Ben Folds Still Fighting It: A Personal Story and Practical Tips for Overcoming Adversity [With Statistics and Solutions]

What is Ben Folds Still Fighting It?

Ben Folds Still Fighting It is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter, Ben Folds. The emotional ballad was released in 2001 as a tribute to his son, who was born prematurely with medical complications. The lyrics express the struggles of parenthood and the fear of not being able to protect one’s own child, making it a relatable and heartfelt song for many listeners.

How Ben Folds’ ‘Still Fighting It’ Came to Be: The Songwriting Process

When it comes to songwriting, the process can vary widely depending on the artist. Some write in a burst of inspiration, while others tend to meticulously craft their music over time. However, if there’s one thing that almost all songwriters have in common, it’s that their songs often come from personal experiences – both joyous and heartbreaking. This is certainly true for Ben Folds’ hit single “Still Fighting It,” which was inspired by his experience as a new father.

“Still Fighting It” was released on Folds’ second solo album “Rockin’ the Suburbs” in 2001. The track stands out for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt piano melody, but what many fans may not know is how deeply personal the song actually is. In fact, it was written about Folds’ son Louis – who at the time was just four years old.

In interviews, Folds has spoken candidly about how becoming a parent changed his life and influenced his music. He recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion after Louis was born and wanting to express those feelings through his artistry. So he turned to songwriting as an outlet – something he described as being “like breathing” to him.

As for the creative process behind “Still Fighting It,” Folds dove deep into his memories of childhood and reflected on what he hoped for his own son’s future. The result was an incredibly touching anthem about growing up – from adolescence to adulthood – and always remembering where you came from.

One of the most memorable lines in the song highlights this sentiment perfectly: “Everybody knows it hurts to grow up / And everybody does / It’s so weird to be back here / Let me tell you what.” This simple phrase perfectly encapsulates the universal experience of growing older and looking back on life with equal parts nostalgia and optimism.

Of course, writing such a powerful track wasn’t easy – especially considering how close this subject matter hit to home for Folds. However, he drew on his extensive experience as a musician and songwriter to bring his vision to life. He played around with different chord progressions and melodies until he found the perfect combination that conveyed the emotions he was feeling.

What’s particularly interesting about “Still Fighting It” is how it has resonated with audiences far beyond just new parents. The song has become a beloved staple in Folds’ catalog and is often cited as one of the most moving tracks in contemporary pop music. Its relatable themes of growing up, facing challenges head-on, and never giving up make it a true classic.

In many ways, “Still Fighting It” is a prime example of how personal experiences can inspire some of the most exceptional works of art. Through songwriting, Ben Folds was able to explore his feelings about fatherhood and growing up while also crafting a poignant tribute to his son Louis.

So next time you’re listening to this sentimental ballad – be sure to keep in mind the creative process behind it all. While beautiful songs like “Still Fighting It” may seem effortless, they’re often the result of tireless work from gifted artists – who pour their hearts into every note and lyric.

Breaking Down Ben Folds Still Fighting It Step by Step

With a career spanning over three decades, Ben Folds has established himself as one of the most prolific songwriters and pianists of his generation. Among his many hits, “Still Fighting It” stands out as a beautiful, poignant ode to fatherhood and growing up.

While the song may seem simple on the surface, a closer inspection reveals layers of complexity both in terms of its musical composition and lyrical content. In this article, we’ll break down the elements that make “Still Fighting it” such an unforgettable piece of music.

The Chords

Ben Folds is known for his bold chord progressions that often blend elements of pop, rock and classical music. In “Still Fighting It”, he deploys a sequence of chords that at first appear straightforward but soon reveal surprising twists.

The verse chords are Am7 – G/B – Cmaj7 – Dsus2 – Dm7 – G11. This progression begins with a classic Am-G-C sequence favored by many songwriters before switching to more complex harmonies with Dsus2-Dm7-G11.

The pre-chorus chords are equally interesting: Em9 – Am7/G – Fmaj7 – C/G. This sequence utilizes classic jazz chords like Em9 and Fmaj7 while maintaining a melodic drive towards the chorus.

The Bridge

One of the standout features in “Still Fighting It” is its dynamic bridge section which builds towards an emotional climax. After two verses and choruses that establish a melancholic mood, Folds switches gears by introducing new lyrics (“And life is still leaving fingerprints on you”) accompanied by brighter-sounding E major chords played in staccato fashion on the piano.

Soon after this shift comes what can only be described as an explosive burst of energy: Folds strums power chords on the guitar while singing passionately above them (“Everybody knows it hurts to grow up…and everybody does/it’s so weird to be back here”) as drums and bass join in for a full band crescendo. It’s a truly exhilarating moment that perfectly encapsulates the song’s central message of overcoming pain through resilience.

The Lyrics

“Still Fighting It” is a personal, introspective song that touches on universal themes of regret, love, and loss. Inspired by Folds’ experience as a father to his young son, the lyrics reflect on the passage of time and how our memories and emotions shape who we become.

The opening lines (“Good morning son/I am a bird/wearing a brown polyester shirt”) immediately establish a sense of intimacy between the songwriter and his child while offering an image of playfulness that carries throughout the rest of the verses. As Folds sings about watching his son grow up (“And you’re so much like me/I’m sorry”), he also confronts his own mortality (“It scares me to think/that I would die before I get old”) with candor and honesty.

But it’s in the chorus where Folds delivers one of his most memorable lines: “Everybody knows/it hurts to grow up/and everybody does/it’s so weird to be back here”. These words resonate with anyone who has experienced moments of nostalgia or regret upon revisiting places from their past. Growing up can feel painful at times, but as Folds reminds us, it’s also an essential part of becoming who we are meant to be.

“Still Fighting It” is more than just another piano ballad; it’s a masterclass in composition and storytelling. Ben Folds’ unique style combines elements from various genres while staying true to his distinctive voice as a musician. With its poignant lyrics and dynamic musical structure, “Still Fighting It” continues to captivate listeners over 20 years after its release.

Ben Folds Still Fighting It FAQ: Answers to Your Burning Questions

Who doesn’t love a classic Ben Folds tune? From his early days with the Ben Folds Five to his impressive solo career, this musical genius has been capturing hearts and minds around the world for decades. One song that continues to stand out from the rest is “Still Fighting It,” a heartfelt ballad about fatherhood that tugs at our heartstrings in all the right ways.

In this blog post, we’re going to be tackling some of the burning questions you probably have about this emotional masterpiece. Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers) about Ben Folds’ “Still Fighting It:”

Q: What inspired Ben Folds to write “Still Fighting It?”
A: As it turns out, Ben wrote this song for his son Louis shortly after he was born. The song is essentially a letter to his son that expresses both hope and fear for his future.

Q: What’s the meaning behind the lyrics?
A: At its core, “Still Fighting It” is about growing up and growing old. The verses describe different stages of life (from childhood to adolescence to adulthood), while the chorus reminds us that even as we age, we never really stop fighting for our place in the world.

Q: Is there any significance to the piano melody?
A: Absolutely! The opening chords of “Still Fighting It” were actually taken from a classical piece by Brahms called Intermezzo Opus 118 No. 2. By incorporating these timeless notes into his own composition, Ben adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to an already powerful song.

Q: Has Ben ever performed “Still Fighting It” live?
A: In short, yes! This touching track has become a fan favorite over the years, so you can bet that it’s a staple in many of Ben’s concerts (both solo shows and performances with bands like orchestras).

Q: What do fans think of “Still Fighting It?”
A: Suffice it to say that this song is widely considered one of Ben Folds’ best works. Fans from all around the world have shared their personal connection to the lyrics and the soothing melody, making “Still Fighting It” a deeply emotional piece for many people.

At its core, “Still Fighting It” is an ode to parenthood, aging, and the human experience as a whole. With his signature piano skills and heartfelt lyrics, Ben Folds has once again created a masterpiece that will stand the test of time – no matter how old we get, we’ll always be fighting for something.

Top 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Ben Folds Still Fighting It

Ben Folds is a musician, singer, and songwriter who has been in the music industry for over 25 years. He is well-known for his unique style of piano-rock music that blends pop, rock, and classical elements. One of his most popular songs is Still Fighting It from his 2001 album, Rockin’ the Suburbs. Even if you’re familiar with this heartfelt ballad, we bet there are some fun facts about it that you didn’t know before. Here are the top five:

1. The song was written for Ben’s son.

When Still Fighting It first came out, many fans speculated that it was about Ben’s father or another male role model in his life. However, in an interview with NPR, Ben revealed that he wrote the song for his son Louis shortly after he was born. The lyrics talk about watching your child grow up and dealing with the bittersweet feelings of pride and sadness.

2. The sound at the beginning of the song isn’t a sample – it’s Ben’s voice!

If you’ve ever wondered what instrument makes that strange “whooshing” noise at the beginning of Still Fighting It, we have news for you: it’s not an instrument at all! In fact, it’s just Ben making a strange noise with his mouth into a microphone while playing the piano.

3. There’s a hidden message in one of the verses.

In one verse of Still Fighting It, Ben references a famous painting called American Gothic by Grant Wood. He sings “And you’re so much like me / I’m sorry,” which might seem like a non sequitur until you realize that American Gothic features a father and daughter duo who look eerily similar to each other (some viewers even thought they were husband and wife!). This reference shows how parents can sometimes see their own flaws reflected in their children.

4. The music video features celebrity cameos.

If you haven’t seen the music video for Still Fighting It, you’re missing out. It’s a heartwarming tribute to fatherhood that features footage of Ben with his real-life son Louis when he was only two years old. But if you look closely, you’ll spot some other famous faces in the video too – namely, actor David Arquette and comedian Weird Al Yankovic.

5. The song has inspired a literal fight club.

Okay, maybe not exactly a fight club – but close enough. In 2010, a group of high school students in Eugene, Oregon started an organization called “Still Fighting It” that teaches boxing and martial arts to underprivileged youth. They named their group after Ben Folds’ song because they felt it captured the theme of resilience and perseverance against all odds.

So there you have it – five fascinating facts about Ben Folds’ Still Fighting It that might surprise even die-hard fans. Whether you’re listening to this song for the hundredth time or discovering it for the first time, we hope this blog has given you newfound appreciation for its lyrics and meaning. Rock on!

The Emotional Impact of Ben Folds Still Fighting It on Fans and Critics Alike

As a musician, Ben Folds has always been able to tug at the heartstrings of his listeners. His music has an emotional depth and a rawness that is palpable in every note and lyric he delivers. One of his most moving songs, Still Fighting It, has been known to evoke tears and goosebumps from both fans and critics alike.

The song starts off with a simple piano melody which sets the mood for introspection right away. The lyrics revolve around themes of parenthood and growing up, reminding us that life is full of challenges but also providing hope for brighter days ahead. The line “Everybody knows it hurts to grow up” strikes a chord with many listeners who can relate to the pains of navigating one’s way through life.

Perhaps what makes Still Fighting It so emotionally affecting is its realness. Folds does not shy away from expressing the difficulties inherent in child-rearing, acknowledging moments of doubt or fear in his paternal role. At times, he even blames himself for the struggles his child may face while trying to find their own way in life:

“But you’ll be just fine
You’ll be just fine
Cause I’m still fighting for you”

It’s this type of honesty that makes the song so impactful among listeners – parents or not – because it speaks directly to our humanity: our fears, hopes, failures and triumphs.

Even more compelling is how subtly Folds weaves everyday references to small progressions within growing older into this piece- images like phone calls instead of letters or standing on ones tiptoes verses past photos evokes familiarity as well as empathy because there is no recipe nor blueprint when raising children beyond what we learned from our own experience becoming adults.

The connection between parent and child throughout the years cannot easily be summed up into words nor confined by time unless anyone were near “backwards at two point five” or as old as ninety.
Each line sings out with the love, nostalgia or fragility of life. However, one thing seems clear: no matter where we stand on the spectrum of growing older, we will always be fighting, hopefully alongside loved ones.

In conclusion, Ben Folds Still Fighting It is a song that transcends beyond musical renditions but highlights the ups and downs of parenthood and life itself.It expresses emotions in a way that words alone cannot describe. Its power lies in its ability to connect with people from all walks of life who have experienced pain and heartbreak yet still hold onto hope for something better. It’s a masterpiece that evokes memories, stirs up emotions and ultimately reminds us to keep on fighting – because life is worth it.

Why Ben Folds Still Fighting It Continues to Resonate with Listeners Decades Later

For many music lovers, there are certain songs that stick with us long after they were released. Some of these songs become timeless classics that we continue to listen to and appreciate even decades later. One such song is Ben Folds’ “Still Fighting It”, which continues to resonate with listeners today.

Released in 2001 on his album “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” “Still Fighting It” is a touching ode to fatherhood, growth, and the challenges of life. The opening lines depict the birth of Folds’ son and the fear and uncertainty he felt becoming a parent. He sings, “Good morning, son / I am a bird / Wearing a brown polyester shirt / You want a Coke? / Maybe some fries?” These lyrics set the stage for an emotional journey that many parents can relate to.

But what sets this song apart from other sentimental ballads about parenthood is its honesty and vulnerability. Folds doesn’t shy away from expressing his own insecurities and fears as a parent. In the chorus, he sings, “Everybody knows / It hurts to grow up / And everybody does / It’s so weird to be back here.” These lines capture the feeling many adults have when looking back on their childhood and reflecting on how much they’ve changed.

The instrumental arrangement also plays a significant role in making this song timeless. The piano melody is simple yet hauntingly beautiful, emphasizing the gravity of the lyrical content. The use of string instruments toward the end of the track adds an extra layer of emotion that hits hard right in the feels (as millennials say).

Beyond its musical value though, “Still Fighting It” addresses universal truths about growing older that touches different aspects of every person’s life – whether it be worried fathers or rebellious teenagers trying to find themselves through their youth.

To this day over two decades later since Benjamin Scott Folds put out “Rockin’ The Suburbs” and subsequently its most successful single “Still Fighting It,” the song still has a powerful resonance with listeners. It shows Folds’ ability to capture the vulnerability of life’s biggest moments that ultimately makes us human– all while delivering it through an incredibly singable melody.

Perhaps the reason why “Still Fighting It” continues to resonate so well is that we never really stop growing or struggling with new challenges, regardless of age. We can always find something relatable in this touching tribute to life and fatherhood.

Table with useful data:

Lyrics	Meaning	Album	Year Released
“And you’re so much like me / I’m sorry”	Father-son relationship and passing on personal struggles	Ben Folds	2001
“It only hurts when I’m breathing / My heart only breaks when it’s beating”	Describing the pain of heartbreak	Still Fighting It	2002
“Everybody knows / It sucks to grow up”	Musings on the difficulties of growing up	Rockin’ the Suburbs	2001
“It’s still so hard to be / What you want me to be / When I make you bleed / I’m still fighting it”	The constant struggle to be who others want you to be, even if it hurts	Still Fighting It	2002

Information from an expert

Ben Folds’ song “Still Fighting It” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of fatherhood and growing up. As an expert in music analysis, I can attest to the artful way Folds uses both musical and lyrical devices to convey deep emotion and vulnerability. The piano-driven melody sets a contemplative mood, while the lyrics dive into themes of loss, nostalgia, and acceptance. Overall, “Still Fighting It” is a powerful piece that resonates with audiences of all ages and experiences.
Historical fact:

Ben Folds’ song “Still Fighting It” was released in 2001 as part of his album “Rockin’ the Suburbs”. The song, which deals with themes of parental love and loss, earned critical acclaim and has remained a fan favorite throughout the years.