Since 2005, and prior to his participation in The X Factor, he was a vocalist and guitarist in a number of bands, and later, as a solo artist as well as forming his own The James Arthur Band and James Arthur Project.
Arthur was born in Middlesbrough, England to English mother Shirley Ashworth and Scottish father Neil Arthur. James’ father was a delivery driver, but also used to be a DJ and a drummer for many years. Arthur’s parents split when he was just two-years-old and each settled with a new partner. Neil and Shirley were not on talking terms with each other for more than twenty years. But they agreed to attend the show together in a family reunion to attend their son’s performance.
Arthur first went to Ings Farm Primary School in Redcar, North Yorkshire. When he was nine, he moved with his mother Shirley and his step father Ronald Rafferty to Bahrain where he studied at the local British School of Bahrain for four years. When they split, Arthur, then 14, had to move back with his mother and his two half-sisters Jasmine and Neve to the UK to live in a modest house in Saltburn-by-the-Sea.Upon his return, he continued his studies at Redcar’s Rye Hills School.
Arthur has five siblings, an older brother called Neil Arthur, an older sister called Sian Arthur, and three younger sisters, Charlotte Arthur and Jasmin and Neve Rafferty.
Arthur has been writing and recording songs since he was 15 as an unsigned artist both solo and in many bands including:
Moonlight Drive - a Cleveland-based progressive, experimental, rock five-piece band with Arthur in lead vocals. The band was active between 2005 and 2008. They had recordings such as «Said You’d Be There», «Hole in My Heart» and «Tear Me Apart».
Cue the Drama - an alternative rock band based in Marske-by-the-Sea and active between 2005 and 2008. Recordings included «On the Radio 98KUPD», «It’s Killing Me», «I Reach You» and «It Hurts».
Save Arcade - a Middlesbrough alternative rock band made up of Arthur (vocals, guitar), Josh Brown (keyboards, vocals), Matthew Green (guitar), Alex Beer (bass, vocals), Travis Shaw (guitar, percussions, vocals) and Karl Dowson (drums). In 2009, the band released a three-track EP called Truth, carrying the title track «The Truth», as well as «Echoes» and «I Un-Proudly Present». In June 2010, the band released a five-track EP, Tonight We Dine in Hades, which in addition to the title track «Tonight We Dine in Hades» included «Superhero», «You Always Want a Fight», «Juliet Is Not Dead» and «She Aims to Please». Both releases were on the independent 57 Records UK.
Emerald Skye - a four-piece indie pop/rock band formed in March 2011 based in Redcar / Saltburn-by-the-Sea and made up of Arthur (guitar, vocals), Dean Harrison (piano, violin), Paul Gill (bass) and Save Arcade bandmate Green (drums).
Arthur also uploaded many of his own songs to Soundcloud and YouTube including an album entitled Sins by the Sea. In 2011, he auditioned for The Voice UK and made it into the final 200 contestants but no further.
In early 2012, he recorded songs and released two EPs as The James Arthur Band. The band consisted of Arthur (vocals and guitar), Jez Taylor (guitar), Chris Smalls (keyboards), Jordan Swain (drums) and Rich Doney (bass). In 2012, the band released The EP Collection CD with nine tracks with R&B, soul and hip hop influences, a compilation of tracks on both EPs. Arthur also released an EP named Hold On under the name The James Arthur Project in August 2012 in collaboration with John McGough. The tracks were written and arranged by McGough, and mixed by Matt Wanstall with all vocals by Arthur.
Arthur auditioned for The X Factor with an acoustic rendition of judge Tulisa Contostavlos’s «Young», before explaining his past, including spells in care and time spent on the streets after break-ups within his family. He also revealed his father and mother had not spoken to each other for over 20 years, and this was a reunion of sorts for them to attend his audition. After his judges’ houses performance of «I Can’t Make You Love Me», he was picked by his mentor Nicole Scherzinger as one of the 12 contestants for the live shows, and one of just three in the «Boys» category. After the second live show, Arthur suffered from an anxiety attack backstage. Whilst being treated at the studio, paramedics determined he did not need to go to hospital, and he was ordered back to his hotel to rest. He later returned for the results show the following. Arthur was in the bottom two in week 7 after performing «Can’t Take My Eyes Off You». He sang «Fallin’» for survival against Ella Henderson, with the judges going to deadlock after their vote was evenly split 2-2 (mentor Scherzinger and Gary Barlow voting to keep him, while Contostavlos and Louis Walsh voted in favour of Henderson). Arthur was then saved by the public vote. On 8 December, he made it through to the second night of the live finals.
Arthur won The X Factor on 9 December 2012, with 53.7% of the vote, against Jahméne Douglas who received 38.9% of the vote.
Back from the Edge
James Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back before demons took control of my head
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Oh, he would reach for the stars, yeah
You can take my home, you can take my clothes
You can take the drugs I have that nobody knows
You can take all I've got 'til I'm skin and bone
I don't want control, I can dig my own hole
I can make my bed and I can lie in it cold
'Cause I don't need heat, I've been burnin' in hell
But now I'm back with my own story to tell
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back before demons took control of my head
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back from the tears that were too easily shed
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Oh, who would reach for the stars, yeah
They don't like my lines, they don't like my songs
Except in karaoke when they're singing along
Did you see them build me up? Well I just tear myself down
With a smile on my face, I dug my grave in the ground
We all make mistakes, we're so quick to judge
It's hard to forgive when we hold onto a grudge
So turn down the heat, I've been burnin' in hell
But now I'm back with my own story to tell
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back before demons took control of my head
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back from the tears that were too easily shed
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Who would reach for the stars
I don't want control, I can dig my own hole
I can make my bed and I can lie in it cold
'Cause I don't need heat, I've been burnin' in hell
But now I'm back with my own story to tell
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back before demons took control of my head
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Back from the edge, back from the dead
Back from the tears that were too easily shed
Back to the start, back to my heart
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
Who would reach for the stars
In "Back From The Edge," James Arthur reflects on his past struggles with addiction and mental health. The song starts off with him reclaiming his life and shaking off the demons that had taken control of his mind. He sings about going back to the person he used to be, the boy who was ambitious and always aiming high, even though he had been knocked down and turned away from his dreams.
The lyrics go on to delve deeper into his journey to recovery. Arthur expresses that he is willing to let go of things he thought were important to him, like material possessions and the need for control, if it means he can keep moving forward. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and has been judged harshly for them but reminds listeners that it's never too late to make amends and forgive oneself.
James Arthur also touches upon the challenges of being a musician and how people don't always understand or appreciate his music. Despite the criticism, he never let it stop him from continuing to pursue his passion.
Overall, "Back From The Edge" is an introspective and honest look into James Arthur's struggles and journey towards healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Back from the edge, back from the dead
I have overcome my struggles and made it out alive
Back before demons took control of my head
I was lost and consumed by negative thoughts and emotions
Back to the start, back to my heart
I am returning to my true self and rediscovering my passions
Back to the boy who would reach for the stars
I am reclaiming my youthful ambition and dream-chasing mentality
You can take my home, you can take my clothes
Material possessions are not what define me
You can take the drugs I have that nobody knows
My past mistakes do not define me either
You can take my watch, you can take my phone
I am not attached to my possessions or technology
You can take all I've got 'til I'm skin and bone
I am strong enough to withstand any loss or hardship
I don't want control, I can dig my own hole
I am okay with taking risks and living life on my own terms
I can make my bed and I can lie in it cold
I am willing to face the consequences of my actions
'Cause I don't need heat, I've been burnin' in hell
I have already been through the worst, and can handle anything that comes my way
But now I'm back with my own story to tell
I have overcome my struggles and can share my experiences to inspire others
Back from the tears that were too easily shed
I am no longer controlled by my emotions and can handle challenges with strength and resilience
They don't like my lines, they don't like my songs
I am not concerned with the opinions or opinions of others
Except in karaoke when they're singing along
I can appreciate when others connect with my music, but ultimately it is a reflection of my inner self
Did you see them build me up? Well I just tear myself down
I do not rely on others for validation, and am honest with myself about my flaws
With a smile on my face, I dug my grave in the ground
I take responsibility for my mistakes, and am not afraid to face the consequences
We all make mistakes, we're so quick to judge
We all have faults, and it is important to show compassion towards others rather than criticism
It's hard to forgive when we hold onto a grudge
Holding onto anger or resentment only hurts ourselves in the end
So turn down the heat, I've been burnin' in hell
I am no longer consumed by my struggles, and can take a step back to reflect and find inner peace
Who would reach for the stars
I am capable of achieving my dreams, and will continue to strive for success and happiness
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES ARTHUR, JONATHAN QUARMBY, EMMA ROHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DonnyJ
Fro anyone reading this, do not give up on your dreams. Keep pushing. You got this!
@itsjustalonelyguy9098
I love you bro 😩😩💗💗💗💔
@laurabradley8411
💯 never ever give up👍
@ellismillen679
Thank you 😊
@mariamhm
I need a remider every few days from about this comment 💜😔
@nermintaha2522
Thank you ❤
@LiamAlex11B
My wife, kids, and I still love this whole album. Been with you since the beginning. Keep going the way you're going. You're still number 1 in this veterans household. Sending love from Alabama.
@carmenguerraserrato365
Tienes una hermosa familia y con un gusto musical increíble.❤️❤️
@sesebauger5340
My hijo gusta mucho James 😻
@sesebauger5340
Hola guapa