If interviews are just interviews or if music is just music, why are we even doing it? You only get so many hours in a lifetime, man.
BEN HARPERIf it comes out sounding like Dixieland jazz or classical or punk or rock or even slightly metal, that’s because that’s where I’m going to find inspiration.
More Ben Harper Quotes
-
-
All that we can’t say is all we need to hear.
BEN HARPER -
Don’t let what you have to heal from blind you to how much there is to heal for.
BEN HARPER -
Fearlessness, absolutely. Discipline. You also need open-minded creativeness that lets everything in. You never want to lose a word or a phrase, yet every one should count. Always the best language possible. And, finally, knowing when to leave it alone. Stop when it’s done.
BEN HARPER -
The lifetime we’ve left behind with strangers Promises and lies both have their dangers. I just can’t be wrong enough and I can’t hide for long enough So far away, but I still feel your pain.
BEN HARPER -
A candle throws its light into the darkness, in a nasty world so shines a good deed. Make sure the fortune that you seek is the fortune that you need.
BEN HARPER -
There’s no room in my life for religion. Religion is separation and segregation of God. How can you segregate the Almighty?
BEN HARPER -
There’s something in everyone only they know.
BEN HARPER -
People say, “How do you write songs?” I say, “Patience.” I may have a track that’s hot, but no words. I’ll just let it sit for years, because I know they’re going to meet. They’ll find it.
BEN HARPER -
It will make a weak man mighty. it will make a mighty man fall. It will fill your heart and hands or leave you with nothing at all. It’s the eyes for the blind and legs for the lame. It is the love for hate and pride for shame. That’s the power of the gospel.
BEN HARPER -
I’ve never made a record that didn’t sound better than what was in my head – that’s sort of my rule.
BEN HARPER -
My family owns a music store in Claremont, California, called The Claremont Folk Music Center.
BEN HARPER -
If you’re gonna live, then live it up. If you’re gonna give, then give it up. If you’re gonna walk the Earth, then walk it proud. If you’re gonna say the word, you got to say it loud.
BEN HARPER -
My choice is what I choose to be.
BEN HARPER -
There’s only one proper way a song should go, but you’ve got to be patient enough to let them come together time wise.
BEN HARPER -
People who try to define their spirituality sometimes are annoying, ’cause the spirit is something you feel and let guide you and humbly respect.
BEN HARPER -
It was a huge deal, a huge musical discovery that became life lessons learned. You can’t return from having an experience like that. The Blind Boys are truly the deepest well of American musical heritage you can discover.
BEN HARPER -
As a songwriter, I don’t rush. I may sit on lyrics for two years before the music hits.
BEN HARPER -
I want to try to not be the child that had to go through too much too young. I want to be who I am now and not who I was then.
BEN HARPER -
Take my hand when you are worried Take my hand when you’re alone Take my hand and let me guide you Take my hand to lead you home.
BEN HARPER -
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option.
BEN HARPER -
We’ve all got stardust in our bones.
BEN HARPER -
I’m not going to do the Ben Harper house record or the Ben Harper drum ‘n’ bass record.
BEN HARPER -
Just because you have a hit doesn’t mean you’re good [at music]. Just means you got a hit.
BEN HARPER -
Life is short and if you’re looking for extension, you had best do well. ‘Cause there’s good deeds and then there’s good intentions. They are as far apart as Heaven and Hell.
BEN HARPER -
It’s not easy for a mother and son to sing a duet. You can’t just sing about anything.
BEN HARPER -
Children come running to the truth But you’ve got to peel the skin to get the fruit And while one’s living high another’s grieving But what’s sweet by morning is bitter by the evening Oh – What’s sweet by morning is bitter by the evening.
BEN HARPER