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.
Enough to Get Away
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where the light spreads dark around the drunk hearts
In their headless hallways where bodies are
put on the market place
To happiness endlessly taking pills
With the young going down
I see nothing or nowhere
I know what I've found
Next year we will live in the country
With our money, by day the sky builds
Doing our laundry and renting us some random machines
Getting our religion and sex on the TV
Assumptions made simply to get away
Everyone old is already with me
On tiny decks enjoying midsummer weather and friendly company
And in their picture frames there you and I will be
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Bright drops of blood so my thoughts are
I turn to lie down but sleep stays far
I'm just an echo of the song going through my head
The light behides the ghost
But I'm the one that's dead
And I think of who you be
When you're here with me
Maybe it's a spiritual disease
Sliding through shoots of oblivion into infinity
Back into our maker's hands
No more rain or controversy
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Enough to Get Away" speak about the search for something more, for a deeper level of happiness and contentment in life. The song touches on themes of escape, spirituality, and the longing for a simpler way of living.
In the first verse, Arthur contrasts the scene of a typical Saturday night with the idea of finding true happiness. He talks about the emptiness of partying and endless consumption versus the search for something more meaningful. The chorus "enough to get away, knowing what we've found" speaks to the idea of finding something that can provide true escape from the chaos of daily life, something that is worth striving for.
The second verse introduces the idea of living in the country to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, Arthur describes a simpler way of living, one where people do their laundry, watch TV, and spend time with friends. Interestingly, he also mentions assumptions made "simply to get away", perhaps suggesting that this idyllic life is not completely free of problems. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the importance of finding something that is "enough to get away" from life's troubles.
The third verse is more abstract, with imagery of blood and ghostly echoes. Arthur ponders the spiritual nature of life and the possibility of a connection to a higher power. The final lines suggest the idea of reuniting with a creator in death, where there is no more conflict or suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the difference from a Saturday night
How is a Saturday night different from any other night?
Where the light spreads dark around the drunk hearts
The darkness of the night surrounds and affects those who are drunk.
In their headless hallways where bodies are put on the market place
People engage in casual sex without emotional attachment or commitment.
To happiness endlessly taking pills with the young going down
The pursuit of happiness is sought after by relying on drugs, while the youth are being corrupted by such behavior.
I see nothing or nowhere I know what I've found
Although it appears that there is nothing to be found, the artist knows what he has discovered.
Must be in paradise
The realization that this beautiful and perfect lifestyle can only happen in paradise.
Next year we will live in the country
Plans to move to a peaceful and simple lifestyle away from the city.
With our money, by day the sky builds
Building their own dream life with their own hard-earned money, day by day.
Doing our laundry and renting us some random machines
Simple, day-to-day tasks such as laundry and renting equipment become more enjoyable and satisfying when one is living a peaceful life.
Getting our religion and sex on the TV
The access and convenience of modern life allows them to indulge in both religious and sexual programming on television.
Assumptions made simply to get away
Assumptions and illusions used to escape harsh realities of life.
Everyone old is already with me
Everyone who has already moved away from a city and into a peaceful lifestyle is already in alignment with the artist.
On tiny decks enjoying midsummer weather and friendly company
Simpler experiences such as enjoying the company of those around them on small decks outdoors is more fulfilling than lavish environments.
And in their picture frames there you and I will be
As close friends, they will be captured in memories together of this simple lifestyle.
Bright drops of blood so my thoughts are
The thoughts of the artist are disturbed and haunted.
I turn to lie down but sleep stays far
Sleep evades them due to their painful thoughts.
I'm just an echo of the song going through my head
The artist is merely a reflection of their own thoughts and inner turmoil.
The light behides the ghost
The truth is hidden behind illusions.
But I'm the one that's dead
The artist feels emotionally dead or drained.
And I think of who you be
The artist wonders about their companion's thoughts and emotions.
When you're here with me
The artist finds comfort and support from their friend's company.
Maybe it's a spiritual disease
The negative emotions and thoughts are affecting one's soul or spirit.
Sliding through shoots of oblivion into infinity
Falling into a never-ending cycle of pain and struggles.
Back into our maker's hands
The belief that one's fate is ultimately in God's hands.
No more rain or controversy
There will be no more pain or struggles after passing away.
Enough to get away
Having discovered this simpler, peaceful lifestyle is enough for the artist to want to escape from the harsh realities of urban life.
Knowing what we've found
Having discovered this simpler, peaceful lifestyle, the artist and their companion know they have found something special.
Enough to get away
Their discovery of a peaceful lifestyle is enough to make them want to escape urban life.
Contributed by Levi W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Greg Besso
What's the difference from a Saturday night
Where the light spreads dark around the drunk hearts
In their headless hallways where bodies are
put on the market place
To happiness endlessly taking pills
With the young going down
I see nothing or nowhere
I know what I've found
Must be in paradise
Next year we will live in the country
With our money, by day the sky builds
Doing our laundry and renting us some random machines
Getting our religion and sex on the TV
Assumptions made simply to get away
Everyone old is already with me
On tiny decks enjoying midsummer weather and friendly company
And in their picture frames there you and I will be
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Bright drops of blood so my thoughts are
I turn to lie down but sleep stays far
I'm just an echo of the song going through my head
The light behides the ghost
But I'm the one that's dead
And I think of who you be
When you're here with me
Maybe it's a spiritual disease
Sliding through shoots of oblivion into infinity
Back into our maker's hands
No more rain or controversy
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Knowing what we've found
Enough to get away
Amisare Waswere
bliss . . . beauty . . drink drunk. fun {-: