Joseph Arthur (born September 28, 1971) is an American contemporary singer-… Read Full Bio ↴Joseph Arthur (born September 28, 1971) is an American contemporary singer-songwriter from Akron, Ohio. He is known for his melodic compositions combined with swirling choruses. He was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-'90s and signed to Gabriel's Real World label in 1996. Arthur's first album, Big City Secrets, was released in 1997 to critical acclaim.

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.

Hold On Dear
Joseph Arthur Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold on dear
Let me wipe away your weeping eyes
I love you
Even in a wind that's cold as ice
No rule can make you stay
My soul can make you stay
No more time
My eyes can see

Where your gonna hide
I love you
Even though your dreams
Have stolen my nights
No rule can make you stay

My soul can make you stay
There's no more time

Overall Meaning

Joseph Arthur's song Hold On Dear, as the title suggests, is a song of hope and encouragement. The lyrics convey a sense of assurance that the singer is willing to stand by his love, despite the challenges that may come their way. In the first verse, the singer wipes away his partner's tears and reassures her of his love, even in the midst of difficult times. He emphasizes that external circumstances cannot dictate the course of their relationship, as his soul is strong enough to keep them together.

The second verse implies that the singer's partner may have dreams or aspirations that have taken a toll on their relationship. Nonetheless, he affirms his love, saying that it still persists, despite the impact these dreams have on him. Again, the strength of their love is emphasized, as the singer emphasizes the power of his soul to keep them close, in spite of adversity.

Overall, the song is an embodiment of the spirit of endurance, perseverance, and hope in love. It suggests that love, despite the challenges that may come its way, is a force strong enough to keep two people united.

Line by Line Meaning

Hold on dear
Please don't give up or let go

Let me wipe away your weeping eyes
I want to comfort and console you

I love you
I have deep feelings of affection for you

Even in a wind that's cold as ice
My love for you is unyielding, even in difficult times

No rule can make you stay
You have free will, and I won't force you to stay against your wishes

My soul can make you stay
However, I hope that my love and connection with you will convince you to stay

No more time
We don't have much time left

My eyes can see
I am aware of what's happening

Where your gonna hide
I understand that you're trying to avoid me

Even though your dreams
Although your aspirations and ambitions are important to you

Have stolen my nights
I'm struggling with the impact of your dreams on my own life and well-being