In a year marked by both global expansion and personal reflection, David Benson, also known as Said Sara, once again harnesses his creative forces to deliver his latest single, Then There You Are. Emerging from the vibrant musical terrain of San Francisco, Said Sara’s haunting, folk-driven melodies have found a growing audience across borders, resonating with listeners from various walks of life. With the release of Then There You Are on June 28, 2024, Benson continues his deep dive into the enigmatic and transcendent aspects of human existence, all while staying true to his eclectic roots in folk, pop, prog, and dark acoustic soundscapes.
A Cosmic Tribute to the Departed
Then There You Are is not just another folk single—it’s a meditation on loss, memory, and the subtle ways those we’ve lost might still linger in our lives. Benson’s lyrics ponder an almost universal question: Are the ones we’ve lost watching over us? Do they speak through the rustle of leaves, the change in the wind, or the flicker of stars in the night sky? The song invites listeners to be attuned to these signs, asking them to open their minds to the possibility that the departed might still be present, subtly guiding us through life.
The single, with its layered instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics, combines Benson’s signature introspective style with an atmospheric quality that transcends the typical boundaries of folk music. The result is a song that’s not only deeply reflective but also spiritual—a quiet tribute to the invisible connections between the living and the dead. With an aura of vulnerability and quiet strength, Then There You Are echoes the sensations of both longing and closure, emotions often entwined when we think of those we’ve lost.
Crafting the Sound: A Journey Through Time and Space
The creation of Then There You Are was an interesting journey in itself. Benson has always drawn inspiration from unexpected places, and this track is no different. The single’s genesis began with a series of persistent, fragmented sounds that Benson couldn’t shake from his mind—oddly familiar tones that evoked the nostalgia of the 80s, yet had a haunting, modern edge. Inspired in part by John Cougar’s Hand to Hold On To, an 80s jingle, and the curious blend of sounds from a cowbell and woodblock, Benson managed to weave together these disparate auditory fragments into a coherent three-chord solution that would lay the foundation for the song.
Once this musical skeleton was in place, the lyrics flowed in what Benson describes as an almost cosmic alignment—like the stars themselves had a hand in the process. Over a month of writing, the song’s astral theme took on a life of its own, suggesting the idea of the departed leaving signs in the natural world for us to find. With such personal and celestial guidance, Benson ultimately forged a sound that is as much about connection as it is about solitude—a balance that defines Then There You Are.
A New Chapter in Said Sara’s Expansive Journey
David Benson’s musical career has always been one of rich diversity. As the drummer for the death metal band Acephalix and a former vocalist for the post-hardcore outfit Transition, Benson has proven his versatility as an artist. However, it’s through his solo project, Said Sara, that he has truly been able to explore the more intimate, reflective side of his artistry. Then There You Are feels like a culmination of his vast musical journey—from his early days in the San Francisco music scene, to his time as a punk and metal artist, and now as a folk singer-songwriter with an ear for the transcendent.
2023 was a banner year for Said Sara, with live performances in four different countries and the success of his previous single Same. Now, with Then There You Are, Benson moves forward, adding yet another layer of depth to his already eclectic body of work. Currently working on a new album with Acephalix and balancing his career as a special education teacher, Benson remains one of the most dynamic and versatile musicians to come out of San Francisco in recent years.
An Artist Unafraid to Ponder the Big Questions
At its core, Then There You Are is more than just a song—it’s a reflection on the nature of existence, memory, and the eternal ties that bind us to those we’ve loved and lost. Said Sara’s ability to channel these universal themes into something so deeply personal is what makes his music resonate so profoundly. Benson has once again demonstrated his talent for crafting music that is not only sonically engaging but also spiritually enlightening.
As listeners delve into the folk-tinged landscape of Then There You Are, they’re invited to take a moment to listen—not just to the song, but to the world around them, to the quiet whispers of those who might still be with us in ways we can’t fully understand. This track stands as a testament to Benson’s artistic range and a beautiful reminder that in life—and death—there’s always more than meets the eye.
Listen to “Then There You Are” on Spotify and stay tuned for more as Said Sara continues his journey into the unknown.
