“Then There You Are” by Said Sara
Once a year, you'd almost think, considering the gap between Said Sara's releases. This time it was even 16 months between 'Same' and the new song 'Then There You Are'. First of all, it was worth the wait once again, but let's take it one step at a time.
In 2023, David Benson (aka Said Sara) dropped his successful track ‘Same’ and embarked on an intense journey that took him ‘on stage’ across four countries. Now, writing and releasing a follow-up song of similar quality isn’t a walk in the park, but with ‘Then There You Are’, David not only managed to create something comparably high-quality but also leaped over that quality hurdle with finesse, raising the bar once again.
He stayed true to his musical style,
alternative folk with a touch of roots and a slightly darker hue, enveloped in melancholy yet euphoric enough to break free from that mood. The main star, naturally, is David Benson himself, accompanied by his
acoustic guitar and
supported by piano and bodhran. Along with the lyrics, these components create a song that is not only musically appealing but also emotionally profound.
The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery, from the steam rising from Ganymede’s seas to protostars and golden flowers. These metaphors infuse the song with poetic quality, inviting listeners to contemplate life, death, and the connections between them.
In summary, 'Then There You Are' reflects on being human, impermanence and hope, and reminds us that those we've lost are still with us in some form. If you haven’t heard this song yet, I strongly recommend taking the time to be swept away by its emotional power. Said Sara, aka David Benson, once again delivers something remarkable with ‘Then There You Are.’
Your new song, “Then There You Are,” is out. Who or what was your muse this time, and what’s the story behind it?
Then There You Are is about the feeling of being watched, but not in the way that Rockwell, Kim Carnes, or The Police elucidated it! It's about the knowledge that someone who's passed away -- someone with whom you were extremely close -- is listening in on you and guiding you. It's about the recognition of that feeling, and acting on it.
We’ve become accustomed to waiting, but it always pays off in the end, as we can hear once again with this new release. What musical developments or events have kept you on your toes in the last 12 months?
Thank you! It's actually been 16 months since Same. I wish that I could churn songs out more quickly, but the writing is so incredibly involved, and then I sit at the mixing desk for months, literally. I am completely absorbed in my (non-musical) work 9 months out of the year. I'm a high school special education teacher.
Do you have any upcoming plans for live stage performances?
After playing in Paris, London, and Amsterdam last summer, things have slowed down a bit. I have several shows around the San Francisco Bay Area coming up in August and September.
Would you like to collaborate with other artists, or do you prefer working solo, from the view of Said Sara?
I play in bands -- and have for basically my whole life -- so keeping Said Sara a solo effort is important to me. I've been in bands that were democracies and bands that were autocracies. I've been in bands with fascist leaders and bands with no leadership. ALL of them have their issues. With Said Sara, I make all the rules. I answer to nobody.
Is there a song you wish you had written?
The theme song to the TV show Cheers -- but just the 30 second version that actually starts the show. It's a magical little song with the perfect twists and turns. It's filled with emotion, and the melody, build, and arrangement are nearly perfect.
