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.
Don't Give Up On People
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One more thing to say
I made a very big mistake
Followed by a thousand days
Don't give up on people
Who want you to stay
Signal dreams to play
Last time I saw you
Was in the sunless time of day
Don't give up on people
Who want you to stay
Don't give up on people
Who want you to stay
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's "Don't Give Up On People" can be interpreted as a plea to not give up on those who have made mistakes and are in need of forgiveness. The opening lines "Give 'em one more chance/One more thing to say/I made a very big mistake/Followed by a thousand days" suggest that the singer is asking for another chance to make things right after a prolonged period of time has passed. The repetition of "one more" emphasizes the importance of the opportunity to make amends.
The second verse introduces the idea of satellites and moonbeams signaling dreams to play. This can be interpreted as a call to not give up on hopes and aspirations, even in the face of difficult circumstances. The final lines of the chorus, "Don't give up on people/Who want you to stay" reinforces the need to have perseverance and to not abandon others who are reaching out for support.
The last line of the second verse, "Last time I saw you/Was in the sunless time of day" may suggest a time of darkness or despair. However, the emphasis on "last time" implies that the singer hopes to see the person again and to have a chance to make amends. Overall, the message of the song is one of hope, perseverance, and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Give 'em one more chance
Offer people another opportunity to make things right
One more thing to say
Provide individuals with another chance to communicate their thoughts
I made a very big mistake
Admit to committing a significant error
Followed by a thousand days
The consequences of the mistake lasted for a long time
Don't give up on people
Continue to believe in individuals and their potential
Who want you to stay
Individuals who want to maintain a relationship with you
Satellites and moonbeams
A metaphor for the transmission of hope and positivity
Signal dreams to play
Encourages individuals to act upon their aspirations
Last time I saw you
The previous encounter with the person being addressed
Was in the sunless time of day
When things were difficult or troubled
Don't give up on people
Keep your faith in individuals
Who want you to stay
People who value your presence in their life
Contributed by Lucy J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.