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about

Much like “Heavy,” Howard’s debut solo single released in 2021, “Locked” is an exercise in reconciling with the past, both in practice and concept. The song was written 15 summers ago but ultimately left unpursued, due to the stark stylistic contrast from the music he was releasing at the time. Howard’s aim with this project is to shed light on these previously-discarded ideas and finally honor the full breadth of his journey in songwriting. Likewise, the song alludes to a past relationship that didn’t work out, and retracing the paths that led to the dead end.

“Locked” is ostensibly a break-up song, where the narrator is asking what was being held back, or what unknown factors may have prevented the opportunity for their partner to fully open their heart. However, there's a sense of peace in the message of the song, in that asking the rhetorical question is healthy and necessary in order to reach the conclusion that they'll never find out the answer, perhaps even being better off without it.

“‘Locked’ was born out of a period of summer solitude, when the mourning doves in the trees were the loudest sound in the neighborhood. To many, summer is synonymous with raucous activity, but for me, this song represents embracing moments of seclusion and finding contentment in life's unanswered questions.” – Benjamin James Howard

lyrics

So I finally get a taste
Of medicine I obviously know I’m gonna hate
‘Cause she didn’t even try
To put the pieces back before she went and said goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye

She turned away
I’m losing strength to hold her in my arms
In all this time
I’ll never find what’s locked inside her heart

Now the fire’s left untamed
And all we have are ashes to remind of our mistakes
I don’t expect the sun to rise
I don’t expect the world to change when day turns into night
Tonight (tonight, tonight)
I tried (I tried)

She turned away
I’m losing strength to hold her in my arms
In all this time
I’ll never find what’s locked inside her heart
What’s locked inside her heart?
What’s locked inside her heart?

She turned away
I’m losing strength to hold her in my arms
In all this time
I’ll never find what’s locked inside her heart
She turned (she turned) away (away)
I’m losing strength (losing strength) to hold her in my arms
(Her in my arms)
In all this time (this time)
I’ll never find (never find) what’s locked inside her heart
(Inside her heart)
What’s locked inside her heart?
What’s locked inside her heart?

credits

released June 30, 2023
Written and Produced by Benjamin James
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Mitch Wyatt
Additional Engineering by Benjamin James
Cover Photo and Design by Taylor Malikowski
Vocals and Guitar by Benjamin James
Additional Vocals by Maria Carrelli

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Benjamin James Howard Cincinnati, Ohio

Touring before even having his driver's license (including a stint in Japan as a senior in high school) and signing to a major label at 19 could have launched his career much earlier. But instead of letting cynicism from early let-downs break his spirit, this former pop-punk/alt-rocker has only ever used it as fuel to his creative fire, focusing his motivations inward to appease himself above all. ... more

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