lovely last minutes in bed....
this has really grown on me
My morning yearning is coffee. BH sounds like he needs some. Maybe lots.
Not a bad tune, however,I think he could apply more energy to it to make it more intersting.
Do they even know about seques on commercial radio?
Frater_Kork wrote:
Exactly! I though I was hearing an extended version with a guitar solo in the end, until Ben harper stepped in and started singing about something different.
A perfect seque, if ever I heard one! Excellent, Bill!
That was one smoooooth segue :)
Lenny Kravitz: listen to this and learn!
This is nice. My fave Ben Harper track is the upbeat song "Steal my Kisses"
Painful.
pescivendolo wrote:
Sounds like Cat Stevens a bit, no?
I was thinking more of Sufjan Stevens when I heard the song, but anyway. I like it.
A refreshing wind blows.
pescivendolo wrote:
Sounds like Cat Stevens a bit, no?
Absolutely. I think a lot of his songs do. He's the perfect mixture of Cat Stevens, Jimmi Hendrix, Bob Marley and a few others..
Sounds like Cat Stevens a bit, no?
zarvok wrote:
Wow, what a great transition from Johnny Cash's Hurt. I didn't even notice the one song end and the other begin.
Exactly! I though I was hearing an extended version with a guitar solo in the end, until Ben harper stepped in and started singing about something different.
zarvok wrote:
Wow, what a great transition from Johnny Cash's Hurt. I didn't even notice the one song end and the other begin.
Bill has perfected the art of the musical segue. With all of the music in the world, he manages to pull it off so sweetly nearly every time. I think that he often matches the key of the song to its predecessor, too. Thanks again, Bill for the way you mix it all.
oh ben. lovely ben. it's been a while.
Wow, what a great transition from Johnny Cash's Hurt. I didn't even notice the one song end and the other begin.
Diamond_Dog wrote:
My fingers touch upon my lips It's a morning yearning It's a morning yearning Pull the curtains shut try to keep it dark But the sun is burning The sun is burning The world awakens on the run And we'll soon be earning We'll soon be earning With hopes of better days to come That's a morning yearning Morning yearning Morning yearning… Another day another chance to get it right Must I still be learning? Must I still be learning? Baby crying kept us up all night With her morning yearning With her morning yearning Morning yearning… Like a summer rose I'm a victim of the fall But am soon returning Soon returning You're love's the warmest place the sun ever shines My morning yearning My morning yearning Morning yearning…
Ah yes, poetry in motion, lovely song (: oh, and welcome back ;D;D
My fingers touch upon my lips It's a morning yearning It's a morning yearning Pull the curtains shut try to keep it dark But the sun is burning The sun is burning The world awakens on the run And we'll soon be earning We'll soon be earning With hopes of better days to come That's a morning yearning Morning yearning Morning yearning… Another day another chance to get it right Must I still be learning? Must I still be learning? Baby crying kept us up all night With her morning yearning With her morning yearning Morning yearning… Like a summer rose I'm a victim of the fall But am soon returning Soon returning You're love's the warmest place the sun ever shines My morning yearning My morning yearning Morning yearning…
is this song about boning in the morning?
hippiechick wrote:
This is a very fine album, in true BH style. Like it better than Diamonds on the Inside. This guy channels Jimi live.
Definatley a return to form after a few dissapointing releases
djblitz wrote:
Actually, Ben has been around since 1994!
Not bad, for a 12 year old!!!!
slowhand wrote:
One of the best new artists I have heard.
Actually, Ben has been around since 1994!
One of the best new artists I have heard.
Dang, Bill, not only a great segue from "Hurt" but even keeping the pitch intact. That's just scary. Likeable tune to me, particularly the strings.
This BH song reminds me of Sufyawn. And that's not a good thing.
Saw him two weeks ago at the Merriweather Post Pavilion outside D.C., which is a fairly small venue(for him). If you get the chance to see him live, take it. His band is the tightest I've seen on stage in a long time.
It's amazing how few genuinely sweet and sensual songs about sex there are. Ben Harper always brings a nice change!
BH is partners with Laura Dern (not sure if they're married) and they have 2 kids.
Very nice!