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.
Big City Secret
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I fall asleep inside your spherical night
And dream about coming together again
As a fist comes from an open hand
And how the tide crashes on morning sand
And you say
Hey I don't understand
Big city secret
How come we dance
What makes us dance
A fist thrown against fear's menacing face
His blackened eyes become the dreams that you chase
Blood on your lip is like chaos you taste
It washes over you in some dramatic rush
And on the diving board you can feel him push
So you say
Hey I don't understand
You and your big city secret
Big city secret
How come we dance
What makes us dance
How come we dance
What makes us dance
I jump in the magnitude of your smile
Leap from the board of my last chance
Splash in the sea of your damnation
As you remind me of your past
Darling I thank you for this dance
You say
Hey I don't understand
You and your big city secret
Big city secret
How come we dance
What makes us dance
How come we dance
How come we dance
How come we dance
How come we dance
The lyrics to Joseph Arthur's "Big City Secret" describe a tumultuous, passionate relationship that is driven by powerful and conflicting emotions. The singer is drawn to his lover despite their differences, and he struggles to understand the mysterious attraction that seems to keep them together. He speaks of bouncing against her "rectangular light" and falling asleep inside her "spherical night," perhaps metaphorical representations of their contrasting personalities. He dreams of coming together with her again despite their struggles, comparing the experience to a fist coming from an open hand and the tide crashing on morning sand.
Despite his intense feelings for her, the singer acknowledges that he doesn't fully understand their relationship or the secrets of the big city that seem to fuel it. He sings of how they dance together despite their differences, wondering what makes them move in sync. He speaks of fear and chaos, noting that the taste of blood on his lip is like the rush of emotions he feels when he's with her. He describes a sense of danger and exhilaration as he leaps from the board of his last chance into the sea of her damnation, gratefully thanking her for the experience even as he struggles to understand it.
The song's lyrics are evocative and poetic, capturing the complex emotions of a relationship in flux. They draw on imagery from nature and the city, contrasting the rhythms of the natural world with the frantic energy of urban life. The singer's confusion and ambivalence about his lover reflect the challenges and contradictions of modern life, where people are often drawn together by forces that they can't fully explain or understand.
Line by Line Meaning
You bounce against my rectangular light
You come into my life unexpectedly, like a ball bouncing against a flat surface.
I fall asleep inside your spherical night
I find refuge in your world, which is as vast and complex as a sphere.
And dream about coming together again
I yearn for a reunion with you.
As a fist comes from an open hand
A violent reaction can stem from a peaceful start.
And how the tide crashes on morning sand
The relentless force of the ocean waves reminds us of the unpredictability of life.
And you say
You ask me
Hey I don't understand
I'm confused
You and your big city secret
Your way of life seems unknown and unfamiliar to me.
Big city secret
The allure and excitement of the city's hidden world.
How come we dance
What causes us to move and feel alive?
A fist thrown against fear's menacing face
We face our fears and confront them head-on.
His blackened eyes become the dreams that you chase
The nightmares we encounter can become our reality if we don't face them.
Blood on your lip is like chaos you taste
The chaos we experience can be exhilarating and addicting.
It washes over you in some dramatic rush
We can get swept up in the drama of life and the emotions it brings.
And on the diving board you can feel him push
We can feel the pressure and influence of others while trying to make a leap.
So you say
You respond
Hey I don't understand
I'm still confused
I jump in the magnitude of your smile
I'm drawn to the intensity and beauty of your smile.
Leap from the board of my last chance
I take a risk that might be my final opportunity.
Splash in the sea of your damnation
I immerse myself in the danger and excitement that comes with being with you.
As you remind me of your past
You reference your history of experiences and choices.
Darling I thank you for this dance
Despite the turmoil and confusion you bring, I'm grateful for the time we've spent together.
How come we dance
What compels us to enjoy life, even when it's difficult and uncertain?
How come we dance
What makes us alive and human?
How come we dance
What keeps us moving forward despite the challenges?
How come we dance
What gives us joy and fulfillment?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind