Ben Folds

As a composer, songwriter, performer, and multi- instrumentalist, Ben Folds alters the conventional means of feeding into an alternative rock genre he finds himself in. With bitter sarcasm and satirically laced lyrics Folds creatively instills both practical and politically relevant message within all of his compositions. He’s no rebel trying to defy today’s standards of what a genre is considered, but embraces the alternative method of which is evident through his selection of the five instruments he plays: piano, guitar, bass, drums, and keytar all of which are traditional alternative instruments. He also has a consistency with in all of his songs. No song is too off pace from a traditional rock standpoint. Not only does he write all of his own songs, but he also plays all the instruments in most of his songs which uniquely sets him apart from other rock artists.
Nevertheless, Folds continues defy all that he views as misconstrued in society through songwriting. In his song Rockin the Suburbs he sarcastically writes “I’ll take the checks and face the facts that some producers with computers fix all my shitty tracks” He neither indulges in the cookie cutter method of alternative rock nor aims to perfect any type of reputation society has set for him. Instead, he speaks about political messages or moral flaws in today’s society that makes people uncomfortable. Thus, the excess usage of cussing derives throughout many of his songs for this very reason alone. Understanding who he is influenced by is key in order to embrace his style of writing. Folds’s greatest influence is attributed to Randy Newman, who is best known for his single “Short People”. Which innuendos the literal meaning of short to the metaphorical meaning to convey an in depth message that he doesn’t like short or negative people with little motivation.
All of Ben Folds’s songs are creatively interlaced with a common ground. Looking at his more controversial songs like; Bastard, Learn to Live With What You Are, You Don’t Know Me, and Still Fighting Folds frequently revisits the idea of not misconstruing who you truly are and not being afraid of speaking out for any beliefs one may have. He communicates all the evident problems he finds in society and sarcastically mocks those who play into it. In his song Bastard he brilliantly criticizes the youth for wanting to grow older faster and for acting as if they know all there is to know about life. A lesson that is often not criticized in today’s culture, but unfortunately holds true. Folds also gives off a father like tone in the midst of his criticisms. He wants to see the world a better place not only for his children, but for everyone. This is conveyed throughout many of his songs especially when encouraging the youth of our generation to stay young and act our age. His contribution to alternative music is both negative and positive. He deliberately criticizes much of today’s culture because he longs for a reaction, but also implants thoughtful insight into people’s mind’s in order to produce a change in the flaws he views our society has. He displays a nonchalant and humble attitude in his lyrics by stating many times that he isn’t that talented or in his song Still Fighting, which is written for his son, he continuously apologizes to his son for being like him. This humble attitude is shown even brighter when contrasted toward his very passionate and thought provoking lyrics, which makes for a truly original artist.