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.
It's Too Late
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
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Don't know if I want to
What could you tell me to make me feel fine
Riding up on your high horse
I've been wondering all of the time
Looking for something to fill up
Swallows start from below underground
It's too late
Every time I try to tell you how I feel
It's too late
By the time you listen none of it is still real
It's too late
Every time I try to tell you how I feel
It's too late
By the time you listen none of it is still real
One dime and I could make a call
If I had any number
One lie (?) would cushion the fall
Of looking for a new lover
The sad markets are burning the prize (?)
And the children are captive
And almost create something to die
Have you created the angels
It's too late
Every time I try to tell you how I feel
It's too late
By the time you listen none of it is still real
It's too late
Every time I try to tell you how I feel
It's too late
By the time you listen none of it is still real
Joseph Arthur's song "It's Too Late" is a melancholy tune that speaks to the feeling of being unable to express oneself in a relationship. The lyrics describe the frustration of wanting to share one's thoughts and emotions with a partner but feeling uncertain if doing so will bring relief or make things worse. The lines, "If I tell you what's on my mind / Don't know if I want to / What could you tell me to make me feel fine / Riding up on your high horse," suggest that the singer is reluctant to open up because they fear that their feelings will not be validated or understood. The mention of the "high horse" indicates that the partner may be dismissive or condescending, which exacerbates the singer's hesitation.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "it's too late," which implies that there have been missed opportunities to communicate effectively. The lines "By the time you listen none of it is still real" underscore the frustration of feeling unheard and unacknowledged. The singer may feel like their emotions have lost their potency because they have gone unexpressed for too long. It's as though the partner has missed their chance to connect on a deep level.
The second verse of the song touches on themes of regret and longing. The lines "One dime and I could make a call / If I had any number / One lie would cushion the fall / Of looking for a new lover" suggest that the singer is contemplating the possibility of leaving the relationship. They feel trapped and lonely and are considering taking drastic measures to relieve the pain. The image of the "sad markets burning the prize" and "children captive" conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness. The singer wonders if there is anything worth fighting for in a world that seems so broken.
Line by Line Meaning
If I tell you what's on my mind
I'm hesitant to tell you what I'm thinking
Don't know if I want to
I'm unsure if it's worth sharing
What could you tell me to make me feel fine
I doubt anything you say will make me feel better
Riding up on your high horse
You're acting superior or arrogant
I've been wondering all of the time
I'm constantly searching for answers
Looking for something to fill up
I'm trying to find fulfillment
Swallows start from below underground
Beauty can come from unexpected places
And invented the spill up
Great things can come from accidents or mistakes
It's too late
I've missed my chance
Every time I try to tell you how I feel
I attempt to express myself
By the time you listen none of it is still real
But you don't hear me until it's too late
One dime and I could make a call
Making a change is often as simple as taking action
If I had any number
If only I had the means to make change
One lie (?) would cushion the fall
Sometimes deception lessens the pain of heartbreak
Of looking for a new lover
When searching for love, disappointment is often inevitable
The sad markets are burning the prize (?)/And the children are captive/And almost create something to die/Have you created the angels
These lines are more difficult to interpret, but it seems to suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair
Contributed by Miles B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.