The Ascent Of Stan
Ben Folds Five · Other Songs - Ben Folds Five
From the room upstairs
How's the view there
Do you read what they're sayin' about you
That you're no fun
Since the war was won
In fact you have become
All of the things you've always run from
The ascent of Stan
Textbook hippie man
Get rest while you can
So where'd the years go
All the time we had
Being poor was not such a drag in hindsight
And you wonder why your father was so resigned
Now you don't wonder anymore
The ascent of Stan
Textbook hippie man
Textbook hippie man
Get rest while you can
Stan, once you wanted revolution
Stan, now you're the institution
Stan, how's it feel to be the man
It hurts to be the man, It's no fun to be the man
La~ dada, la dada dada, la dada
La dadada dadada da~
And I watched it all go down
The ascent of Stan
Textbook hippie man
Stan
Textbook hippie man
Get rest while you can
Stan, once you wanted revolution
Stan, now you're the institution
Stan, how's it feel to be the man
It hurts to be the man, It's no fun to be the man
The Ascent Of Stan
Ben Folds Five's "The Ascent Of Stan" stands as a defining track from the band's mid-2000s era, blending indie rock with the group's signature acoustic guitar-driven sound. The song captures the band's ability to weave narrative storytelling into their music, often exploring themes of personal struggle and resilience. Released during a period where the group was refining its sonic identity beyond its earlier pop-punk roots, the recording showcases the intricate interplay between Folds' vocals and the band's harmonies. It reflects the broader indie rock landscape of the time, prioritizing lyrical depth and melodic complexity over mainstream radio formulas. The track remains a testament to the band's capacity to create intimate, character-driven songs that resonate with listeners seeking authenticity in their musical experiences.