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.
Innocent World
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
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Don't know where we are
Find a way out, find a way
Home is somewhere I'm missing
When I look around
Find a way out, find a way
Hell has no reason to smile
You once had a heart like a child
Now it's buried under sadness and guilt
We don't know which way we're going
Don't know where we are
Find a way out, find a way
Home is somewhere I'm missing
When I look around
Find a way out, find a way
Hell has no reason to smile
When you're living in an innocent world
You once had a heart like a child
Now it's buried under sadness and guilt
Don't run away
Don't run away
Don't run away now
Don't run away
Don't run away
Don't run away now
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Innocent World" deal with themes of disorientation, displacement, longing, loss, and the complexity of emotions that can arise as one grows older and faces life's challenges. The first verse captures a sense of confusion and uncertainty about one's place in the world, with lines like "We don't know which way we're going" and "Don't know where we are." The repeated refrain of "Find a way out, find a way" suggests a desire for escape, for a path forward that is not yet clear.
The second verse introduces the idea that the singer is "missing" home, though it's not clear whether this is a physical place or a more metaphorical sense of belonging. In any case, the singer seems to be grappling with a sense of loss ("Now it's buried under sadness and guilt") and a feeling that the world they inhabit is not as innocent as it once seemed ("Hell has no reason to smile / When you're living in an innocent world").
The final lines of the song seem to be a plea to stay present and not to give in to the urge to run away, despite the difficult emotions that are being confronted. The repetition of "Don't run away now" underscores the importance of sticking with it, no matter how hard it may be.
Overall, "Innocent World" is a song that captures the complexities of growing up, facing challenges, and trying to find one's way in a world that can often be confusing and disorienting.
Line by Line Meaning
We don't know which way we're going
Uncertainty about the direction of life
Don't know where we are
Lost in life
Find a way out, find a way
Trying to escape from the unknown
Home is somewhere I'm missing
Feeling homesick or nostalgic
When I look around
Observing the current situation
Hell has no reason to smile
The world is not a happy place
When you're living in an innocent world
Even in a seemingly harmless world, darkness can exist
You once had a heart like a child
Used to be full of wonder and innocence
Now it's buried under sadness and guilt
Lost that childlike heart due to past experiences and negative emotions
Don't run away
Face your problems instead of avoiding them
Don't run away now
Immediate action is necessary
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind