Underground

Ben Folds Five

About Underground

"Underground" is a song from Ben Folds Five's 1995 self-titled debut album. It was written by Ben Folds. The song is about geeks and social outcasts looking for solace in numbers in underground music and art scenes. It peaked at #37 on the UK Singles Chart. The track was #3 for the year of 1996 on Australia's Triple J Hottest 100.


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I was never cool in school
I'm sure you don't remember me
And now it's been 10 years
I'm still wondering who to be
But I'd love to mix in circles, cliques, and social coteries, that's me
Hand me my nose ring (Can we be happy?)
Show me the mosh pit (Can we be happy?)
We can be happy underground

Who's got the looks
Who's got the brains
Who's got everything
I got this pain in my heart, that's all
Hey you with the long and lonely face
There's got to be something else
Let me tell ya something else
There was a girl who passed me by
She gave a smile but I was shy
I looked down, so down
Don't look there no no, go go underground
But now there's a place to go
It's the morning now, it's the evening
It's everything
I click my heels and I'm there

Underground, underground
Everything's happy underground
(Underground) You been kicked around
(Underground) Did life bring you down here
Everything's heavy underground

We'll be decked in all black
Slamming the pit fantastic
Officer Friendly's little boy's got a Mohawk
And he knows just where we're coming from
It's industrial, work it underground
Get down, get down, get down

Underground, underground
Everything's happy underground
(Underground) You been kicked around
(Underground) Did life bring you down here
Everything's heavy underground

We can be happy, we can be happy, we can be happy
Underground

We can, we can, we can be
Everything's Heavy
(Underground) You been kicked around
(Underground) Did life bring you down here
Everything's heavy underground

We can, we can, we can be
(Everything's happy underground)

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Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five is an alternative rock trio formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The group comprises Ben Folds (lead vocals, piano, keyboards, melodica, principal songwriting), Robert Sledge (bass, contrabass, synthesizer, backing vocals), and Darren Jessee (drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter, and co-writer for some songs). The group achieved mainstream success in the alternative, indie and pop music scenes. The band is best known for the hit single "Brick" from their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen, which gained airplay on many mainstream radio stations. During their seven years together, the band released three proper studio records, one retrospective album of B-sides and outtakes, and eight singles. They also contributed to a number o… more »

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Written by: BEN FOLDS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Artist and Song Background
"Underground" is a song performed by Ben Folds Five, an American alternative rock band. The song showcases the lyrical prowess of Ben Folds, who is the band’s leading member.
Formative Years
The song was part of Ben Folds Five’s first, self-titled album, which was released in 1995. This was back when the band was establishing their name and fame.
Band Composition
Although the name suggests otherwise, Ben Folds Five is comprised of only three members - Ben Folds (vocals, piano), Robert Sledge (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Darren Jessee (drums, backing vocals).
Song Genre
"Underground" is a blend of indie rock and piano rock, genres the band was known for. It showcased the band's unique style, which set them apart from the grunge-heavy music scene of the mid-1990s.
Chart Success
The song peaking at number 37 in the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's first chart appearance in the United Kingdom.
Music Video
The music video for "Underground" was directed by David Hogan, who has directed several other popular music videos. It features the band in a mock 'Battle of the Bands' situation.
Lyrical Content
"Underground" lyrically explores the feeling of being an outsider and seeking acceptance in the alternative or indie scene. It was hailed for capturing the angst and reality of feeling out of place, one of the themes often recurring in Ben Folds’ songs.
Cultural Impact
"Underground" gained a huge fan following for its unabashed and loud style. It is often credited as the song that helped put Ben Folds Five on the map.
Live Performances
"Underground" has remained a significant part of Ben Folds' live repertoire, even after the band disbanded in 2000.
Legacy
Despite more than two decades since its release, "Underground" continues to be celebrated within the Ben Folds Five fan community and is considered one of the band’s iconic songs.
Song's Background
"Underground" is a song by the American alternative rock band, Ben Folds Five. It was released in 1995 and quickly became a popular hit.
Debut Release
It was included in their debut self-titled album "Ben Folds Five," which marked Ben Folds' departure from his previous band, Majosha.
Album Success
The debut album which features "Underground" was a commercial success, reaching number 42 on the UK Albums Chart.
Song's Lyrics
The song talks about Ben Folds' personal experience, being part of an underground band in high school and dreams of making it big.
Music Video
The music video for "Underground" is a nod to 1970s variety shows, featuring an introduction by John McCrea from the band Cake.
Reception and Reviews
"Underground" was warmly received by critics. It was noted for its catchy melody and Folds' sardonic lyrics, which many praised for being clever and relatable.
Band Formation
Ben Folds formed the band with Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee. The band's unique name comes from Folds' own name--they decided to include "Five" to sound more impressive, despite being a three-piece band.
Song's Significance
"Underground" is an important song in the band's career, as it helped get the word out about Ben Folds Five's music and established them in the alternative rock scene.
Unique Sound
The song is notable for its distinct sound, which comes from the band's unconventional setup. Instead of a guitar, frontman Ben Folds plays a grand piano while the other members play bass and drums.
Live Performances
“Underground” became a fan favourite and a regular song included in their live performance setlist around the world.

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