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.
Phoenix
James Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me begin, with an I.O.U
Who I owe everything to
Lately, lately my friend
Lately, you think I'm ignoring you
But I've been trying to pull through
All of the pain, I know you're looking down, down on me
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone who got near
Tell me something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees, turned my face to the rain
And that's when you heard my calls
Sold me my stubborn soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Save me, save me again
Save me the way that you did before
'Cause no one ever could have loved me more
Give me, give me the strength
Give me the strength when I need it more
Give me the reason that I'm looking for
I was a pain, they were looking down, down on me
I could have been someone
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone that was near
Tell me something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees, turned my face to the rain
And that's when you heard my calls
Sold me my stubborn soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo (rising)
Woah, oo, oo (it's rising)
Woah, oo, oo (it's rising)
Woah, oo, oo
You took the pain
When my world caved down on me
Now I have someone
'Cause you came and you showed me the world
Tell me something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go (I couldn't let)
Fell on my knees (on my knees)
Turned my face to the rain
And that's when you heard my calls
Sold me my stubborn soul (you sold me the soul)
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again (phoenix is rising)
Tell me something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees, turned my face to the rain
And that's when you heard my calls
Sold me my stubborn soul
Phoenix is rising
The song "Phoenix" by James Arthur talks about a person who has hit rock bottom and is looking for someone to save them. The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer is acknowledging that they owe someone something and whatever they are going through, they wouldn't have been able to pull through without that person. The lyrics reveal that the singer has been closed off - ignoring or pushing away people from their life, probably because they feel ashamed or a burden to others due to whatever they might be going through. They confess to hurting everyone and admitting to the pain that comes with it. The lyrics imply that the singer is questioning everything they knew, but in the end, they found someone who saved them, gave them strength, and helped them rise again like a phoenix.
The chorus of "Phoenix" brings in the idea of transformation with the metaphor of a phoenix. In mythology, a phoenix is a bird that periodically rebirths from its ashes, and in the same way, the singer is reborn through the help of someone who listened to their calls. The second verse reiterates the motif of being saved and details how the singer was in a terrible place when someone came and showed them the world, offering them a glimmer of hope.
Overall, the song "Phoenix" is an emotional call for help wrapped in a story of hope and transformation, highlighting that we all need someone to lean on when we are down.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me, let me begin
The singer is about to start telling a story.
Let me begin, with an I.O.U
This story starts with the singer being indebted to someone.
Who I owe everything to
This person that the singer owes everything to is very important.
Lately, lately my friend
The artist addresses someone close who they haven't spoken to recently.
Lately, you think I'm ignoring you
The person the artist is addressing believes the artist has been ignoring them.
But I've been trying to pull through
Despite difficulties, the singer is doing their best to keep going.
All of the pain, I know you're looking down, down on me
The person the singer owes everything to must have passed away and is watching over the singer.
I could have been someone
The artist feels like they have not lived up to their potential.
I hurt everyone
The artist has caused harm to those around them.
Pushed away everyone who got near
The artist has intentionally distanced themselves from others when they needed help.
Tell me something that I don't know
The singer is seeking to learn something new.
I couldn't let you go
The artist has trouble moving on from something.
Fell on my knees, turned my face to the rain
The singer was overwhelmed and cried out for help.
And that's when you heard my calls
The person the singer owes everything to was there for them in their time of need.
Sold me my stubborn soul
The person helped the singer overcome their stubbornness and accept help.
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
The artist is rising up again from the ashes, like a phoenix.
Save me, save me again
The artist is asking for the person's help again.
Save me the way that you did before
The singer wants the person to help them in the same way they did before.
'Cause no one ever could have loved me more
The person the singer owes everything to loves them more than anyone ever could.
Give me, give me the strength
The artist is asking for strength to keep going.
Give me the strength when I need it more
The artist needs strength to overcome the challenges ahead.
Give me the reason that I'm looking for
The artist is searching for a reason to keep going.
You took the pain
The person the singer owes everything to helped them through difficult times.
When my world caved down on me
The artist was going through a very hard time.
Now I have someone
The singer has someone they can rely on.
'Cause you came and you showed me the world
The person the singer owes everything to helped them see things in a new light.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES ARTHUR, GEORGE TIZZARD, RICK PARKHOUSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yudistira Ashadi
LYRICS:
Let me, let me begin
Let me begin, with an I.O.U
Oh, I owe everything to
Lately, lately my friend
Lately, you think I'm ignoring you
But I've been trying to pull through
All of the pain, I know you're looking down, down on me
I could have been someone
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone who got near
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Oo, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Save me, save me again
Save me the way that you did before
Coz no one ever could have loved me more
Give me, give me the strength
Give me the strength when I need it more
Give me the reason that I'm looking for
I was a pain, they were looking down, down on me
I could have been someone
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone that was near
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Oo, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Rising, woah, oo, oo
It's rising, woah, oo, oo
It's rising, woah, oo, oo
You took the pain
When my world caved down on me
Now I have someone
Coz you came and you showed me the world
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go (I couldn't let)
Fell on my knees (on my knees)
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul (sold me my soul)
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again (phoenix is rising)
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising
Mama Ames
Dear fellow James Arthur Fan ~
I sincerely appreciate you for posting James' profoundly revealing, truly masterful (as usual) lyrics to his humble, honest, heartfelt, iconic song "Phoenix."
And so, it is with humility & respect that I offer two possible alternatives to ONE word; one single word which IMHO, is lyrically vital in this song. James describes not only his state of mind & heart... but he is distinctly & quite specifically pointing out the state of his Soul.
In this superb song, beautiful James lays himself bare to the world... giving himself to us so completely... sharing everything that (thank Heaven above), collectively led to a deeply impactful "Phoenix" of his life & career.
I am sadly unable to say with 100% certainty what word James actually wrote, of course. But because this song is like a "time-stamp," a turning point in James' phenomenal career that shines like a powerful, meaningful beacon to me & to millions, I am compelled to humbly offer two possibilities, two alternatives to this one vital word. I've seen them both used when fans post "Phoenix" lyrics throughout social media, on many platforms, pages & channels. I've noted them both below & warmly welcome your reply/input & the reply/input from any/all of James' devoted loyal fans:
🎶 "Sold me my STUBBORN soul."
🎶 "Sold me my STOLEN soul."
Thank you again for taking the time to post the lyrics to "Phoenix." Not only is James a brilliant lyricist/songwriter, I find his voice simply . . . b r e a t h t a k i n g . . .
Beautiful James Arthur is truly one of the most profoundly gifted male vocalists/artists of our time.🙏♥️🇺🇲✌
Yudistira Ashadi
LYRICS:
Let me, let me begin
Let me begin, with an I.O.U
Oh, I owe everything to
Lately, lately my friend
Lately, you think I'm ignoring you
But I've been trying to pull through
All of the pain, I know you're looking down, down on me
I could have been someone
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone who got near
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Oo, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Save me, save me again
Save me the way that you did before
Coz no one ever could have loved me more
Give me, give me the strength
Give me the strength when I need it more
Give me the reason that I'm looking for
I was a pain, they were looking down, down on me
I could have been someone
I hurt everyone
Pushed away everyone that was near
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again
Oo, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Woah, oo, oo
Rising, woah, oo, oo
It's rising, woah, oo, oo
It's rising, woah, oo, oo
You took the pain
When my world caved down on me
Now I have someone
Coz you came and you showed me the world
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go (I couldn't let)
Fell on my knees (on my knees)
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul (sold me my soul)
Phoenix is rising, it's rising again (phoenix is rising)
Tell me, something that I don't know
I couldn't let you go
Fell on my knees
Turned my face to the rain
That's when you heard my calls
Sold me my sturdy soul
Phoenix is rising
Mama Ames
Dear fellow James Arthur Fan ~
I sincerely appreciate you for posting James' profoundly revealing, truly masterful (as usual) lyrics to his humble, honest, heartfelt, iconic song "Phoenix."
And so, it is with humility & respect that I offer two possible alternatives to ONE word; one single word which IMHO, is lyrically vital in this song. James describes not only his state of mind & heart... but he is distinctly & quite specifically pointing out the state of his Soul.
In this superb song, beautiful James lays himself bare to the world... giving himself to us so completely... sharing everything that (thank Heaven above), collectively led to a deeply impactful "Phoenix" of his life & career.
I am sadly unable to say with 100% certainty what word James actually wrote, of course. But because this song is like a "time-stamp," a turning point in James' phenomenal career that shines like a powerful, meaningful beacon to me & to millions, I am compelled to humbly offer two possibilities, two alternatives to this one vital word. I've seen them both used when fans post "Phoenix" lyrics throughout social media, on many platforms, pages & channels. I've noted them both below & warmly welcome your reply/input & the reply/input from any/all of James' devoted loyal fans:
🎶 "Sold me my STUBBORN soul."
🎶 "Sold me my STOLEN soul."
Thank you again for taking the time to post the lyrics to "Phoenix." Not only is James a brilliant lyricist/songwriter, I find his voice simply . . . b r e a t h t a k i n g . . .
Beautiful James Arthur is truly one of the most profoundly gifted male vocalists/artists of our time.🙏♥️🇺🇲✌
Marisa 🖤
canta demais Brasil 🇧🇷 marquem presença 🥰
Nanda Silva
A fila tá cheia ❤️
plugkkjjj
Salve hahahhahaa
Marisa 🖤
@Nanda Silva 🥰🥰
Marisa 🖤
@plugkkjjj ✨🥰
Maria Clara
As músicas sempre perfeitas 🥰🇧🇷❤️
Maria maleeks
God I’m in love with this man voice! Never disappoints
Moisés Souza
Só música boa como sempre 💜🇧🇷