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I don't believe that anyone should have them [guns]. I think in the long run, they'll probably be our own undoing, especially in America where we are the ass-end of gun control, but that's another story for another interview. In this case, the guns are just sort of a metaphor.
-Ben Harper
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Harper's slow songs initially grabbed our hearts his anthems of social change influenced and informed us, and his reggae-roots-rock has inspired and delighted us. Harper successfully moved from singer-songwriter to bandleader and activist for change. Seven albums into a career that has taken Harper around the world and back, he still has the fire inside and the will to use his voice as a weapon for light in a world filled with darkness.
JamBase: I travel as much as I can, but you are truly a citizen of the world. Tell me about America's reputation overseas.
Ben Harper |
Harper: America has no concept of how it is viewed internationally - none whatsoever. And if it did, it would be quite shocked. It definitely needs a heightened level of international diplomacy and communication.
It won't be long 'till the people flood the streets
And take you down one and all
A black rain is gonna fall
JamBase: "Black Rain" is the most overtly political song. Describe your intentions.
Harper: I'm letting out a voice of dissent in order to make clear that this kind of situation, this circumstance can't stand, not in America, not anywhere in the world. To show that kind of disregard for human life in the face of tragedy is the ultimate governmental slap in the face to not only the impoverished, but also just the mildly less fortunate. And it can't stand. It can't stand without there being a call to arms for at the very least impeachment. I think Bush should be brought up on charges of human endangerment. And a country that doesn't collectively call for that, I am kind of disappointed in.
JamBase: You are playing this summer in Europe, Australia, Japan – basically everywhere. Where would you like to play that you haven't gotten to yet?
Ben Harper |
Harper: I would like play in Alaska, and I would like to play in Eastern Europe. I've never been to the far east of Europe. I would like to get to Czechoslovakia and Prague, Russia, Poland. I've spent a lot less time in America since Bush has been in office.
JamBase: Yeah. It's changed since 2001. During the last election, friends of mine said they would move to New Zealand or Costa Rica if he won again, and he won again. Still, it's hard to say whether you should stay and fight or leave to escape the craziness.
Harper: I've got an idea. Planes hijacked by a majority of Saudi Arabians fly into the Towers, and we go after Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran has the most fierce uranium production program going. I mean it's just... But at the same time, are we the bully on the block? Are we the only ones that get to have nuclear weapons and every one else doesn't? Because if that's the case, then everyone else is going to rally together to collectively come at us because no one likes a bully, especially an arrogant bully. That's why I say America has to wield their "power" far more sensibly and sensitively if it's to be taken seriously in the international community.
Politics, it's a drag
They put one foot in the grave
And the other on the flag
System's rotten to the core
Young and old deserve much more
Than struggling every day until you're done
Harper: And it gets even dirtier when it's a war that his father fought and didn't finish. It's sitting on that level of sins of the father, ya know?
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