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.
Invisible Hands
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Invisible hands which guide the show from up above
And sometimes you are forced to go
Far away and shut the door
On the one you love
Well I don't know now where you are
Your photograph sits like a scar against my wall
The sunshine in your eyes
Taken on that day
When all we had was love
Shut the light on me
Now Jesus he came down here just to die for all my sins
I need him to come back here and die for me again
'Cause I cannot forgive myself for what it is I've done
Avoiding your memory like a vampire does the sun
And all I want's your love
All I want's your love
Shut the light on me
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Invisible Hands" suggest a sense of loss and regret. Arthur contemplates the idea of a higher power orchestrating events in our lives, as represented by "invisible hands" that guide the show from up above. The idea of things we cannot know is also referenced, highlighting the concept that some things are beyond our understanding. The lyrics show a sense of desperation and longing, with Arthur expressing that sometimes we need to shut the door and leave the one we love. The photograph of his love is like a scar on his wall, representing his inability to let go of the past.
The religious imagery in the bridge of the song reveals the depth of Arthur's guilt, as he yearns for Jesus to die for him again. He feels he cannot forgive himself for what he has done and is unable to move on from his past mistakes. The final line of the song, "All I want's your love, shut the light on me," is a powerful revelation of Arthur's emotional state. He is consumed by his desire for his love and simultaneously overwhelmed by the darkness that envelopes him.
Overall, "Invisible Hands" is a powerful and emotive song that explores themes of regret and loss, as well as the search for forgiveness and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
There are things we cannot know
Some things are beyond our understanding or knowledge
Invisible hands which guide the show from up above
There are mysterious forces that control the universe from beyond our perception
And sometimes you are forced to go
At times we are compelled to depart
Far away and shut the door
We may distance ourselves and make it difficult for others to reach us
On the one you love
This emotional distancing may particularly affect those we care for deeply
Well I don't know now where you are
I am presently unsure of your whereabouts
Your photograph sits like a scar against my wall
The image of you brings me both pain and nostalgia
Such a pretty face
Even though we are separated, I cannot help but be mesmerized by your beauty
The sunshine in your eyes
The radiance I saw in your gaze is still vibrant in my memory
Taken on that day
This reminiscing is particularly brought on by seeing an old photograph
When all we had was love
A time when our relationship was based purely on love, unspoiled by subsequent events
Shut the light on me
This sudden shift in tone and repetition may signify a desire to be left alone or find comfort in darkness
Now Jesus he came down here just to die for all my sins
A reference to the Christian belief that Christ died to atone for mankind's transgressions
I need him to come back here and die for me again
I feel a strong need for spiritual redemption
'Cause I cannot forgive myself for what it is I've done
I carry a deep sense of guilt or regret
Avoiding your memory like a vampire does the sun
I am actively trying to suppress or avoid thoughts of you, perhaps because it is painful or destructive
And all I want's your love
Despite everything, all I truly desire is your affection
All I want's your love
This repetition underscores the emotional intensity of this sentiment
Shut the light on me
This refrain serves both as a melancholy coda and a plea for emotional detachment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind