“Believe in me” – Benjamin Clementine
A lot can be said about Benjamin Clementine.
He has a way of being unique where other artists don’t think to look. He purposefully incorporates archaic words into his everyday speech and creates music that resists being categorized into a single genre. But what struck this gnome’s heart most is his passion-and an undying will to move forward.
At age 16, Clementine left school after failing nearly all his classes except literature. He was homeless shortly after, due to the conflict his grades caused between himself and his parents. After being spotted and given an opportunity to build upon his love for music, Wikipedia describes one moment from his early career best:
“North Sea Jazz Festival in 2013 booked Clementine to play. He failed to attend. According to Clementine, he was kicked off the train en route to Rotterdam for being unable to show a valid ticket. He didn’t have enough money due to not getting paid by his then-tour agent. Clementine later stated that he had attempted to travel by foot to Rotterdam, after assuming the city was close by. However, the journey was in fact 45 km.
It took him about 10 hours to complete the journey, and he arrived with bleeding toes. When he set off walking he was wearing slippers, but at some point decided to carry on walking barefoot.”
Benjamin has shown the extraordinary measures he will take for the love of his calling. That is why I bring you his song “Winston Churchill’s Boy”, which represents these struggles so clearly.
The song centers on Randolph Churchill, son of Winston Churchill. Randolph lived his life in the shadow of his father and never managed to meet the expectations placed upon him. Despite a supportive upbringing, he led a troubled life and eventually became estranged from his father.
One of Randolph’s last known statements was a plea to his father—to believe in him—and a promise that he would shine through the disappointment he had earned. Benjamin wrote the song with deep empathy for Randolph, finding the story painfully relatable. Much like Randolph did with his father, Benjamin asks his audience to look past his missteps with a few simple words:
Believe in me.
(Not so) Fun Fact
After being essentially disowned by his once-supportive father, Randolph wrote:
“Please don’t expect too much of me now. Believe instead, I beg you, that I have no other ambition than to be ultimately judged an honorable & faithful son. No day passes but that you are constantly in my thoughts, and I am grateful that you think so often of me. Give me your confidence and I shall not fail you.”
~~Music Gnome out 🍄
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