Ben Harper - Welcome to the Cruel World (20th Anniversary)

Lyrics:
Welcome to the cruel world
Hope you find your way
Welcome to the cruel world
Hope you find your way
It's a cruel world
Try to enjoy your stay

Yes it is a cruel world
When you're tryin' to get by
It's a cruel world
When you've seen the look in their eye
Makes life hard living
But I'm so scared to die

Welcome to the cruel world
Welcome
Welcome

Don't know how
We've lasted here so long
There must be more good than bad
Or we'd already be gone
And if you get up to heaven
Before I do
I'm gonna tell ya
It's gonna be cruel there too

You can't hide from this cruel world
Cause there is no place to run
You can't hide from the cruel world
There just is no place to run
It's been cruel from the beginning
It will be cruel when we're done

So when I'm gone
I will gladly say goodbye
When I am gone
I will gladly say goodbye
And if you want to feel me
Put your hands up to the sky

Welcome to the cruel world
Welcome
Welcome
Hope you find your way
Try to enjoy your stay

Written by Ben Harper

Ben Harper - vocals, Weissenborn
Jimmy Paxson - drums
Jason Yates - piano
Matt Cory - bass
Tim Loo - cello
Alyssa Park - violin
Caroline Buckman - viola

Produced by Casual Thinking for Ben Harper
Directed and edited by J. García
Director of Photography - Pablo Espada
Second Camera Videographer - Ben Fordham

Recorded and mixed by Ethan Allen

#benharper #welcometothecruelworld

YouTube: @benharper

[djsponk]

My favorite album for years.
Thanks for this Ben, really !

[PatrickSchmidt]

"New ways to say different things or different ways to say the same old thing. Either way, both have their strengths and merits." Love that.

[vipelere]

He the kind of artists that we can appreciate for a whole life, not only for a moment ... When you listen once to that guy you won't never stop ...

[jessekunerth]

Been a fan of Ben Harper since 95, my sophomore year in HS, his music has meant so much to me, especially this album, forever is my favorite songs of all time

[zachneeb]

What an amazing song. I've actually been listening to it for maybe 25 years now? His family is incredibly talented, including his brother Peter, who is also a musician and amazing.

[ReadymadeBeer]

My father bought this album when it came out. I remember listening to it when I was little and you've inspired me to get into music. I now play guitar and know just about every song of yours. Keep it up Ben.

[andyturner]

First saw Ben at The Georgia Theater in Athens GA in 1996, tics were $5 in advance and $7 at the door.  I have been a fan ever since the first time I was introduced to this album in 1994 and continue to find inspiration and positivity from his words and melodies.  I was lucky to see him at Carnegie Hall last year on his solo tour and his performance there brought me to tears.  His music has been like a soundtrack to my adult life.  Keep doing what you do, Ben - you have and will continue to inspire me and so many others with your talent and passion for music.

[FFisGoodforYou]

I think this is the Ben Harper we all love and that we always come back to when we need a bit of peace. This is chilling, this is marvelous music. Thank you Ben.

[EmmanuelTomes]

Man this guy. One of the best to ever do it.

[terristewart]

I played this song at my dad's funeral. This song is so special ❤

[brookeschultz]

I have been in love with his voice since I was 16. He's amazing, and I will always have his music nearby. I got very sick when I was 19, and lost all of my memory of lyrics. "Walk Away" was the first song I re-taught myself, so I owe Ben many thanks to bring me back to music after such a long, arduous recovery.

[matthewhastings]

This album helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. Thank you Ben Harper.

[Bobbyshee]

I've been a fan of Ben since this album came out. My first time I saw him live was at the Coach House in Cali back in 1995! Wow! Can't believe its been 20 years. I want to thank you Ben for your music, lyrics and your voice. For it has helped me, guided me, and inspired me for two decades. Keep it coming brother. You continue to blow our minds and hearts with your music. Thank You, Thank You, Thank

[bklockhart]

It was 20 years ago when a dear friend and I had the good fortune of catching Ben Harper perform live as the opening act for Sam Phillips in SF. This was about the same time Sam Phillips released “Martinis and Bikinis” with T. Bone Burnett by her side, and they shared the same label, Virgin. Serendipity prevailed, and Ben was there to open. At that moment, we had no clue what kind of magic was in store for us. He had his original band with him as I recall and performed most if not all of the songs from WTTCW. Needless to say, he filled that room with awe and wonder. I’d love to see a video release from that show because that music became the soundtrack for some amazing moments in my life, and I’m sure millions of fans have come to feel the same. So very grateful we got to see him as he was on his way to a brilliant, honest career as a solo artist, with fantastic bands, and collaborating with artists who’ve got the goods. Ben Harper still has got the goods. Long may he run!

[iremusicmama]

Ben being born a Grateful Dead kid I never really imagined an artist could touch me in as powerful way as they did. You are part of my HUEman experience and I can't imagine my life without your music filling the air. Through sadness and joy you are there! BLESS YA!

[alexstathers]

Don't know how
We've lasted here so long
There must be more good than bad
Or we'd already be gone.

Ben... such wisdom, for srs. x much love

[dianezwickel]

I bought this cd shortly after it came out, and saw Ben live at Richards on Richards in Vancouver in 1996.  It is still in my top 5 concerts of all time - a small, intimate venue, amazing music, and the gracious manner that Ben still to this day carries with him on stage.  I remember how amazed he seemed that we all knew the words to the songs.  I introduced my young daughters to his music a few concerts later, and they grew up listening to each successive album, blaring out of the loudspeakers, the three of us with huge smiles on our faces.  Thank you Ben.  Still a huge

[timbarrett]

One of the best artists/musicians of our time and I have seen him play live many times and he gives you something unforgettable every time!!

[pLaIrVaIdNoGx]

I've heard this song too many times to count, it still manages to draw tears from me. A true masterpiece, like so many of his

[fingersflynn]

lovely new version of the song

my favourite artist/musician ---- ever

thanks ben

see you in april