Mess
Ben Folds Five · The Unathorised Biography of Reinhold Messner
oh, this mess i have made
but then things got complicated
my innocence has all but faded
oh, this mess i have made
and i don't believe in God
so i can't be saved
all alone as i've learned to be
in this mess i have made
all the untested virtue
the things i said i'd never do
least of all to you
i know he's kind and true
i know that he is good to you
he'll never care for you more than i do
but i don't believe in love
and i can't be changed
all alone as i've learned to be
in this mess
i have made the same mistakes
over and over again
there are rooms in this house that i don't open anymore
dusty books of pictures on the floor
that she will never see
she'll never see that part of me
i want to be for her
what i could never be for you
but i don't believe in God
so i can't be saved
all alone as i've learned to be
in this mess i have made
Mess by Ben Folds Five
Ben Folds Five's "Mess" stands as a defining track from their 2003 album, The Unathorised Biography of Reinhold Messner. Released during the height of the alternative rock revival, the song exemplifies the group's signature blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and Folds' distinctive vocal delivery. The recording captures the band's ability to weave complex, narrative-driven lyrics with an infectious, upbeat rhythm that became a staple of their live performances. As a key component of their discography, "Mess" reflects the band's commitment to storytelling and their unique take on indie-rock aesthetics, resonating deeply with audiences who appreciated their honest and often humorous approach to songwriting.