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.
Fractures
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I may have a purpose
But it's mysterious to me
I wait in dark corners for instruction
Get on my bike
Peddle over bridges
Along rivers and wind back where I started
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And in the breaks, along the fractures
And in the breaks, all along the fractures
Rob from always on the run is so bad and copy paste is a sin
I go fishing
A giant rod with a string and a hook
I work into the cracks
With no idea what I want back
Standing on my heart
Like a world in turmoil
Alone with God
A vagrant
A figment
An idiot
With no thoughts or ideas
Something tugs on the string
And I keep floating down the river
Riding over bridges
Advancing the myth called surrender
All bones break
All skulls crack and turn cold
In moments of strength or weakness
I ask for help
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
And in the breaks, along the fractures
And in the breaks, all along the fractures
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's "Fractures" convey a sense of searching, of wandering through life without a clear sense of direction or purpose. The singer of the song seems to be adrift, floating aimlessly like an old piece of wood on the Hudson River. While there is a sense of mystery surrounding their purpose in life, they continue to wait for instructions in dark corners, peddling over bridges along rivers, and eventually returning to where they started.
Despite the uncertainty that surrounds them, the singer seeks guidance and forgiveness from a higher power in moments of weakness or strength. They go fishing with no idea of what they want to catch, like someone who is lost and just needs some kind of connection to the world around them. At times, they feel alone with God, like a vagrant or figment, but they know that they can always turn to him for help and guidance along the fractures that make up life's journey.
Overall, the lyrics of "Fractures" paint a vivid picture of someone who is seeking their place in the world, grappling with the uncertainty of life, and relying on their faith to carry them through the ups and downs. It's a poignant and introspective song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of their path.
Line by Line Meaning
I float like an old piece of wood on the Hudson
I feel aimless and directionless, like a piece of driftwood floating along the river.
I may have a purpose
But it's mysterious to me
I believe that I have a purpose in life, but I am unsure of what it is or how to achieve it.
I wait in dark corners for instruction
I feel lost and uncertain, waiting for some sign or guidance to show me the way forward.
Get on my bike
Peddle over bridges
Along rivers and wind back where I started
I engage in activities that provide some temporary relief or escape from my sense of aimlessness, but ultimately lead me back to where I started.
And so in moments of weakness or strength
I ask god for forgiveness and guidance
Then I fall asleep
And meet him somewhere along the fractures
During times of difficulty or strength, I pray to God for forgiveness and guidance. In my dreams, I find comfort in the idea that God is with me even in the midst of my brokenness and struggles.
Rob from always on the run is so bad and copy paste is a sin
I am critical of those who take shortcuts or engage in unethical behavior to achieve success, believing that true fulfillment comes from living an honest and authentic life.
I go fishing
A giant rod with a string and a hook
I work into the cracks
With no idea what I want back
I engage in activities that are inherently meaningless, hoping to find some sense of purpose or fulfillment even though I don't know what I'm seeking.
Standing on my heart
Like a world in turmoil
I feel like my emotional center is in chaos, and this turmoil affects every aspect of my life.
Alone with God
A vagrant
A figment
An idiot
With no thoughts or ideas
I feel like a worthless and insignificant person, lacking even the most basic ideas or plans for my life.
Something tugs on the string
And I keep floating down the river
Riding over bridges
Advancing the myth called surrender
Although I am directionless and lacking in purpose, I still feel like there is some external force or higher power that is guiding my journey in life. I surrender to this force, trusting that it will lead me where I need to go.
All bones break
All skulls crack and turn cold
In moments of strength or weakness
I ask for help
I recognize the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. During both good times and struggles, I ask for help and seek guidance from a higher power.
Contributed by Lila F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.