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.
Train Wreck
James Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for the sirens
Signs, any signs I'm alive still
I don't wanna lose it
But I'm not getting through this
Hey, should I pray? Should I pray? Yeah
To myself? To a God?
To a savior who can
Unbreak the broken
Unsay these spoken words
Find hope in the hopeless
Pull me out of the train wreck
Unburn the ashes
Unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet
Pull me out of the train wreck
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah
Pull me out, pull me out
Underneath our bad blood
We've still got a sanctum, home
Still a home, still a home here
It's not too late to build it back
'Cause a one-in-a-million chance
Is still a chance, still a chance
And I would take those odds
Unbreak the broken
Unsay these spoken words
Find hope in the hopeless
Pull me out of the train wreck
Unburn the ashes
Unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet
Pull me out the train wreck
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out
You can say what you like, don't say I wouldn't die for you
I, I'm down on my knees and I need you to be my God
Be my help, be a savior who can
Unbreak the broken
Unsay these reckless words (find hope in the hopeless)
Pull me out of the train wreck
Unburn the ashes
Unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet
Pull me out of the train wreck
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out
James Arthur's "Train Wreck" is a song about a person trying to find their way out of a difficult situation. In the song, the singer is laying in silence, waiting for the sirens and signs to prove to them that they're still alive. They're struggling to get through a tough time and wonder if they should pray and turn to a god or savior for help. The chorus talks about unbreaking what's broken, unsaying spoken words, finding hope in hopelessness, and pulling the singer out of a train wreck.
The train wreck is a metaphor for the singer's life and the situation they're in. The song describes a situation where the singer feels like they're holding onto a thread, and all they want is for someone to rescue them from their troubles. But the singer is holding onto hope, believing that it's not too late to build back the sanctum, or the safe space they once had. They understand that even a one-in-a-million chance is still a chance and are willing to take those odds. The song ends with the hope that someone will come and help the singer find their way out of their train wreck.
Line by Line Meaning
Laying in the silence
I am lying in stillness, waiting for something to happen.
Waiting for the sirens
I am waiting for the sound of an alarm to signal that something is wrong.
Signs, any signs I'm alive still
I am looking for any indication that I am still alive and that there is hope.
I don't wanna lose it
I am afraid of losing my life or my sanity.
But I'm not getting through this
I am struggling to survive or overcome my problems.
Hey, should I pray? Should I pray, yeah
I am wondering whether I should turn to prayer for help or guidance.
To myself? To a God? To a savior who can
I am considering who or what might be able to save me from my troubles.
Underneath our bad blood
Despite our conflicts or differences
We've still got a sanctum, home
We still have a safe space or a place to call home.
It's not too late to build it back
We can still rebuild what we have lost or damaged.
'Cause a one-in-a-million chance
Even a very slim chance
Is still a chance, still a chance
Is still worth taking, still worth hoping for.
And I would take those odds
I am willing to take that chance or that risk.
You can say what you like, don't say I wouldn't die for you
You can criticize me or judge me, but don't doubt my loyalty or devotion to you.
I, I'm down on my knees and I need you to be my God
I am begging for your help, your support, or your guidance.
Unbreak the broken
Repair what is damaged or shattered
Unsay these spoken words
Undo what has been said or done that has caused harm or pain.
Find hope in the hopeless
Discover optimism or faith in a situation that seems bleak or desperate.
Pull me out of the train wreck
Rescue me from a disastrous or chaotic situation.
Unburn the ashes
Reverse the destruction or devastation that has occurred.
Unchain the reactions, I'm not ready to die, not yet
Free me from the negative consequences of my actions or circumstances, I am not ready to give up on life.
Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah
Repeated plea for help and salvation.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Andrew William Jackson, Adam Stuart Argyle, James Andrew Arthur
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anneeee3389
hey you, yes you.
go grab a glass of water,
sit in front of the mirror and smile.
even if you have nothing to smile about, just try it,
you'll find something beautiful in you.
if you think you're ugly or having a bad hair day,
focus on your eyes, i think your eyes are beautiful.
don't think so? think again, there is no such thing as ugly eyes.
still smiling?
STOP!
now smile again.
notice you're more beautiful when you smile.
cool right?
You should try it more :)
are you scared of anything right now?
Are you stressed?
Take a sip of water.
now before you wipe the water away,
see the drops of water on your lips.
notice how they shine,
even in the tiniest bit of light.
they're just like you.
you shine no matter what.
you'll put up a smile even though you're hurting
you'll shine even though you're bursting into tears.
How do I know?
Because you're still here, practising self-care.
and you know self-care isn't selfish.
you know how to feel and you know how to breathe.
You're shining,
and I'm very proud of you.
(please spread this message forward)
@uravghannah
im a 13 y/o girl and i suffer with depression, social anxiety, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and these weird "vision" things i have. this song speaks to me on a whole other level because its really hard for me to push through the days and keep going. the only 2 things that are keeping me going is my best friend and my passion for music. my friend is the one who showed me this song and i was taken aback. me and her are very similar and when things speak to her, they speak to me too, and vice versa. recently i got out of a really bad and toxic relationship that broke me even more than before. ive been mentally and emotionally abused and ive witnessed my mom get physically abused, all by her ex boyfriend. i also recently got the idea that my mom doesn't really care about me.. shes an addict and ive known for years but something is just making me think she hates me. if i wouldnt have met my best friend, or discovered my strong passion for music through bts, i probably would've committed suicide a long time ago. i have so many trust issues, insecurities, an eating disorder, and on top of all of that, i go through all of this in my head. nobody knows, and nobody will care. but right now, im telling you, anyone who decides to read this. i know what im going through may not be nearly as bad as what you may be going through but trust me, we can get through it. i promise. we are strong. weve been through the unthinkable. yet we are still here fighting. im so proud of all of us. i cant tell you when it may be but i promise, you will find peace.
life said: im going to make you happy, but first i will make you strong.
remember that for me okay? if you ever need someone to listen to you, i will be that person. i know its hard but i also know that deep inside, you still have hope. keep that hope with you and dont let it go. i promise it will all get better. and in that process, you keep getting stronger and stronger every day and im so proud of you.
i love you so much and you deserve your happiness.
alright i love you so much, bye💗❤️
(also sorry this is so long but it made me feel better to get all of that out and i hope it makes other people feel better too❤️)
edit: this isn't really important but i see a lot of armies replying (borahae ami😼💜) so incase anyone is wondering, im ot7 and dont have a bias
okay ily and borahae and bye bye💜
update:
hi everyone, happy halloween, i hope youre doing amazing but i kinda need to rant a little
✨a n y w a y s✨
being a girl is so fucking hard. most guys set ridiculously high standards for us and if we dont meet them fully, we're not worth it. i may be bisexual, but almost all girls i come in contact with are either straight or just a total bitch. sometimes i really do wish i was a guy so life could be so much easier. they're really out here thinking that they can destroy us and move on to their next victim and play innocent. like they dont even care so why do they date us in the first place? for attention? guys, please try to see things from our perspective too bc believe it or not, we have feelings. we're not just bodies, we have a working brain and heart as well so wake the fuck up.
(this is not directed towards all guys, just the ones that are completely insane, and the ones i happen to have come in contact with. once again, not all guys are included)
okay rant over😌
also girls if you agree lmk bc im really hoping im not alone on this
okay ilysm have a wonderful day and see you soon❤️💜
@kittycran5002
i’m sorry for being a bad friend
i’m sorry for being a bad daughter
i’m sorry for being a bad granddaughter
i’m sorry for being a bad student
i’m sorry for being a bad sister
i’m sorry for being a bad person
i’m sorry for being mean
i’m sorry for being sad
i’m sorry for crying
i’m sorry for being myself
i’m sorry for failing
i’m sorry for giving up
i’m sorry for not believing in myself
i’m sorry for hurting
i’m sorry for not being confident
i’m sorry i’m not popular
i’m sorry i’m not attractive
i’m sorry i’m dumb
i’m sorry i make mistakes
i’m sorry for not being talented
i’m sorry i’m not rich
i’m sorry i’m not good enough
i’m sorry i hate myself and everyone hates me
i’m sorry i’m the opposite from perfect
i’m sorry i want to end everthing
i’m sorry i’m ‘depressed’ and have ‘anxiety’
IM SORRY OK
Look i know i can’t say much but i’ve read the comments and we are all in the same boat. Ily all so so much x 🤍
@hopekbrown
i’m sorry for being a bad friend
i’m sorry for being a bad student
i’m sorry for crying
i’m sorry for having anxiety
i’m sorry for giving up
i’m sorry for not believing in myself
i’m sorry for not being confident
i’m sorry i’m not popular
i’m sorry i’m not rich
i’m sorry i’m the opposite from perfect
if only they knew we're only human....
Edit: Ty guys so much for the endless love you’ve shown me! I’ve been in a super dark place recently and your comments truly brighten me up and I can’t thank you enough 💗😭
Edit 2: Guys, I think we all know that this isn’t an original comment but it doesn’t mean I don’t feel this way about different things! I altered the comment slightly to match up with my emotions and I’ve never intended on claiming these quotes as mine 🌸
@LazyFoxYT
Follow our Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1RK2lUCoNEysPEur1tvW9a?si=_zyuVSlJSPWV11KjEZMJEQ&utm_source=copy-link
@魂梦-v6p
My favourite song
@Anna-lp6vo
My favorite💖💖💖💖
@HI-wc5qb
I love your videos
@monaguignard7604
Allo
@emanuellymaske9970
Linda amei a música 🤩❤️
@jasyheath3933
When you don’t want to die but you also don’t want to be here any more
I wrote this when I was in a really dark place and I found my way out of that deep dark hole... so just know that there is hope and please don’t give up when your journey has just begun. I sure am glad I didn’t or I wouldn’t have gotten to meet the best version of me
@debeshighosh7677
U may not want to be here rn but someday u will be glad ur here!
@Exclipsed
Jasmynne Heath I feel like that everyday but I promise it’ll get better soon. Just don’t do it and stay alive, think positive and try to be happy if you can.❤️
@melinaross9244
True ☹️🥺😭