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Ben Harper — When It's Good
Album: Diamonds On the Inside
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2184









Released: 2003
Length: 3:01
Plays (last 30 days): 5
You're a prison
I can't escape
You're a decision
I never make
heard me laughing
you heard me weep and moan

(chorus)
When its good
its so so good
when its gone
its gone

they say time will
kill the pain
i say pain is going kill my time
lord wont u save me
or leave me alone

(chorus)

i hang your picture
above my mind
don't do anything
you cant deny
i could never
be your pawn

(chorus)

some drink to remember
some to forget
some for satisfaction
some to regret
i hope a brighter
day to you I've shown

(chorus)
Comments (99)add comment
I have seen Ben Harper so many times live and with several bands and always loved it 
 drH wrote:

derivative, derivative, derivative



Try writing a novel! (I have a tin ear!!!)  You want to do something new, of course. Then you hit the Wall - EVERYTHING is derivative. Tropes of your best ideas abound. 100's of years, people have been writing your ideas... so then you realise as you mature, it is your job to be entertaining at least, and ironic at best. But not new. Only derivative. 

P.S. Entertaining pays the bills.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 

she's not feeling well after swallowing a few diamonds
 Otomi wrote:
Of five excellent replies to Shasha2001's post, I vote for joelbb's.


 

I just saw this.  thanks, Otomi.  Joelbb
they say time will
kill the pain
i say pain is going kill my time

so funny
 Proclivities wrote:

You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.
 

Nothing offensive or disturbing to see here
 layson921 wrote:
Maybe all that thought is what art is all about? 
Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
Looks like a sandstorm approaching, too.
 

Maybe all that thought is what art is all about? 
Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 

Oh yeah Mr Harper ! That's good !!! I agree !
 drH wrote:
derivative, derivative, derivative
 

This word has no meaning in a musical context.  All music is derivative.
Hail, HAIL 1 great artist with integrity, and a most fine L.P !

P.S have yah ever seen and heard him shread the Lap slide "Live"
Really nice.  Sadly, my admiration for his songwriting skills will forever be very slightly tempered by this line from his song Walk Away:

"But you put the "happy"
In my "ness"

OK Ben.
 Proclivities wrote:

You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.

 
{#Roflol}

Ben Harper is a bright shining light!


Of five excellent replies to Shasha2001's post, I vote for joelbb's.


 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.
Uh.... seems clear to me.

You know how pearls are made?  Sand/grit get stuck inside an oyster and they, in response, make a pearl to adorn our favorite gal's ears.  And?  You see the title of this album?  You didn't know how diamonds are made?  See, it all starts with a nekid lady in the desert....


That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 


 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
  I hope Sasha is seeing professional care.{#Chillpill}


 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
Shame on you. Why the negativity? It could be taking a photo of a sexy day in the country, or maybe - god forbid - art! I actually think its a lovely image. 

Perhaps you need to wonder why you think in such a negative manner. 


 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
She chewed and swallowed peyote buds until she threw up and now she's talking to Mescalito.  You can see his apparition right in front of her.
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
Beautiful photo...Ben is amazing.
 Groogrux69 wrote:
This is probably my favorite Ben Harper Album.  Most excellent.
 
this is probably my favorite Ben Harper song.  
This is probably my favorite Ben Harper Album.  Most excellent.
 Misterfixit wrote:
That looks like Laura on the cover photo ..

Dern, she's gotta nice back

 

Laura Dern is blonde, though.
 dBdwg wrote:
the naked lady cover makes me think he wasn't sure the music was going to be good nuf'
 
Not even close.  If you don't know Ben yet, you are missing out.

the naked lady cover makes me think he wasn't sure the music was going to be good nuf'


Wicked drumming!!
That looks like Laura on the cover photo ..

Dern, she's gotta nice back

 RongoTBurg wrote:
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
 

Mixed with Prince's voice.

Me likey.  {#Smile}
Nice, Ben, but time to expand the envelope and push the limits.
I actually think this is one of his best albums.  There are more than a few solid songs on this album that I think trully kick ass (ex. Bring the Funk).  Don't really care if there are a few people that could do without the Ben Harper, since you can't please everyone.  Keep playing the good tunes Bill.  RP is the best.
Got this a few years ago on a WXRT sampler. Groovin song.
jaaaaaaaa Wolfsheim!!
Nice song but stop that thumping up and down!!!
justin4kick wrote:
and is there a good reason why we only see her backside on the cover?
Yeah, because that's one hell of a backside.
Cachatons wrote:
I thought of Curtis Mayfield.........oops just showed my age
uh no, anyone else - but Prince? ... sorry Ben.. honest.
maxmox wrote:
I saw that person on the cover when I went to the beach yesterday; told her she is on the cover of an album by Ben Harper
and is there a good reason why we only see her backside on the cover?
mrrmt wrote:
This is ok for Ben Harper, not my favorite. But for some reason it really made me want to hear Prince. Something about his voice in this one.
I thought of Curtis Mayfield.........oops just showed my age
I saw that person on the cover when I went to the beach yesterday; told her she is on the cover of an album by Ben Harper
Hmmmm . . . Ben, get out of my life! You're freaking me out here.
This is ok for Ben Harper, not my favorite. But for some reason it really made me want to hear Prince. Something about his voice in this one.
LennytheB wrote:
Had to go from a 6 to a 7 just for the album cover
indeed!!!
What? No banana emoticons?
RongoTBurg wrote:
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
Made me look too.
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
Had to go from a 6 to a 7 just for the album cover
Dark_Globe wrote:
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
what about the cover of his album? i love ben harper, although i havent heard much of the diamonds album. I love the cover art.
Dark_Globe wrote:
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
Same here. I don't have any of his stuff, but this song is certainly one of his best.
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
Hmm. One thing about buying this album on iTunes is I don't get the cool album cover!
beatlechick wrote:
Not into Ben Folds, have a friend that loves him and tries to make me listen, but if he keeps sounding like a gospel-like Prince I'll have to rethink that. Very cool song.
umm...Ben Harper
Not into Ben Folds, have a friend that loves him and tries to make me listen, but if he keeps sounding like a gospel-like Prince I'll have to rethink that. Very cool song.
This is so poigniant for me at the moment I had better not rate this. #-o :footinmouth.gif: :-({|=
I'm not a big fan of Ben Harper, but this song really grabbed me. The lyrics are right on and the melody is pleasantly unique.
This song speaks the god's honest truth!
Very, very, very irritating.
GROOVY... :sunny.gif:
:nodhead: :goodvibes.gif: :sunny.gif:
Ben Harper - one of the few American musicians to keep an eye on...
Can do without this.....
NOTHING like prince. c'mon, when did prince ever do slide guitar blues?
Pyro wrote:
Sounds in the beginning like he took singing lessons from Prince....whoops, should have read the previous posts.
...Ditto.
WHOAH! He was * this close to PRINCE at the beginning there.
i really thought this was tracy chapman! oops!
This is a great album.
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Agreed. Much better than most of his stuff. I've seen him live twice and couldn't help but fall asleep both times.
I suspect it was the contact high that put you to sleep, not the music.
stripes wrote:
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
Prince doing something, perhaps leading the church gang into blues worship and shout/shout, but certainly not doing bluegrass.
Leslie wrote:
That's funny because I feel the opposite way. I usually don't care for his music but I kind of like this tune.
Agreed. Much better than most of his stuff. I've seen him live twice and couldn't help but fall asleep both times.
This is the first Harper I have heard that I like. Very nice.
Sounds in the beginning like he took singing lessons from Prince....whoops, should have read the previous posts.
GregX59 wrote:
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
Sorry, that was me ---- can't help it!
skindy wrote:
Blech. I usually like Ben Harper when I hear him on RP (the only place I ever hear him), but this song was like rubbing on a raw nerve. Don't like it. :(
That's funny because I feel the opposite way. I usually don't care for his music but I kind of like this tune.
this song is growin' on me... .
Can I please live as excited as he is in this song! Yes Ben, celebrate!!!!
oh, when it's good, it's so, so good. chair dancing emoticon inserted here.... and that's so, so, not so-so!!
GregX59 wrote:
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
I guess you've never been to a sing around the camp fire or a live show.
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
yep, my first thought--Prince, but not bluegrass but a solid gospel beat with a hue of rock!
derivative, derivative, derivative
Monkeysdad wrote:
My first thought also! I had to read the comments to see if anyone else had said the same.
The funny this is, this NEVER registers in my head as Ben Harper. I still keep hearing Prince doing Bluegrass.
Ben Harper is one of my new obsessions. Don't discount him just because of one song. That's never fair. 'Course I like this song...
stripes wrote:
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
My first thought also! I had to read the comments to see if anyone else had said the same.
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
snowbug wrote:
Oy! I feel like I've really tried to like Ben Harper, and I just can't! I read the comments on him, I check out reviews, I have friends who try to convert me... No matter what, I just don't get it.
His lyrics are awesome.... the music composition is awesome... and this guy has the most amazing voice.... you should see him live and believe me you will be "converted"!!!
yukko turn it off already geesh
Oy! I feel like I've really tried to like Ben Harper, and I just can't! I read the comments on him, I check out reviews, I have friends who try to convert me... No matter what, I just don't get it.
Haven't heard a bad tune by this guy yet ! Outstanding
very cool.. love the stomp beat in the background.. comes through the sub very nicely... :)
great pic!!!
"They say time will kill the pain I say pain is gonna kill my time" great album from Ben
Blech. I usually like Ben Harper when I hear him on RP (the only place I ever hear him), but this song was like rubbing on a raw nerve. Don\'t like it. :roll: :(
Well, it\'s not that I don\'t like it... But it\'s not great. And absolutely not so good that Harper should get that much airplay...
Awesome! I love you RP, for introducing me to so much great music. J
Ben Harper...nuff said. If you\'ve eVER seen him live you\'ll understand the phenomenon!!! I have thanked God for the day I discovered Ben.. Thanks again for Ben!
Great beat
Oh ya its good Ben, damn good.