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.
Echo Park
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ghosts fillin' the trees
The fire never understands the spark
The way it is with you and me
Freedom
Freedom
Our love won't fade away
Freedom
Our love it won't fade away
The children runnin' through the greenest field
A lot of love pourin' down
And only you and I know how it feels
When no one else is around
Freedom
Freedom
Our love won't fade away
Freedom
Freedom
Our love it won't fade away
Freedom
Freedom
Our love won't fade away
Freedom
Freedom
Our love it won't fade away
Walkin' with you down from Echo Park
The ghosts fillin' the trees
The fire never understands the spark
The way it is with you and me
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Echo Park" describe a peaceful walk through a park with someone special. As they stroll through the park, the trees are filled with ghosts, which could be interpreted as memories of people and events that took place in that location. The imagery of ghosts in the trees adds to the overall tranquil and dreamy atmosphere the song creates. The song suggests a lasting love between the two people, as they repeat the phrase "Our love won't fade away" several times throughout the song. The line, "The fire never understands the spark, the way it is with you and me" suggests that their love is special and unique, something that cannot be easily explained or understood by others.
The theme of "freedom" is also present throughout the song, which could signify the freedom they feel in their love for each other. They feel free to be themselves without any judgment or expectations from others. The line, "When no one else is around" indicates their solitary time together as they experience and appreciate the simplicity of love in the solitude of the outdoors.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' with you down through Echo Park
We are strolling along and enjoying the scenery of a park with a reputation of being haunted.
The ghosts fillin' the trees
We see the trees filled with ghosts, the park appears to be an environment of intense spiritual activity.
The fire never understands the spark
The true essence of the things that make us happy can never be fully appreciated by others.
The way it is with you and me
This is how we feel about each other, what we have is unique and unexplainable to others.
Freedom Freedom Our love won't fade away
We have the freedom to love each other strongly and forever. This is something that endures.
The children runnin' through the greenest field
We're reminded of the joy and playfulness of life when we see children running free, and the beautiful field they play in inspires us.
A lot of love pourin' down
There is an abundance of love, hope, and positive vibes in the world around us.
And only you and I know how it feels
We only truly understand our love and how it feels between us. No one else can know what we share.
When no one else is around
We feel our love for one another when we are alone, by ourselves, without the scrutiny of others.
Walkin' with you down from Echo Park
We're leaving Echo Park together, walking down to another place in life, but our love remains strong.
The ghosts fillin' the trees
We are once again in the park with the filled trees, the ghosts still present, but our love for each other can still shine through.
The fire never understands the spark
The flame can never understand what the spark truly means. So too, others may misunderstand our love, but we know what it means to us.
The way it is with you and me
This is the way things are between us, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Freedom Freedom Our love won't fade away
Our love is free, strong, and enduring, and will never fade away.
Freedom Freedom Our love won't fade away
Our love is free, strong, and enduring, and will never fade away.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind