Joseph Arthur (born September 28, 1971) is an American contemporary singer-… Read Full Bio ↴Joseph Arthur (born September 28, 1971) is an American contemporary singer-songwriter from Akron, Ohio. He is known for his melodic compositions combined with swirling choruses. He was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-'90s and signed to Gabriel's Real World label in 1996. Arthur's first album, Big City Secrets, was released in 1997 to critical acclaim.

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.

Chemical
Joseph Arthur Lyrics

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Taking my medicine
Changing the way I am
I don't know where I been
But I was well behaved

I don't know who you are
Coming out of my scar
Driving my crashing car

That needs a coat of paint

Chemical
Up and up away I go
Out of my head

I'm putting myself in jail
I'm hoping to see you fail
I'm flipping my head and tail
Over
I don't know the way
Over

I'm throwing up what I drank
No one here I would thank
I feel like a shark that's caught
In a goldfish tank

Swallowing a thousand pills
Trying to change how I feel
There's just to much time to kill
Between all my mistakes

Chemical

Up and up away I go
Out of my head

Overall Meaning

The song "Chemical" by Joseph Arthur is a poignant and introspective reflection on addiction, self-destruction, and the painful process of trying to escape from one's own demons. The opening lines "Taking my medicine, changing the way I am" suggest that the singer is struggling to break free from a cycle of destructive behavior, but is uncertain of the path forward. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and disorientation, with the singer feeling lost and disconnected from his own past and present self.

The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of "chemical, up and up, away I go, out of my head", captures the sense of escaping into a substance or behavior that temporarily numbs the pain or anxiety, but ultimately leads to a deeper sense of disconnection and isolation. The lines "I'm putting myself in jail, I'm hoping to see you fail, I'm flipping my head and tail over", suggest a sense of self-loathing and a desire to punish oneself for past mistakes, while also feeling a sense of envy or resentment towards those who seem to be more successful or at peace.

Line by Line Meaning

Taking my medicine
Starting the process of self-improvement or change

Changing the way I am
Enacting personal transformations

I don't know where I been
Feeling lost and disoriented

But I was well-behaved
Appeared to be making progress in past efforts

I don't know who you are
Having trouble recognizing aspects of oneself

Coming out of my scar
Acknowledging past wounds

Driving my crashing car
Making impulsive decisions with risky outcomes

That needs a coat of paint
Looking for ways to improve or cover up mistakes

Chemical
Referring to the substances or habits being used to cope or change

Up and up away I go
Feeling the rush or high of the chemical's effects

Out of my head
Losing touch with reality or oneself