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.
Haunted Eyes
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your fingers reach down in my stomach lining
Your voice sounds just like an alley cat is crying
I got the feeling you have never once stopped trying to undress me
You make yourself into a mirror to reflect me
I see my eyes are shallow stones
In a prison made of bones
Wrapped in a bag of skin
That all my fear's been carving
Haunted eyes
Sing in secret
Haunted eyes
Are huge and empty
Haunted eyes
Flutter just like butterfly wings
Haunted eyes
They always watch you breathing
Drenching thunder rolls right by me
I'm only visible when you're beside me
And what I can't possess still remains inside of me
Its violence coming out of your mouth now
Is at once menacing and hard to see
Oh but finally I think I see
That you are fat and you are flat
You are a star in a ? ?
You're a monster with nothing who's been chewing
On the worm your best friend your pet fish was pursuing
You're the only witness so if you die
I don't think I'm considered guilty of this crime
I take it to bed with me each and every night
The guilt wakes me up and shades my morning light
'cause people break
In fact I helped you to destruct
I'll say anything you want but I can't reconstruct
You only tell more lies in a darker shade of white
Hurry up and punish me so I can feel alright
Forever, if ever, only ever, never
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Haunted Eyes" portray a sense of fear and uncertainty in a relationship, emphasizing the haunting nature of the singer's partner. The song starts by suggesting that the partner has a strong presence, as if they are able to physically affect the singer with their size and touch. The partner's voice is compared to that of a crying alley cat, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The line "I got the feeling you have never once stopped trying to undress me" may suggest the unwanted advances of the partner, or perhaps a deeper metaphorical meaning of a desire for emotional intimacy.
The second verse continues to depict the sense of being trapped and imprisoned in the relationship. The lines "In a prison made of bones / Wrapped in a bag of skin" suggest a feeling of being trapped in one's own body and identity, with the partner serving as a mirror reflecting back the singer's insecurities. The chorus repeats the phrase "haunted eyes" as a descriptor for the partner, suggesting that they are both frightened and frightening. The image of the eyes being both "huge and empty" adds to this dichotomy.
The final verse takes a darker turn, with the partner's violence being hinted at, and their character being compared to that of a "monster with nothing". The singer's guilt is implied, with the line "I helped you to destruct", but it's not entirely clear what they are guilty of. The implication of a crime is made, with the line "If you die, I don't think I'm considered guilty of this crime". The song ends with a sense of resignation, with the repetition of "Forever, if ever, only ever, never".
Overall, the song paints a picture of a fraught and dangerous relationship, and explores the trauma and guilt that can come with such a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Your eyes are as big as a quarter when they're shining
Your eyes appear significantly larger when they're shining.
Your fingers reach down in my stomach lining
Your touch causes me immense emotional pain.
Your voice sounds just like an alley cat is crying
Your voice is unpleasant and uninviting to listen to.
I got the feeling you have never once stopped trying to undress me
I feel like your intentions towards me are purely sexual.
You make yourself into a mirror to reflect me
You try to present yourself as a reflection of who I am.
I see my eyes are shallow stones
I realize that my way of perceiving and processing emotions is superficial and lacking in depth.
In a prison made of bones
My physical body feels like a trap that keeps me from feeling free and unencumbered.
Wrapped in a bag of skin
My sense of identity is tied up in my physical body.
Highlighted by the lines of repetition
My patterns of behavior and ways of thinking are apparent and constantly repeating.
That all my fear's been carving
My fear has shaped me and influenced my actions.
Haunted eyes
Eyes that evoke a sense of fear, discomfort, or unease.
Sing in secret
There is something mysterious or secretive about these eyes.
Are huge and empty
These eyes are large, but seem hollow or lacking in emotion.
Flutter just like butterfly wings
The eyes move in a way that is reminiscent of butterflies fluttering their wings.
They always watch you breathing
These eyes seem fixated on observing your every move, even your breathing.
Drenching thunder rolls right by me
The overwhelming and intense emotions I feel are like being caught in a thunderstorm.
I'm only visible when you're beside me
I only feel like I exist or matter when I'm with you.
And what I can't possess still remains inside of me
I'm haunted by desire for something that I know I can never have.
Its violence coming out of your mouth now
You are speaking in a way that feels threatening or aggressive.
Is at once menacing and hard to see
Your behavior is both terrifying and difficult to fully comprehend.
Oh but finally I think I see
I'm starting to recognize the truth about your motives and character.
That you are fat and you are flat
You are one-dimensional and uninteresting.
You are a star in a ? ?
This line is unclear and open to interpretation.
You're a monster with nothing who's been chewing
You are monstrous in your treatment of others, despite lacking any real substance or value yourself.
On the worm your best friend your pet fish was pursuing
You take pleasure in causing others pain and suffering, even if it means destroying something that is important to them.
You're the only witness so if you die
If something were to happen to you, I would be the primary suspect due to lack of other witnesses.
I don't think I'm considered guilty of this crime
I feel like you bring trouble on yourself, and I can't be held responsible for your actions or their consequences.
I take it to bed with me each and every night
My guilt and remorse for my actions towards you weigh heavily on me and impact my sleep.
The guilt wakes me up and shades my morning light
My feelings of guilt and regret are so strong that they make it difficult to start my day in a positive way.
'cause people break
People's emotions and mental states can be fragile and easily damaged.
In fact I helped you to destruct
I played a role in your emotions and mental state deteriorating over time.
I'll say anything you want but I can't reconstruct
I'm willing to tell you whatever you want to hear, but I can't change the past or undo the damage that's been done.
You only tell more lies in a darker shade of white
You continue to deceive and manipulate me, even though your lies are becoming more obvious or bold.
Hurry up and punish me so I can feel alright
I feel like I deserve to be punished for my actions towards you, and that punishment would help me find some sense of closure or forgiveness.
Forever, if ever, only ever, never
This repeated phrase emphasizes the finality of certain actions or events, and underscores the permanence of their consequences.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind