Take a seat on the piano bench and take a musical trip with me to some Ben Folds. “Fred Jones Part 2” is off of Ben’s 2001 album, Rockin’ The Suburbs, a definite favorite of mine.
Do you have a favorite album from Ben Folds (or Ben Folds Five)? Do you have a favorite track off of Rockin’ The Suburbs?
“And I’m sorry,
Mr. Jones –
it’s time.”
“Fred Jones Part 2″ by Ben Folds
from the album, Rockin’ The Suburbs (2001)
My Top 5 – February 4, 2011
My Top Five Thoughts on “Fred Jones Part 2” by Ben Folds
1. Rockin’ the Suburbs is one of those albums that make my heart swell when I spin it. I’m always discovering, and re-discovering, the album and all the tracks on it. I just get it. All of it. Deeply. I can’t always explain what each song means to me, but they do mean something. A lot of somethings, actually – and sometimes I just need to hear them.
2. I know this song is about a man being laid off after years at a company, and how forgotten he is, but sometimes I listen to it and all I feel, and see, is death, and how the living just keep going on without you – and how maybe at death you won’t be ready to go either, but if it’s time, ready or not, you have to go. It reminds me of that scene at the end of the film Ghost World when Enid gets on the bus that never comes to that particular stop anymore and goes away. Whether she was ready, or not, she went. That scene always feels like death to me, as well.
3. I wish Ben Folds would write a book of short stories. Hell, I wish Ben Folds would co-write a book of short stories with me. Please.
4. I saw Ben play live with Tori Amos on the Lotta Pianos tour. He was incredible. I hope to see him play again someday soon.
5. When I was a teenager, I think about 15 years of age, my Mom and I were walking out to the car together in our driveway. Across the street from our house we saw a man. At first glance, he looked like a rather ordinary business man: 3-piece suit, neat and tidy hair, freshly shaven face, non-descript briefcase. It wasn’t until we noticed his feet that it became obvious that something was not right. He was barefoot. There was this moment of recognition when we noticed, and I think he noticed us noticing. It was silent for a second and then he said, “what do you want from me? Want me to do a soft shoe? What?” His voice was indignant, pained, angry, hurt. At the time I didn’t understand at all. I think I laughed, most likely due to nervousness and not getting it. I think about it now, though, and I do get it, especially after being laid off from jobs as many times as I have. The responsibilities and all the things that people want from you, well they don’t fall away, even if you are falling apart. This song reminds me of that man.
