What is your interpretation of these lyrics to "Benjamin" by Sanctus Real?

Question

Rain falls outside
I think the sky must know whats happening tonight
Children born while fathers die
It's the circle of life that we all live in time

We've been friends for a long, long time
So if you can't talk, just cry
And know that we can talk on the other side

It's bitter cold outside
But the sun still shines 'cause we can feel it
Benjamin, you mark the life that was left behind
We see him in your eyes

And we will be friends for a long, long time
So until you can talk, just cry
And know that we will be friends for the rest of our lives

He gives and he takes, and it makes us stronger

Answer 1

Well, it seems to me that Benjamin must be a baby whose father died, and the singer of the song is taking care of him. The singer feels the weight of grief at the loss of Benjamin's dad, and just wants to take care of Benjamin until the two of them can be reunited with his father in Heaven, and also wants to be a friend to Benjamin during the hard times he's apt to face. The parallel between Benjamin's father and our Father both being in Heaven is striking, and I think it is meant to show that while Benjamin's earthly dad is not longer physically alive, both his father and his Father are spiritually alive in Heaven. The last line is the simple truth that God is in control of the situation. ...Wow, I never would have guessed that all of this (at least from my perspective) is contained in these few lines.

I like Sanctus Real, but don't know many of their songs. I love these lyrics, though, because they're not straightforward and require thought! Thanks for sharing them.

Answer 2

I am not sure about my interpretation. But I read somewhere the song was about the drummers grandfather who died while his boy was born. They were both named Benjamin