Here it is folks.  The best argument ever for a new "Request that this song never be played on Radio Paradise again, ever" button.

ah, here it is.  the song that officially turned me off of ben harper.

Nicely said, I agree. Graham Parker had a great song about fatherhood on Deep Cuts from Nowhere called Tough On Clothes, gist of the words being his child was hard to keep up with, have to go to the store as she or he grows in spurts, just bought some clothes yesterday but now they're worn or outworn, but it isn't it what it's all about for working blokes and how I love my kids. Touching, funny and true plus excellent musically. Struck by Lightning also has many great songs about family and children.

Here it is folks.  The best argument ever for a new "Request that this song never be played on Radio Paradise again, ever" button.

All Ben Harper = an automatic 1.  Self-important, soulless "artist."

The best thing about this song is the bass line.

Evidently this song was inspired by his toddler, who was constantly running around, obliging him to 'steal' his kisses. I don't care much about lyrics in general, but i think this song would have been so much more endearing if it had been about that little vignette and the joy of fatherhood. Instead, we get some vague mishmash about relationships again--gee, never have heard that before.

likewise, "how great it is to be a dad" is a dangerous territory for otherwise talented musicians to write about; it often comes across as maudlin and trite. He had a chance to turn in some really stellar work here with a great groove and subject, so it's sad that he settled for mediocrity both musically and lyrically.

He can do much better, as others have said in fewer words.

-PL-

(edit: that same authenticity might be part of why jack johnson is so widely enjoyed for similarly casual grooves; whereas ben sometimes falls into cliche or standard call-and-response stuff, jack always feels pretty honest.)

that guy on the right side of the album cover looks like a fat man in a little high school letter jacket and a trucker hat. guess nobody told him they'd be dressing up for that shoot.

worst ben harper song? anyone?

I think Harper's producer must have forced this single out of him under duress.