Better Way

i see this about hope in people, like no matter how bad things are, there is a better way, and i particular see it as pointing to religion.

oh my goodness, bohemianEagle...great use of my favorite kerouac quote!

i don't think this song was written to apply to a certain situation. this song is about a man who is idealistic about mankind as a whole. he is stating that despite the shit in the world, he refuses to give up and give in...he believes that he can change the world by starting with himself.

"what good is a cynic with no better plan" is my favorite line. he's saying that if we're going to bitch about the world, then we are only making it worse. to bring on change we need to take responsibility for ourselves and be the better person.

This song is so powerful, and so strong. Its Ben's take on the war in Iraq, saying he doesn't care what you think, this is how he feels and hes not afraid to say it and say it loud.

Fight the power

This is such an excellent song. I can see how it could be on Iraq, but it can really be looked at as a general vocalization of strength and hope. The real theme is that, no matter how bad shit is, there’s always that hope out there…always that better way.

This song also has my favorite lyric of all time: “Take your face out of your hands And clear your eyes You have a right to your dreams And don't be denied”

Ben Harper did a great job. He deserves the utmost respect.

I can see it being about Iraq...

But I think its meaning transcends to living with any hardship imposed on you by society. Everyone should want bad things to change.

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars" --- Ben Harper is Mad, this song is definitvie of that. He's mad and that's why I love him and his music.

I was at the Ben Harper concert in Toronto last night, and this was his closing song. I loved the song before, but the album version is nothing compared to it live, he way laying down on stage screaming into the mic, it was unbelievable. If you get a chance to see him live do it, best concert of my life. Ben Harper is the greatest musician out there today.

Good job Ben!

I was at the Ben Harper concert in Toronto last night, and this was his closing song. I loved the song before, but the album version is nothing compared to it live, he way laying down on stage screaming into the mic, it was unbelievable. If you get a chance to see him live do it, best concert of my life. Ben Harper is the greatest musician out there today.

Good job Ben!

I used to be a big fan of his music in my early twenties and when this song came up I didn't like it a lot but then I loved the mood. It's easier to be cynical and out of the game, to criticize others and to find excuses for that, than make a change and be a part of that. I'm also aware than it may be easier for some than for others.