Ben Harper — Jah Work
Album: The Will to LiveAvg rating:
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Length: 4:51
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Tell me do you really know
Your brother man?
Cause a heart speaks louder
Than a color can
And why would you even
Shake a man's hand?
If you're not going
To help him stand
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done
Every man's actions
Belong to he
If prepared for thereafter
To reach his destiny
Some people believe
And some people know
Some people deceive
And some people show
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done, never done
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never, is never done
Is never done
You must do the heaviest
So many shall do none
You have got to stand firm
So many shall run
Some they rest their head at night
Some get no sleep at all
If you listen close to what you see
You will hear the call
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done, is never done
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never, is never done
Read more: BEN HARPER - JAH WORK LYRICS
Your brother man?
Cause a heart speaks louder
Than a color can
And why would you even
Shake a man's hand?
If you're not going
To help him stand
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done
Every man's actions
Belong to he
If prepared for thereafter
To reach his destiny
Some people believe
And some people know
Some people deceive
And some people show
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done, never done
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never, is never done
Is never done
You must do the heaviest
So many shall do none
You have got to stand firm
So many shall run
Some they rest their head at night
Some get no sleep at all
If you listen close to what you see
You will hear the call
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never done, is never done
Jah work
Jah work
Jah work
Is never, is never done
Read more: BEN HARPER - JAH WORK LYRICS
Comments (171)add comment
Argh, every time this comes on, that guitar figure after the second "Jah work" of the chorus, I've heard it somewhere completely different. WHERE, DAMN IT?
Thanks.
Thanks.
dpatte wrote:
Spiritual without being religious...
Just because you don't embrace a certain dogma does not mean you aren't religious.
Spiritual without being religious...
Just because you don't embrace a certain dogma does not mean you aren't religious.
RabbitEars wrote:
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
Spiritual without being religious...
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
Spiritual without being religious...
bc wrote:
I hope you realize that the Bible is frequently quoted as a literary reference, both positively and negatively quite commonly, both by religious and by secular people. It's not because people believe, or don't believe. Often "God" is a poetic construct used to convey something in the song. For example, the Allmighty can be used poetically like this:
Sweet Jesus... get over yourself. God only knows how many artists have "belief".
See how that works? I suspect most artists actually believe that organized religions are bunk. And now for Casey Casem's Long Distance Dedication, I will ask Bill to dedicate "Halo" by Porcupine Tree to you.
I don't think anyone can speak for artists as a whole. In my experience, artists are as diverse as the general population. Some find God in their expressions. Some think they create God. All are motivated by motives they don't clearly understand. But the generosity to share their vision is present in all artists.
I hope you realize that the Bible is frequently quoted as a literary reference, both positively and negatively quite commonly, both by religious and by secular people. It's not because people believe, or don't believe. Often "God" is a poetic construct used to convey something in the song. For example, the Allmighty can be used poetically like this:
Sweet Jesus... get over yourself. God only knows how many artists have "belief".
See how that works? I suspect most artists actually believe that organized religions are bunk. And now for Casey Casem's Long Distance Dedication, I will ask Bill to dedicate "Halo" by Porcupine Tree to you.
I don't think anyone can speak for artists as a whole. In my experience, artists are as diverse as the general population. Some find God in their expressions. Some think they create God. All are motivated by motives they don't clearly understand. But the generosity to share their vision is present in all artists.
jahgirl8 wrote:
I hope you realize that the Bible is frequently quoted as a literary reference, both positively and negatively quite commonly, both by religious and by secular people. It's not because people believe, or don't believe. Often "God" is a poetic construct used to convey something in the song. For example, the Allmighty can be used poetically like this:
Sweet Jesus... get over yourself. God only knows how many artists have "belief".
See how that works? I suspect most artists actually believe that organized religions are bunk. And now for Casey Casem's Long Distance Dedication, I will ask Bill to dedicate "Halo" by Porcupine Tree to you.
Isn't it fascinating how many God-related songs get played on RP? Vast majority of members are atheist. Is it hypocritical? Problem would be that the vast majority of music comes from artists with belief. Guess the seculars can't resists the good tunes, but never notice that the best artists refer to something greater than them.
I hope you realize that the Bible is frequently quoted as a literary reference, both positively and negatively quite commonly, both by religious and by secular people. It's not because people believe, or don't believe. Often "God" is a poetic construct used to convey something in the song. For example, the Allmighty can be used poetically like this:
Sweet Jesus... get over yourself. God only knows how many artists have "belief".
See how that works? I suspect most artists actually believe that organized religions are bunk. And now for Casey Casem's Long Distance Dedication, I will ask Bill to dedicate "Halo" by Porcupine Tree to you.
jahgirl8 wrote:
By that logic, many of the great bands of the last, oh, 70-80 years did a bunch of drugs, had incredible amounts of casual, unprotected sex, and had members that hated each other. So that's something we should aspire to as well!
Also, where'd you get that atheism data? I didn't notice that poll on the homepage.
Isn't it fascinating how many God-related songs get played on RP? Vast majority of members are atheist. Is it hypocritical? Problem would be that the vast majority of music comes from artists with belief. Guess the seculars can't resists the good tunes, but never notice that the best artists refer to something greater than them.
By that logic, many of the great bands of the last, oh, 70-80 years did a bunch of drugs, had incredible amounts of casual, unprotected sex, and had members that hated each other. So that's something we should aspire to as well!
Also, where'd you get that atheism data? I didn't notice that poll on the homepage.
jahgirl8 wrote:
Are atheist supposed to find god because some religious people write great music? Are religious folks supposed to become atheist if they tap their toes to secular artists? Perhaps Christians can become Hindus if they bob their head to Indian music. Here's a thought: Be confident in your "beliefs" and don't look for weak arguments to affirm them.
Isn't it fascinating how many God-related songs get played on RP? Vast majority of members are atheist. Is it hypocritical? Problem would be that the vast majority of music comes from artists with belief. Guess the seculars can't resists the good tunes, but never notice that the best artists refer to something greater than them.
Are atheist supposed to find god because some religious people write great music? Are religious folks supposed to become atheist if they tap their toes to secular artists? Perhaps Christians can become Hindus if they bob their head to Indian music. Here's a thought: Be confident in your "beliefs" and don't look for weak arguments to affirm them.
Misheard lyrics: "Shake a canned ham"
RabbitEars wrote:
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
Amen, fellow rabbit, amen.
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
Amen, fellow rabbit, amen.
Beautiful music.
OH MY JAHD
jahgirl8 wrote:
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
Isn't it fascinating how many God-related songs get played on RP? Vast majority of members are atheist. Is it hypocritical? Problem would be that the vast majority of music comes from artists with belief. Guess the seculars can't resists the good tunes, but never notice that the best artists refer to something greater than them.
I wouldn't assume the vast majority of RP listeners are atheist. For one thing, most of them never post on the site. But more importantly, it's pretty clear to me that Bill & Rebecca are spiritual people who play a lot of spiritual music. That is, in many ways, the underlying magic of Bill's choices.
jahgirl8 wrote:
Were the membership poll results posted somewhere? I must have missed them.
Vast majority of members are atheist.
Were the membership poll results posted somewhere? I must have missed them.
njswede wrote:
haha :)
haha :)
I N I send Bless
Ben be... Fuckingroovin'!
I keep hearing "shower is never done". Quite accurate in my home. I have a teenage daughter...
Isn't it fascinating how many God-related songs get played on RP? Vast majority of members are atheist. Is it hypocritical? Problem would be that the vast majority of music comes from artists with belief. Guess the seculars can't resists the good tunes, but never notice that the best artists refer to something greater than them.
Great opening verse followed by an excellent song.
Hannio wrote:
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
His voice works for me! In this song and some others, I feel a plaintiff quality that's urging us to be mindful and try a little harder to be better humans. In other songs, it's almost a growling warning about the evils of the world. I think he uses his voice quite well in service of his music, and you don't have to be religious to benefit from most of his messages. 8 > 9 today. “Tell me do you really know
Your brother man?
Cause a heart speaks louder
Than a color can”
— Ben Harper, Jah Work
Amen brother.
Your brother man?
Cause a heart speaks louder
Than a color can”
— Ben Harper, Jah Work
Amen brother.
Drumsound <3
I love this guitar work!!!!
Most excellent.
ShirleyEva wrote:
Thanks for pointing that aspect out - I for one seem to like Ben Harper more than I should - which likely makes zero sense unless you know me....ultimately his message gets me even if the songs don't...although this one I like the song too - and today I'll go 7→8 on it. Long Live RP!!
I find so many good manners and values in Ben Harper's lyrics- Amazing...thanks for teaching me!
Thanks for pointing that aspect out - I for one seem to like Ben Harper more than I should - which likely makes zero sense unless you know me....ultimately his message gets me even if the songs don't...although this one I like the song too - and today I'll go 7→8 on it. Long Live RP!!
drums
into
my
body
into
my
body
drums at the intro are sharp, clean and excellent....gets me every time
Johnny_Wave wrote:
He can't take a bath cuz the shower is never done.
It sounds like the only lyrics are "Shower..... shower......... shower.............". Just take a bath already dude
He can't take a bath cuz the shower is never done.
Ben's stuff is some of the only reggae I can stomach.
masterful
I find so many good manners and values in Ben Harper's lyrics- Amazing...thanks for teaching me!
Nothing better than the early days of Ben.
Mugro wrote:
Yes, but don't we all get carbon credits just for listening to him? See, he's not so worthless after all.
Yes, but don't we all get carbon credits just for listening to him? See, he's not so worthless after all.
dc_zee wrote:
What if Jah was one of us? Just a stranger on the bus....
Jah, Allah, God
what a mess
What if Jah was one of us? Just a stranger on the bus....
Jah, Allah, God
what a mess
floydoftherocks wrote:
To make you go out and get a job.
I'd try for yours, but you do it so well.
To make you go out and get a job.
I'd try for yours, but you do it so well.
floydoftherocks wrote:
Yes, but don't we all get carbon credits just for listening to him? See, he's not so worthless after all.
Ben harper is the limousine liberal's limousine liberal... What a worthless idiot. He should start a band with bill ayers..
Yes, but don't we all get carbon credits just for listening to him? See, he's not so worthless after all.
floydoftherocks wrote:
What if Jah was one of us? Just a stranger on the bus....
Ben harper is the limousine liberal's limousine liberal... What a worthless idiot. He should start a band with bill ayers..
What if Jah was one of us? Just a stranger on the bus....
CoYoT51 wrote:
Agree! The smooth bass always lights up my speakers without overdoing it.
Under rated...
Agree! The smooth bass always lights up my speakers without overdoing it.
midreaming wrote:
..a sect? ..bastardizing?..that might be a little harsh and disrespectful. My reading leads me to believe Rastafari originated from 7 lost tribes in Africa, of which the Jews were 1, from which JC later emerged. One or two others are believed to have settled on the coast near what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Read more for yourself. It's good stuff.
It's positive yes midreaming!
..a sect? ..bastardizing?..that might be a little harsh and disrespectful. My reading leads me to believe Rastafari originated from 7 lost tribes in Africa, of which the Jews were 1, from which JC later emerged. One or two others are believed to have settled on the coast near what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Read more for yourself. It's good stuff.
It's positive yes midreaming!
mrgus wrote:
Adam would have made this at least mildly entertaining.
Is it just me? This is the first I heard this song. I thought it was Adam Sandler. I thought Bill was having some fun on April 1.
Adam would have made this at least mildly entertaining.
kingart wrote:
And the logic and justification of this self-righteous mini-tirade would be what?
To make you go out and get a job.
And the logic and justification of this self-righteous mini-tirade would be what?
To make you go out and get a job.
floydoftherocks wrote:
And the logic and justification of this self-righteous mini-tirade would be what?
Ben harper is the limousine liberal's limousine liberal... What a worthless idiot. He should start a band with bill ayers..
And the logic and justification of this self-righteous mini-tirade would be what?
Poacher wrote:
Have you been touched by His Noodly Appendage?
Have you been touched by His Noodly Appendage?
Ben harper is the limousine liberal's limousine liberal... What a worthless idiot. He should start a band with bill ayers..
Great guitar. Liked this better before I read all the religious information here... why can't we all just get along? Why does it have to be so complicated? I have a sleeping dog at my feet (world's best footwarmer) and can't help foolishly wondering why they (dogs) are so easy to please and we (so much more advanced) humans are so hard to satisfy.
Nice segue from Cult with no name :)
meh
Jawas?
Ben work ~> 8
LOVELY! Can't wait for his new album to come soon!
Sasha2001 wrote:
..a sect? ..bastardizing?..that might be a little harsh and disrespectful. My reading leads me to believe Rastafari originated from 7 lost tribes in Africa, of which the Jews were 1, from which JC later emerged. One or two others are believed to have settled on the coast near what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Read more for yourself. It's good stuff.
Yes, thank you, Rasafari is so closely related to Christianity it's basically a sect and Jah is more or less the same god that came to earth in the form of Christ. I'm not disparaging Jamaicans for basterdizing a religion and gaining a little self-identity, but God is still God regardless of how favourably we wish to think about the people who believe in him/her/it.
..a sect? ..bastardizing?..that might be a little harsh and disrespectful. My reading leads me to believe Rastafari originated from 7 lost tribes in Africa, of which the Jews were 1, from which JC later emerged. One or two others are believed to have settled on the coast near what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. Read more for yourself. It's good stuff.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Personally, I am converted to Pasterfari
Yes, thank you, Rasafari is so closely related to Christianity it's basically a sect and Jah is more or less the same god that came to earth in the form of Christ. I'm not disparaging Jamaicans for basterdizing a religion and gaining a little self-identity, but God is still God regardless of how favourably we wish to think about the people who believe in him/her/it.
Personally, I am converted to Pasterfari
Powerful. This gives new meaning to Ben's line "Tell me do you really know your brother, man." I never thought about it much but I like this song because it teaches patience - something I can use a dose of on many an occasion - "Jah work is never done."
Sasha2001 wrote:
Sasha2001 wrote:
Yes there are many good parts to the Bible and many positive aspects to Judeo-Christianity, but here are some example's of Jah's very BEST work: 1) Genital mutilation (Exodus 4:24-26) 2) It’s okay to have slaves as long as you don’t beat them too badly (Exodus 20:20-21) 3) Rape victims must marry their assailants (Deuteronomy 22:28-29) 4) Capital punishment for homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13) And many, many more.
bluecshells wrote:
Yes, thank you, Rasafari is so closely related to Christianity it's basically a sect and Jah is more or less the same god that came to earth in the form of Christ. I'm not disparaging Jamaicans for basterdizing a religion and gaining a little self-identity, but God is still God regardless of how favourably we wish to think about the people who believe in him/her/it.
He is singing about Jah Rastafari
Yes, thank you, Rasafari is so closely related to Christianity it's basically a sect and Jah is more or less the same god that came to earth in the form of Christ. I'm not disparaging Jamaicans for basterdizing a religion and gaining a little self-identity, but God is still God regardless of how favourably we wish to think about the people who believe in him/her/it.
He is singing about Jah Rastafari
Yes there are many good parts to the Bible and many positive aspects to Judeo-Christianity, but here are some example's of Jah's very BEST work:
1) Genital mutilation (Exodus 4:24-26)
2) Itâs okay to have slaves as long as you donât beat them too badly (Exodus 20:20-21)
3) Rape victims must marry their assailants (Deuteronomy 22:28-29)
4) Capital punishment for homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13)
And many, many more.
1) Genital mutilation (Exodus 4:24-26)
2) Itâs okay to have slaves as long as you donât beat them too badly (Exodus 20:20-21)
3) Rape victims must marry their assailants (Deuteronomy 22:28-29)
4) Capital punishment for homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13)
And many, many more.
It sounds like the only lyrics are "Shower..... shower......... shower.............". Just take a bath already dude
8
I thought this was the Elmer Fudd version of Fi...were
Is it just me? This is the first I heard this song. I thought it was Adam Sandler. I thought Bill was having some fun on April 1.
Under rated...
A delicious reggae, with acoustic guitars and great drums.
h8rhater wrote:
the spelling is interchangeable. They both mean the same thing.
wrangler wrote:
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
pobaldy wrote:
same here.
The word is poseur... you hoseurs!
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
pobaldy wrote:
same here.
The word is poseur... you hoseurs!
the spelling is interchangeable. They both mean the same thing.
god i love this song. bill is playing it a lot lately. 
"The Funk Brothers was the nickname of Detroit, Michigan, session musicians who performed the backing to most Motown Records recordings from 1959 until 1972, when the company moved to Los Angeles.
The Funk Brothers played on Motown hits such as "My Girl", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Baby Love", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours", "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", "The Tears of a Clown", and "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave".
The role of the Funk Brothers is described in Paul Justman's 2002 documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown, based on Allan Slutsky's book of the same name. The opening titles proclaim the Funk Brothers as "having played on more number-one records than The Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys combined."
Is he the greatest christian musican in the United States Of America? I think so! (I love him!)
chinablue wrote:The bongos sell me on this one.
Such a warm, better hot voice :) Music good for driving
Businessgypsy wrote:
ME: That's a flock of goats, isn't it?
BUSINESSGYPSY: Aye, 'tis that.
ME: ah, yes, I thought so. Only..... what are they doing in the trees?
BUSINESSGYPSY: A fair question. And one which 'as been mooch on my mind......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkw2DdoskPY
My goats after being smoked by Mr. Harper:
ME: That's a flock of goats, isn't it?
BUSINESSGYPSY: Aye, 'tis that.
ME: ah, yes, I thought so. Only..... what are they doing in the trees?
BUSINESSGYPSY: A fair question. And one which 'as been mooch on my mind......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkw2DdoskPY
sonofpick wrote:
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
Actually, he makes my goats smoke
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
Actually, he makes my goats smoke
wrangler wrote:
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
pobaldy wrote:
same here.
The word is poseur... you hoseurs!
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
pobaldy wrote:
same here.
The word is poseur... you hoseurs!
sonofpick wrote:
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
My goats after being smoked by Mr. Harper: HARPER is absolutely and undoubtedly a GREAT musician and composer!
He knows pretty well to create a mood that makes me want to, ...äääh,...love woman?
Is that understood? Shared? Girls...?
He knows pretty well to create a mood that makes me want to, ...äääh,...love woman?
Is that understood? Shared? Girls...?
wrangler wrote:
Yes. He's posing as a mannequin posed as a musician.
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
Yes. He's posing as a mannequin posed as a musician.
Well I like it. And him. So there!He looks like Ben Afflek
wrangler wrote:
i wouldn't let ben harper anywhere near my goats......
Haaaaaa...! RP-posters are really funny - at times!
Or wasn`t it a sexual statement?
i wouldn't let ben harper anywhere near my goats......
Haaaaaa...! RP-posters are really funny - at times!
Or wasn`t it a sexual statement?
I very much like how he can't-sing!
Real sweet!
!!!!8!!!
Real sweet!
!!!!8!!!
Poacher wrote:
Did he mumble he loved her?
Ben Harper once had the hots for the sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. . . does that mean we are related?
Did he mumble he loved her?
Ben Harper once had the hots for the sister of an ex-girlfriend of mine. . . does that mean we are related?
1 <== 2
Jah repetition is never done.
sonofpick wrote:
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
i wouldn't let ben harper anywhere near my goats......
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
i wouldn't let ben harper anywhere near my goats......
Jah whatever
totally smoke your goats.
? i have a friend that used to 'smoke out his iguana'
? i have a friend that used to 'smoke out his iguana'
pobaldy wrote:
same here.
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
same here.
U folks have obviously never been to see him live. He would totally smoke your goats.
wrangler wrote:
same here.
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
same here.
RadioDoc wrote:
Wow I've never heard that before. I saw him play back in '00 I think and there was none of that going on at all. It was one of the best shows I've seen. The guy knows his guitar but what's more he played that night with dudes who knew more/were better and wasn't afraid to admit it.
I'm starting to get that vibe myself.
Wow I've never heard that before. I saw him play back in '00 I think and there was none of that going on at all. It was one of the best shows I've seen. The guy knows his guitar but what's more he played that night with dudes who knew more/were better and wasn't afraid to admit it.
If your workers were as blazed all the time as Jah's, your work would never get done either. :(
wrangler wrote:
ben harper strikes me as a total poser
I'm starting to get that vibe myself.ben harper strikes me as a total poser
Happy Birthday Ben! Hannio wrote:
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
Maybe there is something to listening to a song and artist for the first time. "Pitiful" is just not a word that came to mind. In fact, I rather enjoyed it.
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
Maybe there is something to listening to a song and artist for the first time. "Pitiful" is just not a word that came to mind. In fact, I rather enjoyed it.
Jah Nice! Hannio wrote:
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
I disagree. I really enjoy Ben Harper in general—who, IMHO, has yet to achieve his full potential—and this song in particular. And I don't think he's just going through the motions. There are a few out there these days who do go through the motions, but gratefully they're mostly older and haven't had much if anything new to say in quite a while—living off their laurels, so to speak. (For the most part they're not found in RP's rotation.) But Ben Harper is still too adventurous to be one of them.
And who cares if it's a song of faith and/or devotion? Go get some sacrament and relax. Trust me: you'll feel a lot better.
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
I disagree. I really enjoy Ben Harper in general—who, IMHO, has yet to achieve his full potential—and this song in particular. And I don't think he's just going through the motions. There are a few out there these days who do go through the motions, but gratefully they're mostly older and haven't had much if anything new to say in quite a while—living off their laurels, so to speak. (For the most part they're not found in RP's rotation.) But Ben Harper is still too adventurous to be one of them.
And who cares if it's a song of faith and/or devotion? Go get some sacrament and relax. Trust me: you'll feel a lot better.
Excelsior wrote:
Just curious...who, in your opinion, would be the most neglected or underrated?
One of the most incredibly overrated "artists" of the last decade.
Just curious...who, in your opinion, would be the most neglected or underrated?
Hannio wrote:
Agreed. He's just going through the motions and it shows.
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
Agreed. He's just going through the motions and it shows.
xkolibuul wrote:
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
No, it means that I like or dislike songs on RP, not voices. Its simple-minded and frankly unfair to judge an artist on their voice alone. Judge the totality of the song, not the voice. Voice lessons might alter one's range, but we're all stuck with the voices we're born with. A song is a creative construct, and therefore fair game for critique. Vocal skill (e.g. range) is also fair game. But if you're going after that, at least demonstrate you know what you're talking about. Harper and Dylan with nontraditional voices are nevertheless highly skilled from a technical standpoint.
musikalia wrote:
musikalia wrote:
Really? So then that must mean you enjoy every voice of every singer of every song? Hm.
I think rather it's just that some people don't like some voices. Simple.
Whatever....
I think rather it's just that some people don't like some voices. Simple.
Whatever....
What is frustrating about Ben Harper is that his songs really are very good (imo) in every aspect except his voice. A strong voice with at least a hint of emotional involvement would be the perfect complement to the superb instrumentation, rhythm and melodies of his music, but in the end his pitiful bleatings (especially in this song) are a distraction that bring everything down with it.
One of the most incredibly overrated "artists" of the last decade.
Not his best, but still a great tune - 8.
Johnny_Wave wrote:
Could we get an option to rate a song as "repetitive and annoying"?
2 - Marginal
1 - Sucko-barfo
0 - Ben Harper
No, it means that I like or dislike songs on RP, not voices. Its simple-minded and frankly unfair to judge an artist on their voice alone. Judge the totality of the song, not the voice. Voice lessons might alter one's range, but we're all stuck with the voices we're born with. A song is a creative construct, and therefore fair game for critique. Vocal skill (e.g. range) is also fair game. But if you're going after that, at least demonstrate you know what you're talking about. Harper and Dylan with nontraditional voices are nevertheless highly skilled from a technical standpoint.
musikalia wrote:
musikalia wrote:
Really? So then that must mean you enjoy every voice of every singer of every song? Hm.
I think rather it's just that some people don't like some voices. Simple.
Whatever....
I think rather it's just that some people don't like some voices. Simple.
Whatever....
I think Ben Harper is pretty cool
GOOD!!! 
xkolibuul wrote:
Complaints about a singer's voice on RP are inevitably the product of simple minds.
Really? So then that must mean you enjoy every voice of every singer of every song? Hm.
I think rather it's just that some people don't like some voices. Simple.
Whatever....
Could we get an option to rate a song as "repetitive and annoying"?
Don't count on it. Complaints about a singer's voice on RP are inevitably the product of simple minds and small sample sizes.
Headhunter wrote:
I'm curious as to why some feel his voice is weak. He definitely has his own style, but weak is not a word I would use to describe it. Ever heard "Ground on Down"?
lattalo wrote:
After lisening to too much reggae music, jah means God. I what language I don't know.
Accoriding to Wikipedia's entry for Jah:
Some Rastafarians consider Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia to be God incarnate, whom they call Jah. Referring to him by the title of Jah Rastafari, some consider him to have been the personification of Jah, but this is only one interpretation or metaphor for Rasta belief. (There is no central Rastafarian dogma.)
lattalo wrote:
After lisening to too much reggae music, jah means God. I what language I don't know.
Godsquaddish ;-)
I think it's a word invented by Rastas, such as "I-and-I" and "spliff". I do like reggae, but after a while the Songs of Praise aspect does start to grate - it's like listening to a cool version of a church service with ganja.
lattalo wrote:
After lisening to too much reggae music, jah means God. I what language I don't know.
That would be the Hebrew name for God, a shortened version of Jehovah.
After lisening to too much reggae music, jah means God. I what language I don\'t know.
Kerly wrote:
I have been thinking, what does this title means "Jah work". Jah means yes in Estonian, but this is not connected with this :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jah
Kerly wrote:
I have been thinking, what does this title means "Jah work". Jah means yes in Estonian, but this is not connected with this :)
Jah = Jehovah, see the explanation here: (click here)
I have been thinking, what does this title means "Jah work". Jah means yes in Estonian, but this is not connected with this :)
A solid 9, for one of my favorite Ben Harper songs. I saw him in 2006 with his Innocent Criminals (what a brilliant band name!) at the Hurricane Festival in Germany. I still have the tour shirt from his 2006 tour and it still fits me!