Ben Harper — Don't Take That Attitude to Your Grave
Album: Welcome to the Cruel WorldAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 491
Length: 4:13
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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You say what's mine is mine
And what's yours is mine too
Now you've got more than you can spend
But all of the money
In the whole wide world
Is not gonna help you in the end
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
I hear helicopters
Over my house every day
Shining their lights and flying low
Treat a child like a criminal
From the day that he is born
And you're gonna reap just what you sow
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
So you can move your court case
Way across town
You can move it across the whole wide globe
But it ain't gonna help your court case
Up in the sky
When you go to put on your white robe
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
They don't want it there
Don't you take it there
And you dare the children
To stay off of drugs
Now I dare you to stop letting them in
And how dare you point your finger
At a gang out on the street
While it's you who is committing the sin
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
They don't want it there
You know your mother taught you better
Don't take that attitude to your grave
And what's yours is mine too
Now you've got more than you can spend
But all of the money
In the whole wide world
Is not gonna help you in the end
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
I hear helicopters
Over my house every day
Shining their lights and flying low
Treat a child like a criminal
From the day that he is born
And you're gonna reap just what you sow
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
So you can move your court case
Way across town
You can move it across the whole wide globe
But it ain't gonna help your court case
Up in the sky
When you go to put on your white robe
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
They don't want it there
Don't you take it there
And you dare the children
To stay off of drugs
Now I dare you to stop letting them in
And how dare you point your finger
At a gang out on the street
While it's you who is committing the sin
Now while there's still time to be saved
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Might be too late for you I'm afraid
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Don't you take it there
They don't want it there
You know your mother taught you better
Don't take that attitude to your grave
Comments (50)add comment
He's got opinions he's not afraid to share. Whodathunk. Awesome artist.
Think he was listening to some Chris Whitley before this one? Makes me wanna here some CW right now.
Gotta be the DEFINITIVE, number 3.
Ho hum ~
Ho hum ~
I haven´t listened to this album in a while and forgot how great the recording is. Always enjoyed seeing Ben and the Criminals in concert...
Aud wrote:
And a vocal coach.
OK I got your point!
Get a lyricist!
Get a lyricist!
And a vocal coach.
Not even God can help this dude pull a Tom Waits.
Dosequis wrote:
Funny. Both are great, but at the end of the day I would take Ben Harper overall.
Are Ben Harper and Lenny Kravitz the same person? ................we'll never know.
Funny. Both are great, but at the end of the day I would take Ben Harper overall.Are Ben Harper and Lenny Kravitz the same person? ................we'll never know.
Love, love, love!!
leathepea wrote:
Plenty of religious people do not push their beliefs on others; that may also be why other people are unaware that those folks are religious, but obviously, "some people" of every persuasion try to inflict their beliefs on others. However, I've probably heard (or overheard) just as much condescending and evangelical proselytizing from self-anointed "Atheists" as I have from fanatically religious people. I agree though, faith — or lack thereof — is a personal matter, not one to to forced upon others. Now don't get me started on those who feel compelled to force their dietary philosophies on others.
Anyhow, good tune.
While I have always loved Ben Harper, sometimes the preaching can get a little old. Why is it that some Christians insist on pushing their beliefs through the fear of everlasting pain, and suffering. Why can't they just say, this is what I believe, but that's cool if you feel different? I mean, nobody really knows what happens after, they just think they do.
Sorry for the religion comment, just had to get that off my chest.
Sorry for the religion comment, just had to get that off my chest.
Plenty of religious people do not push their beliefs on others; that may also be why other people are unaware that those folks are religious, but obviously, "some people" of every persuasion try to inflict their beliefs on others. However, I've probably heard (or overheard) just as much condescending and evangelical proselytizing from self-anointed "Atheists" as I have from fanatically religious people. I agree though, faith — or lack thereof — is a personal matter, not one to to forced upon others. Now don't get me started on those who feel compelled to force their dietary philosophies on others.
Anyhow, good tune.
Funny. All the god haters are the ones preaching. Alot of anger... sorry about that.
fredriley wrote:
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
Fred, I don't know what is going one here, maybe I need to see a doctor, but I agree with you 100%!!!!
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
Fred, I don't know what is going one here, maybe I need to see a doctor, but I agree with you 100%!!!! 
Such a great album! I was so lucky to stumble across it at Tower about 15 years ago. For you audiophiles out there the recording is impeccable too!
I spent a lovely evening in with Mrs Poacher recently and for our music choice (for no particular reason other than chance) I played nothing but Ben Harper. It seems I have hours and hours of his material I did not know I had and possibly not played before in iTunes.
Anyway, I was astounded by the sheer quality and breath of his material. I shall certainly be musically revisiting Mr Harper.
Anyway, I was astounded by the sheer quality and breath of his material. I shall certainly be musically revisiting Mr Harper.
fredriley wrote:
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
The god botherers!!
I love that term! I'll remember to use it.
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
The god botherers!!
I love that term! I'll remember to use it. twitterpated wrote:
Good grief...
If we only listen to music written by people we have lots in common with about things we totally agree with....we're really limiting ourselves aren't we?
It sounds like the only way for Ben to win some people's approval would be to renounce his beliefs and stick to playing the guitar without singing. I wouldn't wish that upon him just to stop the whinging and whining and "reverse-preaching" of a few narrow-minded clowns on Radio Paradise. Because that's what you're doing...preaching! "Don't say this, don't do that, don't believe in this, don't sing about that...". If you're not into preaching then do what you'd have the "preachers" do and keep it to yourself. There's a rating button at the top that where you can give your judgement without spreading your paranoid anti-whatever rubbish.
Yeah, I know I'm preaching right now too...but I'm not the one who said I'm not into preaching.
I think he's a good muso and I think this is a good song. That's all I care about.
I like the style of this song but have to admit that I flinched when I read in some of the postings that his music is Christian-oriented. I'm not into preaching, as either the saint or the sinner, and usually shy away from those who are.
Good grief...
If we only listen to music written by people we have lots in common with about things we totally agree with....we're really limiting ourselves aren't we?
It sounds like the only way for Ben to win some people's approval would be to renounce his beliefs and stick to playing the guitar without singing. I wouldn't wish that upon him just to stop the whinging and whining and "reverse-preaching" of a few narrow-minded clowns on Radio Paradise. Because that's what you're doing...preaching! "Don't say this, don't do that, don't believe in this, don't sing about that...". If you're not into preaching then do what you'd have the "preachers" do and keep it to yourself. There's a rating button at the top that where you can give your judgement without spreading your paranoid anti-whatever rubbish.
Yeah, I know I'm preaching right now too...but I'm not the one who said I'm not into preaching.
I think he's a good muso and I think this is a good song. That's all I care about.
OK I got your point!
Get a lyricist!
Get a lyricist!
leathepea wrote:
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
While I have always loved Ben Harper, sometimes the preaching can get a little old. Why is it that some Christians insist on pushing their beliefs through the fear of everlasting pain, and suffering. Why can't they just say, this is what I believe, but that's cool if you feel different?
Religion, particularly 'big' religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc - and preaching go together like bangers and mash, jelly and eels, horse and carriage, management and idiocy, politicians and lies, and so on. Asking a Christian not to be preachy is like asking a crocodile not to be snappy.
Talking of Songs of Praise, it's Bob Marley on the now. Love reggae, shame about the religion. Still, the god botherers have produced some good music through the ages, so it's sometimes worth tolerating the preaching and fawning obeisance to their imaginary friend(s).
peter_james_bond wrote:
So true...or at least you think you can dance to anything. :-)
That's all the matters really...as long as you don't break anything or fall out of a window.
So true...or at least you think you can dance to anything. :-)
That's all the matters really...as long as you don't break anything or fall out of a window.
I like the style of this song but have to admit that I flinched when I read in some of the postings that his music is Christian-oriented. I'm not into preaching, as either the saint or the sinner, and usually shy away from those who are.
bluesdragon wrote:
So true...or at least you think you can dance to anything. :-)
With enough alcohol, you can dance to _anything_ heh
So true...or at least you think you can dance to anything. :-)
While I have always loved Ben Harper, sometimes the preaching can get a little old. Why is it that some Christians insist on pushing their beliefs through the fear of everlasting pain, and suffering. Why can't they just say, this is what I believe, but that's cool if you feel different? I mean, nobody really knows what happens after, they just think they do.
Sorry for the religion comment, just had to get that off my chest.
Sorry for the religion comment, just had to get that off my chest.
bluesdragon wrote:
I learned this, too, from relatives that live in Houston. Maybe you know them? Maybe you ARE them?
With enough alcohol, you can dance to anything .
heh
heh
I learned this, too, from relatives that live in Houston. Maybe you know them? Maybe you ARE them?
always skipped that one.
Never want to hear that again! It.hurts.badly. 
One of the best singer/songwriters of our time. I'm just a bit disappointed by his more recent "Christian rock" turn...
En excellent album with an excellent sound quality.
Excellent lyrics, enjoyable sound and voice too.
Great singer, amazing guitarist.
Also known as Bernard peur in france.
P.
michaelc wrote:
love that metal string sound -
words are good
but can you dance to it ?
With enough alcohol, you can dance to _anything_
heh
From Bruce Cockburn to this. Well knit set..........
This song is so beautiful, I love welcome to the cruel world
EVERY Ben Harper album is worth owning. Really. Enjoy. 
Except for maybe Diamonds on the Inside....somewhat disappointing. Some good tracks but definetly not the same obsessive listenability of the rest of his stuff.
love that metal string sound -
words are good
but can you dance to it ?
oOOOH I like, I like. Nice dobro (if that's what I am hearin). I will have to get this CD. 8)
8)
beh harper is amazing - burn to shine is my personal favorite album but they're all amazing!
Try hearing this on some crappy Top 40 station. Thanks, Bill. I love BH!
Oh wow, there's some serious magic in this song.
If you do not have this cd, BUY IT NOW!! 
Absolutely True. The man's amazing. Anything he puts out is worth owning.
Platypus wrote:
truly!
there's not a single song on any of his albums that is sub-par.
amazing artist!
i love ben harper. i need to buy his albums. all of them. i'm surprised i haven't yet.
Originally Posted by mperry:
EVERY Ben Harper album is worth owning. Really. Enjoy.
truly!
there's not a single song on any of his albums that is sub-par.
amazing artist!Originally Posted by mellotron:
This is nice. A new artist for me to start listening to :)
EVERY Ben Harper album is worth owning. Really. Enjoy.
This is nice. A new artist for me to start listening to :)
My friend Maysan proposed to him from the audience at a show. She yelled \"Marry me Ben!\"
He didn\'t, but smiled kindly and \"aw yeahed\".
It kind of builds on you doesn\'t it? Had I rated this song early it would have been two points lower.