Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were

TAKEN FROM THE 2012 MERCURY PRIZE-NOMINATED ALBUM BY BEN HOWARD ‘Every Kingdom’
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Lyrics:
Oh hey, I wasn't listening
I was watching Syria
Blinded by the sunshine strip
You, you were in the kitchen
Oh, your mariner's mouth
The wounded with the wounder's whip
And that's how summer passed away
The great dividing range, the green, green grass
And oh, maybe it was peace at last
Who knew?
Hello love, my invincible friend
Oh, hello love, the thistle and the burr
Oh, hello love, for you I have so many words
But I, I forget where we were, no
Oh hey, I wasn't listening
I was stung by all of us
The blind leading out the bored
And as per usual
You were skipping and laughing
Eyes at the bedroom door
"Don't take it so seriously, no
Only time is ours, the rest we'll just wait and see!"
Maybe you're right, babe
Maybe
Oh, Lord
And that's how summer passed
Oh, the great dividing range, the green, green grass
And oh, maybe I'll hold on fast
To you
Then hello love, my invincible friend
Oh, hello love, the thistle and the burr
Oh, hello love, for you I have so many words
But I, I forget where we were, no
I forget where we were, no
I forget where we were, no
I forget where we were
Oh, Lord
And that's how summer passed
Oh, the great dividing range, the green, green grass
And oh, maybe it was peace at last
Who knew?

[@blakewilliams4007]

I have this memory of sitting on the couch in my parent's house the night after my mom died, headphones in my ears, this song guiding me through the blind pain. I'm grateful to have had Ben in my head while experiencing such a difficult time. Thank you, Ben.

[@craigmasters3426]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your mother, I just want you to know that we can have hope in this life and the next if we put in it Christ all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved x

[@brittanyb1809]

❤

[@thisisty8872]

I lost my fiancé and Ben definitely helped me through it! Much love brother 🙏🏻

[@angelface889]

Sorry about your mum ❤ hope your ok x

[@zakandfal]

❤🙏

[@davidhubbard9974]

So my interpretation of the video is that the beach symbolises their life together. They are stuck in a place of purgatory with only each other for company. The two of them are very alike, hence the symmetry of the parasol and their chairs, but their relationship has stagnated. The building represents their past and the two of them are too transfixed with what has happened before to move on. The gun that he holds represents his sins (possibly domestic violence, although he never points it at her so it could be general aggression) and the sand castle which she builds is symbolic of her own insignificant dreams which she builds up quietly on her own but never amount to anything. It is only when the two of them hold hands and touch that they rediscover their love and why they are together in the first place. It here that they realise that it is time to move on and they cannot remain trapped in this state of looking at the past forever, they must move on. I dont know whether they stay together after this point or go their own separate ways but whichever it is they are leaving the past behind them, thus destroying it, hence the building falling down. Thats just me though. Whatever the real meaning is, it is a beautifully directed and designed video. The cinematographer for this is a genius.

[@RandeepBhullar]

Probably the best comment I've ever read :')

[@ThaoHoang-co8cf]

Very nice comment...

[@ayashin19]

Wow nice and here I was thinking this song was about freshly baked poppy seed muffins

[@ayashin19]

I can't be the only one who sees the subliminal poppy seed muffin message am I ???????

[@srilankanflyer92]

"If buildings fell, at least we'd be in matrimony" - Small Things by Ben Howard

[@courtney5001]

I play this song on repeat and cry tears of joy, sadness, remorse, regret, and hope

[@innovationimagination]

I feel same way my friend! I wish the hope would last ..

[@hathaway.1166]

How to overcome 5 stages of grief Step 1:

[@i.m.u.r4244]

If you know you know

[@callum.........22]

No you don't you have never cried when this song has been on.............very misleading just to get likes tut tut s.m.h

[@seagulls566]

I'm guessing you're still crying now 😉 I like this song a lot but no crying for me.

[@tomh-ph3dp]

How the hell have I never heard of this man, and how the hell have I never heard this song? Well, better late than never. Oh my word this is wondrous. Peace, my friends.

[@johnkennedy7475]

Welcome 🙏 listen to black flies thank me later

[@rashidulhasan5873]

Oh, hey I wasn't listening I was watching Syria blinded by the sunshine strip And you, you were in the kitchen Oh, your mariner's mouth The wounded with the wounder's whip And that's how summer passed oh The great dividing range of green, green grass Oh, maybe it was peace at last, who knew Hello love, my invincible friend Hello love, the thistle and the burr Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were Oh, hey I wasn't listening I was stung by all of us The blind leading out the bored And as per usual You were skipping and laughing eyes at the bedroom door "Don't take it so seriously, no Only time is ours, the rest we'll just wait and see!" Maybe you're right, babe, maybe Oh, no, and that's how summer passed Oh the great dividing range, the green green grass And, oh, maybe I hold on fast to you Hello love, my invincible friend Hello love, the thistle and the burr Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were I, I forget where we were I forget where we were I forget where we were Oh, no, and that's how summer passed Oh, your, great dividing range, the green green grass Oh, maybe it was peace at last, who knew

[@sabrinamaaz1886]

I was thinking the same thing! Syria always on my mind; praying for the people... We need to do more to help the refugees, to push for medical aid for the people inside Syria. Always in my heart.

[@TheMikeyoshea]

Rashidul Hasan Thank you :)

[@indecisiveloser]

I've listened to everything Ben has ever put out and I've been moved by all of it, but this...this surpasses everything.

[@InternetheroxD]

+Mariah Craig 'You laugh like you've never been lonely' might be the most beautiful lyric anyone has ever written.

[@ChrizzyWhite]

+Mariah Craig i never listened to Ben before this song right here, and it just hit me so hard.

[@InternetheroxD]

Chris White Give Conrad, One pine and Promise a shot, they are awesome.

[@kelbyjprice1]

+SteveKHAN conrad

[@InternetheroxD]

K Price Conrad is amazing

[@vanessabarroso9929]

Passing by just to check if anyone still listens to this wonderful masterpiece... I will never be able to entirely describe how this particular song makes me feel... theres just something so peculiar and so special about it. This is that one song I just never forgot and when I listen to it....... I just can't explain it...

[@CatSpirito]

Same here. I was searching for new comments. I fell in love with his music since his first album. I always come back to Howard's music to calm my mind and soul. It gives me so many good emotions.

[@CatSpirito]

I hope, some day, i will able to buy all his albums. Because this one of the artist that I come back to listen to.

[@w.j.terrell9831]

I just heard this for the first time last night. Hope the past couple years have been good to you all.

[@yasin7068]

I'm replying so you can be reminded of this song

[@vanessabarroso9929]

​@@yasin7068 You're kind, thank you so much for this

[@ARcaptures]

I think we need more Ben's in the world.

[@BjornBlijd]

Ben is that type of guy you see sitting on a bench with glasses on and you dropped something and it come accidently to him and gives it back to you and says "how are you?" and you talk with him the whole time and then you realise you need to go home and he says bye and goes home to and you stare at him the whole time and for some reason when you walk away you have that free feeling.

[@BjornBlijd]

+IISuperGamingII And people just stare at you in a weird way.

[@benbeecher5025]

I agree

[@BitcoinMoney8]

Alex Rosier Dam fuckin straight. He washes away all the shit Music that's been piped in to everyone's house these days. God I hope my kids have some music sense.

[@philipgreen8251]

I just randomly watched some videos on your channel. You're a sweet filmmaker man

[@johnokool9295]

Seriously one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Makes me believe theres still honesty and talent in other artists out there. Respect to Ben.

[@scarypoolparty]

+Johno Kool Hes beyond talented!!!!

[@happysoulrelaxmusic4046]

👍

[@jackkinsella783]

Whilst drunk, in November 2016 I realise this is probably one of the best songs of our generation. He speaks on a different level

[@rodp7803]

The building isn't their relationship, it's the end of their relationship. They can see the end, the impermanence of the relationship is known to both and they are together awaiting its arrival. When the building falls, neither is in that location on the beach anymore. The spot under the umbrella was the relationship.

[@gowgowgaga]

'Only time is ours the rest we'll just wait and see,' is a beautiful lyric.

[@hfhfhhf1]

I don't know why he's so underrated, I feel like in this fast paced world we could do with more of his type of music.

[@n.j.t262]

+hfhfhhf1 That's why he's here. To stop the world from pacing faster towards distaster. That's what great art is about. To make us see instead of starring into the void that's only blinding. Too many people are blinded by the superficial. Real art sets you free, at least in your heart.

[@MrOitoyboy]

I wouldn’t say Ben is underrated. Far from it.

[@ryanwilliams4223]

His first album was a huge success I think but the 2nd one didn't do as well,artists need at least 2/3 solid albums to get going

[@hfhfhhf1]

@@ryanwilliams4223 I find it refreshing when i see a notification for a comment i wrote 4 yrs ago, better still bc i still adore this song and yes i agree with you but, we still need his music particularly in this crappy year and I kinda like that his songs go under the radar bc only certain people know him and they all tend to be wonderful people

[@callum.........22]

He's not under rated he doesn't want to be as famous as to where he can't walk down the street without being swarmed he hasen't really gone down the mainstream route because if he blows up he knows that's a sick world and to keep your fame goin you need to do certain things in this industry witch are far past anything you could even imagine that's why all the Hollywood artists end up losing there minds......Katy Perry is a prime example/Eminem went away for years and other celebrities like Shia labouf and there's many others itsalot to do with satanism/devil worshipping/sacrificing animals family members freinds sexual desire almost anything you can imagine oh and btw they want us all to be gay especially kids that's why you are seeing transvestites goin in to schools and talking and all over the commercials do some research on satanism in the music industry.......,.......... Ben Howard does not want that life

[@reesek30]

How this guy hasn't got over a million subscribers is beyond me and how he's not recognised worldwide! This is proper music! Powerful powerful music!

[@PatTheRiot]

The video clip is part of this song... the man and his pride (the gun)... the building up on the horizon... the boredom of life... the wind going thru the pages of their lives... the crumbling of it all when they go on their way... Absolutely beautiful. Matches the song perfectly.

[@Physicks499]

its the "green green grass" bit that gets me. alliteration at its finest.

[@PowracajacyRefren]

One of the best song of last decade. Sorry - one of the best song ever!

[@stanvino6344]

I've been listening to this album for 8 years now. This is, and will probably always be, my favorite album. Thank you Ben.

[@gavincurley4818]

Can we just acknowledge the drummer in this. Never paid enough attention to him before but, today.. Wow.

[@connorwoolley7065]

Over a year on from this album's release and I still play this album almost every day in my car! Still has the same effect on me as it did when I first heard it. It's ironic because when I brought the album I remember exactly where I was, on holiday with friends in Scotland, we listened to it on the way back home three times over....

[@Kyra_2424]

+Connor Woolley This song is still my alarm just so I make sure I hear some of his work every day

[@emero1]

Me too. I got the car the same time as this album and it sorta feels wrong listening to anything else ❤

[@adamfreeman1227]

Ben Howard just gives this vibe, a vibe of which you wish you could experience life like he has. Every emotion and every detail brought to life through his songs.

[@melissalolol3088]

your own life is unique itself

[@ARcaptures]

this is beautiful comment...

[@reenysharamesh2679]

"And that's how summer passed oh The great dividing range of green, green grass Oh, maybe it was peace at last, who knew Hello love, my invincible friend Hello love, the thistle and the burr Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were" ❤💙❤

[@user-hw5ys6ng1l]

This is the truest truth!

[@bobbymeserve3518]

Adam Freeman my life’s better than his

[@allydill8078]

i still remember the day this song came out 4 years ago... i played it on repeat for hours and it never got boring. to this day my stomach still drops a tiny bit when that beautiful guitar riff at the beginning starts playing. will be one of my favourites till the day i die.

[@Amyrhianna101]

The center of the parasol devides the building. The building represents their relationship and life, swing the relationship from two different sides.... the distance between them and the building is about commitment to the relationship on both parts. Once they are both not watching the building it falls down. Moral of the story; don’t take one another for granted not even for a second. Don’t ever take your eye off the ball otherwise it all comes crashing down.

[@anthonykomasara5316]

“Your mariners mouth, the wounded with the wounder’s whip.” There’s a lot to unpack in that one line

[@user-ii9xd9ny3x]

Ive fallen in love with a much wiser soul than I, this will be playing through out our adventurous summer together, I'm 29 shes 45 hoping I win her over. 🤞

[@mehtaboo7]

good luck!

[@gea8347]

You will 🤍

[@atomicalien4]

Need updates

[@user-ii9xd9ny3x]

@@atomicalien4 she's introduced me to her entire family and we spend all the time together we can, every chance we get! Haven't been this happy my entire life

[@WaKey_WaKey456]

@@user-ii9xd9ny3xI’m in love with this. I’ll be rooting for you guys!! 🎉💫🌻

[@Xanaxdu-si3ch]

I'm living this song at this moment. What we've had is now dying so slowly, and I can't find the words to try and save it. Maybe I see things that weren't ever there; maybe he couldn't live up to what he said. Maybe each of us is running away from our truest feelings. Neither of us may ever know. But my heart is cooling and it feels strained from months of effort to save what can't be saved. Over the last week I have found a tenuous peace in knowing that I loved as hard as I could -- as did he -- but that alone hasn't been enough as the summer fades. Neither of us can look at each other in the eye as we used to. This is like a near-silent death from a thousand small cuts, but it's a death nonetheless.

[@madmartigan9720]

I respect artist freedom of expression and new music that Ben produces now. But for me, this will always be the golden age of Ben Howard as I know it.

[@Fabizilla]

yeah, the new things don‘t hit that hard!

[@islandgirl075]

in just a couple of hours it will be your birthday, I miss you eterally 10-29 I miss you so much! this song still takes me back to our last summer with you. I hope wherever you are its amazing! we love you so much. Love Mom

[@melissagandarinho1288]

Only 30 seconds into the video, and I already love it. Damn it Ben Howard, why can't you just marry me already? This video is extremely, extremely deep and emotional. For those of you that seem to think the video does no justice to the song, you aren't really understanding the full meaning of the song and the message it is sending out. This represented it beyond what I could have imagined. I actually got teary eyed. I felt the distance, I felt the struggle, I felt the tension. But I also felt the connection and the want and need to not forget, to not give up. "Maybe it was peace at last, who knew." "Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were" - this video captivates this so well. This was beautiful. I wouldn't have expected anything else.

[@luismiranda6590]

this song and "the end of the affair " are fantastic", from the last album i love "promise"

[@snot6890]

Luis Miranda let's not forget bones, mate.

[@ambientdweller]

I'll marry you..in a heart beat. :)

[@cocoman11111]

I think this song's meaning is kinda linked to "small things" "Has the world gone mad Or is it me? All these small things they gather round me Gather round me Is it all so very bad? I can't see"

[@melrhymenoceros]

We all want him to marry us haha

[@steffen9470]

This song has some of the most vivid imagery of song that has had an impact on me. During one summer I was in a long distance relationship and this song spoke comprehensive detail of the ambiguity of that state. I forget where we were. The summer passed and we lived our own lives and had our own experiences. We were only able to have a couple visits and facetime calls when our schedules and time zones alllowed. But in between those periods of time I had to try to remember the thistle and the burr, my invincible friend, the person for whom I have so many words. But when you live different lives and in different spaces it is hard to remember where you were, and what that space even felt like. We drove across the country together by the end of the summer and the love rushed back into my body and filled me to the brim. But before we were together I had to do my best to remember what it was like until I could feel the togetherness again.

[@srilankanflyer92]

Forgetting where you are - drowning in day to day life, loved ones not embracing each other's presence because we are so pre-occuppied doing regular boring things in order to make a living, instead of what really makes us happy. Ultimately, the essence of truly living is to be with the people we love, doing what we love and to be able to forget where we are, for at least one moment.

[@Fireneedsair]

This song..this album…a masterpiece from start to finish. A truly talented artist.

[@user-bz9rd7vi7w]

That’s the kind of music that makes you cry ,wonder,feel and his voice is just perfect expression of all emotions.

[@benhoward7671]

Thanks for your love and comments I do appreciate ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

[@anillamichhane2180]

"I Forget Where We Were" Oh, hey I wasn't listening I was watching Syria blinded by the sunshine strip And you, you were in the kitchen Oh, your mariner's mouth The wounded with the wounder's whip And that's how summer passed oh The great dividing range of green, green grass Oh, maybe it was peace at last, who knew Hello love, my invincible friend Hello love, the thistle and the burr Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were Oh, hey I wasn't listening I was stung by all of us The blind leading out the bored And as per usual You were skipping and laughing eyes at the bedroom door "Don't take it so seriously, no Only time is ours, the rest we'll just wait and see!" Maybe you're right, babe, maybe Oh, no, and that's how summer passed Oh the great dividing range, the green green grass And, oh, maybe I hold on fast to you Hello love, my invincible friend Hello love, the thistle and the burr Hello love, for you I have so many words But I, I forget where we were I, I forget where we were I forget where we were I forget where we were Oh, no, and that's how summer passed Oh, your, great dividing range, the green green grass Oh, maybe it was peace at last, who knew

[@dzidzo96]

Words disappear when I listen to this exact version. I am just overcome by emotion, even then I don't even know how to define what exactly it is I feel. I don't think language can explain the things that this song does to my essence

[@nigarizzetoglu8982]

.

[@joelbeauregard4247]

same here, this song makes me feel somethin pretty intense, just not sure what it is exactly.

[@yamabushi_nate7825]

The two people loved/love each other. They forgot that. Now they admit to have forgotten.

[@ablissinabyss]

Four years of listening to this, made sense to me and blew me away the first time I listened but still had room in my heart and mind for the love of this song to grow. Now, as of this very moment, I was blown away for a fact that it made a hundred percent sense to me and shared it with the person, for whom the song was meant, the one I hope, will come to his senses and realize everything there was, is and will be. Ben's music is truly a religion.

[@lucyren504]

Every time I listen to this and "Noah Clouds With handfuls of dust" my heart bleeds more and more.

[@theworldoutside5812]

I agree

[@wegottachange1]

You are right

[@sevenseas8655]

trueu

[@diegozhou13]

Thankya for the suggestion

[@TheKlYAMETT]

"maybe it was peace at last who knew..."

[@isaiahlopez5616]

It never fails 3:32 just makes me feel like my entire soul left my body. Such a deep and emotional song 🙏🏼

[@kkatr07]

same same same... I’m listening this since 2014/2015 so powerful...

[@ln9256]

@@kkatr07 same here. A random guy on my college campus first week of first semester freshman year was blasting it at a table outside the library and I asked him what the song was. We've been friends ever since purely thanks to Ben Howard

[@thebrightsideofthemoon5829]

Maybe it was peace at last, who knew?

[@thomasfleury9274]

taking relationships for granted and giving a visual aid, beautifully done

[@nashesse]

to me, this is the most powerful, emotionally loaded and significant song ever made. I can't even start to describe what it makes me feel, there is just a thing about this particular song that I can't pinpoint but keeps me holding on. And in particular the line 'maybe it was peace at last, who knew?' is probably the most important line of the whole song, and a line in general that, in context with the whole vibe of 'I forget where we were' (the song), captures its outstanding aesthetic/attitude/mood the best. it’s a masterpiece and I will be forever grateful that this song, this amazing and so significant song, exists. thank you, Ben.

[@vanessabarroso9929]

Couldn't have put it better myself... This song is definitely something else... It's been years and years, and it just moves me in a way no other song ever could... It moves me to my core. Such powerful deep feelings rushing through every fiber... there's not enough words to describe it...

[@nashesse]

@@LutzTeichmann it’s been six years and this song still resonates with me more than many, if not most, other songs. for me, it’s always been a journey of utter-deep sorrow, melancholia and fickle hope that i have connected to the song. it’s a journey of healing. maybe not the most conventional one considering the subject and tone of the song, but sometimes things just hurt so good, so tender, like pressing a bruise. it’s not about someone specific - it’s more about who you were in the past, and who was with you in the past. and even among the worst, well. maybe it was peace at last, who knew.

[@Pdarksy]

I have the same connection with this song.....beautiful ........thats how summer passed away so lovely

[@ButlerRudd]

I love coming back to this song again and again and seeing thoughts that mirror my own

[@HallmarkAccountants]

My wife died in my arms from an unexpected heart attack after 19 years of blissful marriage. she just stopped talking and was gone despite me doing CPR. This song resonates.

[@nothanks5846]

Sending you lots of love and healing energy 🤍

[@virulcorygamebattles5370]

Hope your are doing well s

[@sankumsachs4289]

Bless you, sir

[@NordicAlice]

😞♥️

[@crazyworldoffakereality5477]

the symbolism in this video is so spectacular… simple yet complex… like the changing of the leaves in the fall… just seems normal, we’re used to it, yet what’s happening to the tree inside is chaos… take a deep breath folks and pay attention… your world offers beautiful chaos … embrace your shadow for it leads you to the light

[@theatheistjuggalo393]

I think this video symbolizes two people walking away from love in the summer. Like that infatuation you get for a special somebody in the summer. It shows two people who probably loved each other at one point, but the man keeps taking shots at their love to see how strong it is. The reason the pages are turning so fast is because they don't have a lot of time left, hence the summer being short. They're both miserable, but love draws them together, but by the end of the video he takes the right shot and the building slowly collapses, showing that the love was dying, but despite that little wonderful magnum opus of great summer love ending, they both felt a sense of relief.

[@IndieUpbeats]

"Only time is ours. The rest, we'll just wait and see." Profound, beautiful ❤️

[@glatisant74]

this is so hipnotic. you cant tell how and why, just throws you to another dimension. i rarely know anything with similar impact. deepest secrets of art here

[@paulwightman7337]

Palace, 'Heaven up there'

[@qbson1998]

Music video director is a master.

[@hiflyingpigs]

It's Ben Howard himself!

[@brendanmckelvy14]

What the hell did the video attempt to portray though

[@jeremynunns7496]

pretty sure it was about something a couple couldn't get over - which is what that ugly building in the middle of a beautiful ocean represented. They spent all day staring at it, not talking. He points and shoots his shotgun uselessly at it a few times. Instead finally, he takes her hand, wants to make amends, and they walk away into the future, and the painful past crumbles as they forget it, and perhaps find each other at the end...

[@manguy2000]

Ben must be the biggest day dreamer of all time. Wonder how he did in school.

[@RoZaUTube]

Probably good, because he seems like the stubborn sort who doesnt give up, but not great because i imagine him as a day dreamer :D

[@pedrofaria7451]

+manguy2000 british talent sounds like dry the river

[@towoawawaboofficial]

great minds start later in life. i wondered the samething

[@s_u_l_f_u_r]

I guess you haven't listened to The Burgh Island EP...

[@towoawawaboofficial]

Yes...everything he writes and recorded, i heard them all

[@PhoeFireaga]

It's like a Wes Anderson film. The symmetry in some frames are awe-inspiring. Very artsy and full of meaning. Good on you, Benjamin.

[@harrisonedwardz]

time is fleetin innit, 10 years christ

[@sarahfriday3835]

I think this song must be, and will remain to be, one of the most beautiful songs out. The videography gives me goosebumps each time I watch it (and I've viewed it A LOT).

[@GooseMischief]

This was my divorce song in 2019. Every line, every word, every breath he takes in this song is pure, undistilled grief. I would write down my favorite lines, but honestly I would just repeat the entire song. As a poet, I bow before this man

[@michelleclarke2590]

Sometimes I just need to come back here with him ☝🏼.. stunning 🥁🎸❣️☘️

[@benhoward7671]

Thanks for your love and comments I do appreciate 🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@raspberry481]

*** W A R N I N G *** it's so addictive!!!

[@raspberry481]

YESSS!!!!!!

[@Marsh187]

One of the greatest artists, this planet has ever seen. Thank you for your art. Your music means so much to me.

[@benhoward7671]

Thanks for your love and comments I do appreciate 🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@jenniferlynch8446]

​@benhoward7671 thank you for being genuine and vulnerable in your music, it's fucking beautiful and something the world needs so much more of. You make a much bigger difference in people's lives than you realize.

[@decliveestudio]

i finally get it! My interpretation is that he know that the relationship is gone, that is why they never look each other. That building over the sea is the relationship and he try to destroy that, but he can't cause he dont have the courage of the determination for it. So he let them die, sit and watch everything crumbles because he knew that this is gona be at some point. she dont love him, and he struggle to change that but never works. Thats why when ben sing "oh baby maybe i hold on so fast to you" it means that he push the relationship for better or worst and he understood that maybe he forced the love and that is why never work. In the end when both see that the relationship is over, try to fix it and see each other faces but its to late for that.... so in the end, they both found peace and ben sing "at least" .

[@user-hb8yn4dc9y]

Totally off topic but these two are actually a married couple! She's a tattoo artist and he's a painter. In case anyone else needed an extra reason to believe in the optimism of the song.

[@ozzyzizou9214]

He's so sexy i fall apart just when the video started and i saw his belly uhh me and my sick mind sorry

[@teo40143]

What's their name?

[@user-hb8yn4dc9y]

@@teo40143 Tati Compton, and Danny Fox :)

[@christopherjames-mills1094]

I often walk around my Wife with a shotgun whilst she is sunbathing. Keeps her on her toes...

[@ania-xe5yb]

oh myyyyyy goooooooooood i've been obsessed with this song and video for 7 years now and i always felt there was something there omg i'm so happy i love them so much

[@CheezyC]

There's just something about this song that just...just breaks my damned heart. When the building crashes, I feel goosebumps rise on my skin and my throat tightens...good god, Ben, only you can get me in my feelings like this. Such an underrated, insanely talented artist. Thank you, Ben, for making me feel things.

[@threetreetown]

From what I can gather, in the interviews Ben's done, especially the most recent ones (and fwiw I've heard a lot) he isn't overly keen on explaining his lyrics or telling all about where they come from. His view seems to be to allow the listener to interpret the contents themselves. On that basis, I think he'd say the same about his visuals. This is an outstanding, complex, super-creative music video by any standards, even if it was directed by an old hand, but this - THIS is Ben Howard's directorial début - making it even more breath taking, truly amazing and wondrous to behold. My take on the video: The guy 'pulls the trigger', not once but on 2 occasions - though the opening shot may be a flash-forward to the second, but on saying that, in the second trigger pull (2:07) he doesn't actually pull it at all - it's almost like a 'dry run' maybe?. To start with the building is solid and strong, despite being surrounded by the ocean, having it's foundations buffeted and under constant threat of being undermined. Yet it still stood strong despite the powerful outside influences, crashing waves, the storms and high winds etc. The guy himself wilfully and deliberately destroyed it. Firing shots (or just ONE shot?) at the building and ultimately destroying it. Once the trigger was pulled there was no chance of salvaging it, or preventing the demise of the solid structure. All she (and at times THEY) could do was sit back and watch as it crumbled away to nothing. The movement of the table (with the book pages being flipped by the wind) from being bang in the middle of them both - to being closer to HIM with the book closed - also symbolises (for me) it was his actions that brought the relationship to an end - the table being closer to him is like he's taking responsibility. The building is metaphorical of their relationship, that once was strong and unshakable, but he destroyed it. Now it's gone forever, leaving no trace that it ever existed at all.

[@pinktasha25]

I think this is exactly what it means.best comment I've read

[@street282]

There is something about this song, it reminds me of something I have forgotten, and I don't know what, the infinat maybe. Dose anyone else feel that? It's a special song really really good artist, it's a wonder he is not more recognised.

[@michaelhaase8164]

True!

[@disconsolateconsuelo9360]

My heart can’t let you go

[@mimireen5802]

It's been more than 5 years since I listened to this song and it still is one of my favourite songs.

[@cryptofundamentals5432]

Her building the sand castle alone tears my heart out. My interpretation is it is her dreams that she didn’t accomplish. Emptiness, especially when he leaves first before the building falls.

[@emilybakker4922]

I find Ben and his music truly amazing! His voice is the only one I can listen to every moment of the day. Whenever I listen to it, it calmes me down and makes me feel satisfied whit the things I have. I really hope that someday I can thank Ben Howard for the music he makes and what he makes his fans feel by it. Truly amazing..

[@kersje03]

There is this guy. He wants to fight for it. 'I was watching Syria blinded by the sunshine strip'. He thinks about it. And then there is his girl; she doesn't want to watch to the horrible things that are happening in this world. There is this great sentence in his lyrics: 'the great dividing range, the green, green grass'. I think our life is great, but there are so many other places where it is worse. The guy keeps shooting, but it won't help. The girl is still ignoring it. She tries to convince the guy it isn't so bad. 'Don't take it so seriously, only time is ours, the rest we'll just wait and see'. In the end, they are standing there watching the building by the sunshine strip. He leaves, she leaves. He gives up, he forgets it. The building is falling. If you don't do anything about it, it will be destroyed. Its a meaning in a lot of different ways. The moments that they are dancing: they are dancing in a room full of smoke with their eyes closed. They want to be together, don't look to the world, don't look to what's happening. But in the end: the guy has still closed his eyes, but the girl is watching. The whole time she is pretending that she doesn't see what's happening, but she is actually the cause of the problem. She is trying to convince him and the others that it's not there. 'The blind leading out the bored'; we hear so much about it. If this is about war: is she representing the country that is making it worse and hopes the rest of the world become blind for the problem, but it's still there? Or is it about a relationship or about life? What about the book? We are just living our lives, thinking about ourselves and not about somebody else? Life is going by and we are losing ourselves? This man is a genius. Let your mind think about it.

[@terepod]

Great read on the song...

[@MetallicAddict15]

Love your interpretation, really helped me gain some insight into the song and video. Thanks!

[@brookethomas432]

Your interpretations are some of the best I've read since the video was uploaded

[@ethanmcauley79]

Very good, Kirsten, like the way you thinking.

[@ReasonsToSmilee]

What a gorgeous interpretation, helped me understand and better appreciate this even more gorgeous video - thank you! Ben Howard is beautiful ♡

[@jocebrooke2]

It's really not fair how talented Ben is. He can do everything. The cinematography of this video is gorgeous, as well as the music. Dude needs to share with the rest of the world. I went to see him in concert last night and was completely blown away. I had high expectations and knew they would be met, and that they were, ten times over. He has been my favorite for a long time now and will continue to be.

[@jennie1537]

I have listened to this song so many times, now I understand it. You are telling my story. Let the light in.

[@mountainaustin]

The only music video which does justice to the lyrics so perfectly...I must say!

[@chrisrobicheaw6595]

This is by far my favorite music video, I cannot stop watching. The simple yet gorgeous cinematography of this piece is perfection.

[@kimcrossan6107]

They have grown apart there is no communication no intimacy the falling building represents the realusation that the union/ marriage has crumbled and with this realisation there is peace there is too much distance between them neither seems to be able to reach out to the other their is distance between them even when they dance close there is no love left for each other

[@glmcreationsfilm]

His vice and music creation is so perfect... raw and melodic

[@shtooph]

This entire album is really just one coherent song split into different chapters. For example, in Small Things, Ben says, "If buildings fell, at least we'd be in matrimony." That is literally this music video. Also, in Small Things, he says "I saw the police screaming something trivial," which corresponds with in this song, "I was watching Syria," which mostly likely refers to watching the news, and Syria and police have been in the new very frequently. Then in Time is Dancing, the chorus goes "I do believe we're only passing through," while in I Forget Where We Were, the woman says "Only time is ours." This just means that Ben is a genius.

[@welltodo3258]

This is great commentary!

[@JenWah]

sdannisong whoaaaa :) genius.

[@jgalla5549]

2 y/o comment, but I just found it funny. The official lyrics are "I was watching serial" not Syria.

[@LFCJFT96YNWA1892]

jgallag90 no mate it's Syria

[@xyz123ohme]

You only can understand this song truly if you’ve lived it. I hope you never do.

[@KUROSAKIICHIGO9]

Every once in a while, where i can comeback and refresh my mind. So much in the music and lyrics.

[@radicalhonesty3628]

watching this video and thinking/questioning/contemplating out loud: Do I feel worthy of receiving a partner? Do I feel worthy of being seen, loved, respected, desired? Do I love, see, respect and desire myself? What is my belief system about men? About women? How are men in my world? How do I perceive them? How about women? What is my belief system about myself? How do I carry myself in this world? How do I perceive myself? What have my parents taught me about relationships? What stories have I adopted as my own, about relationships?

[@NikoRodamel]

J'aime tout ! La musique, la voix, l'ambiance du clip, pour moi c'est de la pure poésie moderne, celle qui remue les tripes, comment dire ? Nom de dieu que c'est bon !!!!

[@RhondaHallahan-qj2uf]

❤

[@nazarethvargasberni]

I really agree with @KirstenKramer commentary. As I see it, they are both watching a building (which is full of windows, maybe it represents the entire humanity, maybe like watching tv) and she doesn´t want to look at those problems that are coming to them/ are coming to others- (bc she says that "only time is ours, THE REST-their house, their country- will just wait and see") , they are living in a summer state of Not worrying and he can´t live with that because he knows that war may be at the corner and life is too short, so he is always prepared. At the end of the video, summer is over, so they have to go back to reality(together) And after all, he forget were they were bc the place means nothing, what really matters is who he is with, and to have eyes wide open

[@leeboh87]

Absolute perfection, it doesn't matter how much I listen to this tune - it hits the spot every time! Perfect video to support the feel of the song too! Can't wait to see him in April, bring it on!

[@CharlieMarno100]

What an eloquent way to sum up love - "I forget where we were"

[@marleyabbott7203]

i go to an alternative school in Melbourne Australia for kids who have had trouble with mainstream school and every Friday and Monday morning my friend and I do a song swap from songs we've found during the week. This was one she showed me from yesterday. We have a few songs that make us cry together every time and I think this might be a new one we've found. Thank you for making a song that says what we can't say out loud

[@marleyabbott7203]

if you see this lily, thankyou.

[@zayolsen1418]

Oh the feeling of this song. Its perfectly sums up the longing: My restless soul just so badly wants to bring you with me.....but I can sit here a little while with you.

[@crystalpistol4546]

For you, Daniel......this will always be a song that comes on and I immediately start dancing with your ghost. I will love you till the end of time...

[@benhoward7671]

Thanks for your love and comments I do appreciate ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

[@Booobearxx]

Jest idealny, na wszystkie smutki, czy tęsknotę. Znalazłam go jakieś dwa lata temu i do tej pory Ben jest moim wiernym kompanem, gdziekolwiek idę. Dzięki!

[@shaunhopkins3941]

Proberly one the most understated musician poets

[@blackbutterfly5850]

Just yes. The feeling I get hearing this is unreal. ❣️

[@AS-tv6mn]

I'm just pissed off that only heard this song recently, and it's been out for years. I nearly fell off the chair when I heard it. What a beautiful piece of art this is. Thanks Ben

[@Karina-ju1hy]

First Ben and then all those beautiful interpretations ♥ Did you notice the wind (restless soul) is moving pages of the book, it' s like they forgot on which chapter they were, so they are just sitting still (powerless to move on or repair the past) ... Masterpiece!

[@JourneyThrough60]

2 days straight… just this song on loop, I must be over 100 listens easily. It is so unbelievably good. I’ve looked everywhere for lyrics that seem right lol…. I’ve tried singing it myself… (yeah nah)… it makes me dream of being loved like this, with an ache and a hunger. Thank you Ben, you have touched the heart of this Aussie lass. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Congratulations… what a thing to have put out into the world. 🥰

[@paulwightman7337]

Palace, 'Heaven up there'

[@SaraFS432]

Thank you to the one who recommended Ben Howard to me.. I am sorry I couldn't thank you before ~☆~ I was lost. Now I'm found~ 🖤🎹🖤

[@disco_1769]

Still as beautiful after four years

[@ania-xe5yb]

still as beautiful meaningful and so deeply touching after 7 years

[@charizzaard]

Gosh, I love how Ben always manages to make everything he does absolute perfection. I loved this video and all the metaphors - it's what makes Ben's music even more fun to listen to, because there's always something more under the surface. As for people who didn't get the video, you should read some of the interpretations in the comments. Especially those who are saying that the video didn't live up to the song, because if you actually took time to realize what the whole thing was about you wouldn't think that way :)

[@MadeinChinakiki]

need more interpretations mate

[@twdahs4088]

It annoys me how these people listen to Ben Howard and other similar artists without even remotely taking in what the lyrics are about. The lyrics for me are what makes me love his songs above others. But it seems some people (and I'm not accusing anyone) are more interested in appearing "indie" by name dropping artists like Ben Howard, Daughter etc.

[@charizzaard]

I completely agree. I honestly listen to all sorts of music, from country, to pop, indie, alternative, folk etc. But when I listen to Ben or any other serious artists like him, it's something completely different. There's actually meaning in his songs, and I guess some people take that for granted. But still, I'm so glad that I found out about him. His music changed my life, it literally turned me around from utter negativity and depression into an upbeat, happy and positive-thinking girl, and I can never repay him for that. I am going to his concert in 10 days and I'm as excited as I've ever been :D

[@charizzaard]

Hmm, well there's quite a few explanations possible. The way I see it, that building would represent the man's work/obligations, which is the reason that the couple is growing apart because he can't find time for her. He tried to ''shoot it'' multiple times, as to get rid of it or quit, and when he finally does, he has time for his wife. Anyone can interpret this differently though, some even mentioned soldiers etc.

[@trevorhalton7817]

Dancing in the bark

[@NarinaNirvana]

Water almost always symbolises emotions, feelings, some kind of depth in people, the hidden, the untold, the heavy.

[@niamhbarrett2233]

One of my favourite songs of 2014. Ben Howard is so talented with both his style of music, and lyrics. This album deserves so much recognition.

[@melspicer1112]

I will never tire listing to this genius, sings to your soul

[@anarmslengthaway169]

I reckon it's about when two people grow so accustomed to each other that they forget how to truly appreciate one another, because they are so consumed by other things (as symbolised by the building). Once the building collapses and it cuts to the dancing sequence, the woman closes her eyes and turns her head towards the man (whose eyes are already closed), as if she is submitting herself to the relationship again.

[@_Nitnaware_Aditya]

I remember listening to this song during the covid lockdown. It just came up in my recommendation. And I had just started smoking alone, and this song was a constant friend that I needed. It was a haunting silent beauty.❤

[@floraljassie665]

Every time things seem to be getting bad again, his music always reminds me that things won't always be so difficult.

[@preciousabang8233]

I'm honestly gonna dance with my most favourite guy to this song.

[@danieltownsend8085]

*sigh* we might as well get it over with then

[@innovationimagination]

I wish you would have danced by now .. my dreams shattered :(

[@Pro100LifeGames]

I miss this Ben Howard's style