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 Tell Your Eyes
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't tell your eyes
Your eyes are mine
Don't tell your mind
Don't tell your mind
Your mind is mine
More than you know
Jesus loves you more than you know
More than you know
Don't tell your dream
Don't tell your dream
Your dream is mine
Don't tell your sex
Don't tell your sex
Your sex is mine
Jesus loves you more than you know
More than you know
Jesus loves you more than you know
More than you know
Jesus loves you more than you know
More than you know
Jesus loves you more than you know
More than you know
The lyrics to Joseph Arthur's Don't Tell Your Eyes are quite enigmatic, making it hard to interpret their true meaning. The song has a hypnotic, repetitive nature to it, which may imply a sense of obsession or control. The first two lines create an eerie tone, with the singer warning the listener not to reveal anything they see or think, as they are under the singer's control. The repetition of "Your eyes are mine" and "Your mind is mine" further conveys the idea of manipulation and domination.
The next lines, "Jesus loves you more than you know," provide a stark contrast to the previous ones. It seems like the singer is trying to justify their actions by hiding behind religion, implying that what they are doing is out of love for the listener. However, given the context of the previous lines, this claim seems insincere and unsettling.
The chorus is repeated three times, with the same lyrics. It reinforces the idea of the singer's control over the listener's thoughts, dreams, and even sexuality. The last line, "More than you know," has a haunting quality to it, suggesting that there is hidden meaning in the singer's words that the listener may never fully grasp.
Overall, Don't Tell Your Eyes is a thought-provoking and unsettling song that raises questions about control, manipulation, and the role of religion in justifying such behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell your eyes
Don't reveal your true feelings or thoughts through your eyes
Don't tell your eyes
Don't allow your eyes to show your vulnerability or emotions
Your eyes are mine
I control and possess the power over how you feel or express yourself through your eyes
Don't tell your mind
Don't reveal the thoughts or ideas you hold in your mind
Don't tell your mind
Don't allow your mind to be susceptible to outside influence or control
Your mind is mine
I control and possess the power over your thoughts and decision-making
Jesus loves you more than you know
There is a higher power that cares for you and accepts you beyond what you currently feel or understand
More than you know
You may not fully comprehend the extent of this love and acceptance
Don't tell your dream
Don't reveal your aspirations, ambitions or visions for your future
Don't tell your dream
Don't allow your dreams to be crushed or controlled by external factors
Your dream is mine
I control and possess the power over your future and potential
Don't tell your sex
Don't reveal your sexual desires, preferences or experiences
Don't tell your sex
Don't allow your sexuality to be shamed or judged by others
Your sex is mine
I control and possess the power over your sexual identity and experiences
Jesus loves you more than you know
Reiterated message of a higher power's love and acceptance
More than you know
Reiterated message that this love and acceptance may be beyond your current understanding
Jesus loves you more than you know
Final reassurance of the power of unconditional love and acceptance
More than you know
Final reminder that there is a higher love that goes beyond human comprehension
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.