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.
Get Down
James Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And outside of my window, there's a life
I feel like someone's talking to my spirit
They tell me that there's reasons to survive
I could draw you a picture
I could write on my face
I could read you a scripture of tales
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ah yeah
'Cause all these scenes of grief got my head spinnin'
And we're dancing on the edge of a knife
And could I be your hero or your villain
Uh, I guess it just depends in whose eyes
I could draw you a picture
I could write on my fist
I could read you a scripture of this
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ah yeah
And I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
No I don't get down
'Cause you lift me up
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ah yeah
The lyrics to James Arthur's song "Get Down" convey a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The opening lines suggest a sense of loneliness and isolation, but the bird's singing and the promise of life outside provide a glimmer of hope. The singer feels as though someone is talking to his spirit, encouraging him to keep going and telling him that there are reasons to survive.
The chorus of "Get Down" emphasizes the idea that no matter how difficult things may seem, as long as you keep standing, you'll be closer to overcoming your challenges. The repeated phrase "we don't get down" serves as a reminder that it's important to keep a positive attitude and not give up, even when things are tough. The bridge of the song adds a layer of complexity, acknowledging that sometimes it's hard to tell if you're a hero or a villain in someone else's eyes.
Overall, "Get Down" is a powerful anthem of resilience and optimism in the face of hardship. It encourages listeners to keep going, keep standing, and keep fighting for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Outside there's a bird and it is singing
The world is alive and beautiful, and there's hope outside.
And outside of my window, there's a life
If I open up my heart and look around, I can see that there's beauty and potential in life.
I feel like someone's talking to my spirit
I have a sense that there's something greater out there, something that speaks to my soul.
They tell me that there's reasons to survive
I'm not alone in this struggle, and there are reasons to hang on and keep going.
I could draw you a picture
I can express myself creatively, there are ways to share my feelings.
I could write on my face
I can wear my heart on my sleeve, I'm not ashamed to show my emotions.
I could read you a scripture of tales
There are stories and wisdom to be found in the pages of holy texts, and I can take comfort in them.
And I know, no matter how much colder
Even when life is harsh and difficult,
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
When I feel weighed down by my troubles and worries,
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
If I can stay on my feet, I'm making progress and moving forward, even if slowly.
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
Nothing is set in stone, and there's always a chance for things to turn around.
But we don't get down
I won't let myself get beaten down by life, no matter how hard it gets.
No we don't get down
As a community or as individuals, we can lift each other up and support each other through tough times.
We can turn this 'round
Maybe things aren't great right now, but we have the power to change that and make improvements.
And maybe
There's still a chance for hope and happiness, and I'm willing to hold on to that possibility.
It's today ah yeah
I can start taking steps towards a better tomorrow, starting right now.
And could I be your hero or your villain
Depending on who you ask, I could be seen in different lights, either as a champion or a foe.
Uh, I guess it just depends in whose eyes
Perception can be subjective, and we all have our own biases and points of view.
I could draw you a picture
I can express myself creatively, and I'm not afraid to share my perspective and ideas.
I could write on my fist
I can stand up for myself and my beliefs, and I won't back down from a fight.
I could read you a scripture of this
There are words of comfort and guidance to be found in scripture, and I can use them to help myself and others.
And I don't get down
No matter what happens, I won't give up or let myself be defeated by life.
'Cause you lift me up
Thanks to the support and love of others, I have the strength and courage to keep going.
No I don't get down
I refuse to succumb to despair or hopelessness, because there's always a chance for change and growth.
'Cause you lift me up
When I feel weak or lost, others can help support me and give me the strength to carry on.
And I know, no matter how much colder
Even when life is hard and unforgiving,
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
Even when my burdens feel overwhelming and crushing,
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
As long as I remain resilient and stay true to myself, I'm moving forward and making progress.
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
I won't give up on my dreams or my future, because there's always a chance for success and happiness.
But we don't get down
Together, we have the power to overcome adversity and lift each other up, even in the toughest of times.
No we don't get down
As a community or as individuals, we can find strength and support in one another, and we won't let ourselves be defeated by life.
We can turn this 'round
Even when things look bleak or hopeless, we can work to change our circumstances and find a path forward.
And maybe
There's always hope for something better, and I'm willing to keep striving towards that.
It's today ah yeah
I can't change the past or predict the future, but I have the power to make a difference in this moment, right now.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby Ray Simmons, Chris Brown, Faheem Nahir, Tramaine Micheal Winfrey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alessandropieragostino3134
[Verse 1]
Outside there's a bird and it is singing
And outside of my window, there's a life
I feel like someone's talking to my spirit
They tell me that there's reasons to survive
[Pre-Chorus]
I could draw you a picture
I could write all my fears
I could read you a scripture of tears
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
[Verse 2]
Cause all these scenes of grief got my head spinnin'
And we're dancing on the edge of a knife
And could I be your hero or your villain
Uhh, I guess it just depends in whose eyes
[Pre-Chorus]
I could draw you a picture
I could write all my fears
I could read you a scripture of tears
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
[Bridge]
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
@milininn
amazing song
@Alex-ov3jy
Nothing can get u down if u listen to James Arthur:)
@alessandropieragostino3134
[Verse 1]
Outside there's a bird and it is singing
And outside of my window, there's a life
I feel like someone's talking to my spirit
They tell me that there's reasons to survive
[Pre-Chorus]
I could draw you a picture
I could write all my fears
I could read you a scripture of tears
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
[Verse 2]
Cause all these scenes of grief got my head spinnin'
And we're dancing on the edge of a knife
And could I be your hero or your villain
Uhh, I guess it just depends in whose eyes
[Pre-Chorus]
I could draw you a picture
I could write all my fears
I could read you a scripture of tears
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
[Bridge]
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
And I don't get down, 'cause you lift me up
[Chorus]
And I know, no matter how much colder
Or how much I carry on my shoulders
As long as I'm standing, I'll be closer
'Cause it ain't over, 'til it's over
But we don't get down
No we don't get down
We can turn this 'round
And maybe
It's today ahh yeah
@miakami40
his voice is just not human, its too beautiful
@AlexVasilica
R
O
M
A
N
I
A
<3
@GreatGrandCarrot
The instrumentals of this song was originally set for Sugababes' unreleased piece called "Too In Love." It's beautiful as well. Someone uploaded it here on YouTube.
@Emma_Rosa
One of my favourite songs of his!
@milandalanda
Same here
@bri.decode
Omg absolutely
@geoffreymissonsa9544
Extraordinary song