In 2006, Arthur's song "In the Sun" was covered by Michael Stipe (of R.E.M.) and Coldplay singer Chris Martin. Released for a Hurricane Katrina Relief program, the EP includes six versions of the cover, one of which has Arthur himself singing with Stipe.
Arthur established his own record label, Lonely Astronaut Records, in 2006, and released two studio albums, Let's Just Be (2007) and Temporary People (2008) with backing band The Lonely Astronauts. Arthur subsequently returned to performing and recording as a solo artist, releasing The Graduation Ceremony in 2011 and the double album, Redemption City in 2012.
Arthur is also an acclaimed painter and designer. His artwork has graced the sleeves of his entire discography; the sleeve design for his 1999 album entitled Vacancy was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package.
Almost Blue
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
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You don't know what they're for
So you just make lots of noises
Decide who wins the war
Now you're playing with matches
Even though you've been warned
That something evil could happen
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
In the middle of summer
It's only you and your friends
Each of you trying to go under
But hoping it never ends
You finally make it to winter
And all rejoice in the snow
Crawling over each other
There's nowhere else you can go
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
And you're never going back to them
No, you're never going back again
Till you're blue
And you're never going back to them
No, you're never going back again
Till you're blue
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
In your hideaway
Almost new, almost blue
Blue
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song, "Almost Blue," delve into the world of childhood innocence and the transition into adolescence. The song starts off by describing a child playing with toy soldiers, not understanding the gravity of war, and making noises to decide the winner. As the song progresses, the child moves on to playing with matches despite warnings of the danger. The lyrics paint a picture of a child who is bored and seeking something to fill the emptiness.
The song then shifts to the child's escape or hideaway. The hideaway is almost new and almost blue, suggesting that it is a new space for the child to explore, yet it is also somewhat melancholic or incomplete. As the child moves into winter with their friends, they all try to go under, hoping that the moment will never end. However, they all end up crawling over each other, with nowhere else to go, suggesting the inevitability of growing up and facing the harsh realities of life.
The final verse of the song conveys the finality of leaving childhood behind. The child declares that they will never go back to their childhood again until they are blue. This last line is open to interpretation but perhaps suggests that the child can only revisit their childhood memories from a distance, with a sense of nostalgia tinged with sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
Playing with your toy soldiers
Engaging in childlike activities
You don't know what they're for
Without understanding the purpose of the activity
So you just make lots of noises
Immersed in imagination
Decide who wins the war
Exerting a sense of control in the imagined world
Now you're playing with matches
Engaging in potentially dangerous activities
Even though you've been warned
Despite receiving cautionary advice
That something evil could happen
Being cognizant of potential harm
You don't care 'cause you're bored
Boredom leading to disregard for consequences
In your hideaway
Retreating from the outside world
Almost new, almost blue
A sense of detachment and longing for change
In the middle of summer
During a carefree time of year
It's only you and your friends
Surrounded by close companions
Each of you trying to go under
Struggling to find deeper meaning in life
But hoping it never ends
Longing for the comfort and safety that comes with familiarity
You finally make it to winter
A time of reflection and transition
And all rejoice in the snow
Taking pleasure in simple joys
Crawling over each other
Familiarity leading to a lack of personal boundaries
There's nowhere else you can go
Feeling trapped and limited in options
And you're never going back to them
Moving on from the past and previous ways of living
No, you're never going back again
Resisting the pull to return to former habits
Till you're blue
Until a transformation and sense of renewal is achieved
Blue
A metaphor for feeling melancholic or contemplative
Contributed by Brayden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kent Borges
JOSEPH...in a league by himself...INCREDIBLE
joseph.vancity
Joseph is brilliant and completely underrated
Chris Bartz
If you have a heart inside of your chest, you can't help but love this dude.. In a totally straight way!
Charlie Cappa
this channel is amazing.
Maatth33
Joseph Arthur On THAT song I didn't knew 86 likes only? Please give them their ears back!!!