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.
Crying Like A Man
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All who you employ
To protect your last invention
Work hard it's destruction
Ignore your good intention
You must ignore the wrong voice
Whose voice
A peculiar choice
You and I can't remember
Living like a backwards trainwreck
Trying to disguise the deceit
Intrinsic in our step
When love's got us by the neck
Why can't we just surrender
I'll be quiet
I won't wake you up
Don't whine
Drink wine
Like terpentine
Cleaning out your inside in line
From your toes up through your spine
Pretend you're a conductor
Maestro without music
God without man
Me without you
Holding your hand
Falling like a leaf
Crying like a man
We silently confess through open eyes
Setting fire to the web spun right behind
In my mind's a spider
And in your heart's a fly
When you're meek you are malicious
Somehow still suspicious
Faithlessly religious
The song "Crying Like a Man" by Joseph Arthur speaks about the inner conflict that one often experiences while trying to keep up with the demands of society. The lyrics advise that in order to succeed in life, one must make tough decisions and be willing to let go of the people or things that may hold them back. The first verse talks about the need to destroy those whom you have employed to protect your last invention, which represents the old ways of thinking that may no longer be useful. It is important to ignore the wrong voice and work hard towards the destruction of old ways of thinking.
The chorus of the song speaks about surrendering and letting love guide the way, instead of trying to disguise deceit or mistrust in relationships. The second verse encourages one to drink wine and clean out their insides to be more in tune with their true selves. The reference to a conductor without music or God without man highlights the need for individuals to be able to rely on themselves and make their own decisions in life.
The final verse speaks about the need to set fire to the web of lies and deceit that may surround us, even if it means sacrificing the innocence or vulnerability of our hearts. The lyrics suggest that when one is meek, it is easy to become malicious and suspicious, indicating that it is important to stand up for oneself and not be passive.
Line by Line Meaning
You must destroy
You must break down established barriers.
All who you employ
Get rid of anyone who's standing in your way.
To protect your last invention
To safeguard your precious creation.
Work hard it's destruction
Working hard may also lead to destruction.
Ignore your good intention
Disregard the fact that you have good intentions.
You must ignore the wrong voice
You have to ignore the voice that leads you astray.
Whose voice
Which voice are we talking about here?
A peculiar choice
It's an unusual choice to make.
Well I'm sure
I'm convinced that...
You and I can't remember
Both of us have forgotten.
Living like a backwards trainwreck
Our life is a chaotic mess.
Trying to disguise the deceit
We're attempting to mask our lies.
Intrinsic in our step
It's ingrained in our behavior.
When love's got us by the neck
When we're trapped by love.
Why can't we just surrender
Why can't we give in and let go?
I'll be quiet
I won't make a sound.
I won't wake you up
I won't disturb you.
Don't whine
Stop complaining.
Drink wine
Have some wine.
Like terpentine
Like a cleaning solvent.
Cleaning out your inside in line
Purifying your insides in a systematic way.
From your toes up through your spine
From your feet to your head.
Pretend you're a conductor
Imagine being a conductor of an orchestra.
Maestro without music
Even without music, pretend you're a masterful conductor.
God without man
A supreme being without human influence.
Me without you
I exist but without you.
Holding your hand
It's comforting to hold your hand.
Falling like a leaf
Falling gently and slowly to the ground.
Crying like a man
To cry, but still maintaining one's masculinity.
We silently confess through open eyes
We confess our sins without speaking.
Setting fire to the web spun right behind
Burning all bridges behind us.
In my mind's a spider
A spider lives in my mind.
And in your heart's a fly
There's a fly in your heart.
When you're meek you are malicious
When you're too submissive, it's a sign of ill intentions.
Somehow still suspicious
We're still wary.
Faithlessly religious
To be religious without any true faith.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Susan Barry
Simply Beautiful!!!
Jssst
WOW, this is great!
Water Air Industry
Haunting. Beautiful.
Souls Bouncing
Bravo
BlackNock
this ridiculous dude is absolutely un friggin-believable and yes I do agree that this is what happens when you give Jesus a guitar and send Him ouside to play
BlackNock
@reignwood simply my gut instinct indicates Joseph Arthur has developed an innate ability to absorb his life's events and the world around him as any truly gifted artist...and put it into words of poetry and song lyrics i.e. Your Only Job Somehow his blessing shows in his gifts of art meant to enlighten inquiring minds positive energy the real live world Good tunes wording for sure no doubt thanks for asking made copy of Your Only Job got a copy on the seat of my truck for occasional reading
Hey Bulldog
any videos of joseph's version of Lennons How? sounded other worldy and i must have it!
Sai75021
Perfect
BlackNock
this ridiculous dude is absolutely un friggin-believable and yes I do agree that this is what happens when you give Jesus a guitar and send Him outside to play
Josh Bowen
Deep