Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you, my friend, will see
You've got a friend in me
(You've got a friend in me)
Ben, you're always running here and there (here and there)
You feel you're not wanted anywhere (anywhere)
If you ever look behind
And don't like what you find
There's something you should know
You've got a place to go
(You've got a place to go)
I used to say "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
(I used to say "I" and "me")
(Now it's "us", now it's "we")
Ben, most people would turn you away (turn you away)
I don't listen to a word they say (a word they say)
They don't see you as I do
I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again
If they had a friend like Ben
(A friend)
Like Ben
(Like Ben)
Like Ben
About This Song
"Ben" is a tender ballad about unconditional friendship and acceptance, written for the 1972 film about a boy's bond with a pet rat. Michael Jackson's gentle, soulful delivery transforms what could have been a novelty song into a deeply moving meditation on loyalty and belonging, with themes of finding solace in an unlikely companion who offers understanding without judgment. The song's simple R&B arrangement, featuring lush strings and Jackson's remarkably mature vocals at age 14, creates an intimate atmosphere that emphasizes the emotional vulnerability in the lyrics. It became Jackson's first solo #1 hit and earned an Academy Award nomination, demonstrating his ability to convey profound emotion and establish the compassionate persona that would define much of his early solo career. The song's universal message about friendship transcending social expectations resonated far beyond its original context, making it a lasting testament to the power of acceptance and connection.
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