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.
Out On a Limb
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna see you, see you again
I wanna hold you just like the wind at night
Blowing across the land
When you're searching for a friend
As I'm hanging out on a limb in plain sight
Like you always do
Say you will tonight
And they can't see what we've been through
Fading memories
Blame us too but that's alright
Walking across the floor
Hiding behind the door
Your shadow just disappears without light
Baby you're still a slave
I wanna give you what you gave
But there's nothing in your grave tonight
And time won't run away from me
Like you always do
Say you will tonight
And they can't see what we've been through
Fading memories
Hey are you still alright?
And time won't run away from me
Like you always do
Stay with me tonight
Sometime, no matter when
I wanna see you, see you again
I wanna hold you just like the wind at night
Blowing across the land
When you're searching for a friend
As I'm hanging out on a limb in plain sight
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "Out On a Limb" speak of the longing to reconnect with someone who was previously close to the singer. The first verse professes a desire to see this person again and to hold them, much like the wind blowing across the land at night. The singer describes himself as hanging out on a limb in plain sight, which could symbolize vulnerability or a sense of being alone in his desire to reconnect.
The second verse suggests that time has passed since their last encounter, and that memories may have faded or become distorted. Yet, the singer insists it's alright to blame these fading memories, indicating that he still holds on to the hope of rekindling their relationship. The chorus states that time won't run away from him, as he implores the person to remain with him tonight.
The bridge continues to express the fear of losing this person, to the point where their shadow disappears without light. However, the singer acknowledges that the person is still a slave to something, a concept that could be interpreted in many ways. The final chorus repeats the longing to see this person again and hold them, just like the wind blowing across the land at night.
Overall, "Out On a Limb" is a poignantly emotive song that conveys the singer's desire to reconnect with someone who was once important to him. It's a song that could be interpreted in many ways, but whatever the interpretation, it's clear that the singer continues to carry a torch for this person.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometime, no matter when
At any point in time
I wanna see you, see you again
I desire to be with you once more
I wanna hold you just like the wind at night
I yearn to embrace you like the gentle night breeze
Blowing across the land
Moving over the terrain
When you're searching for a friend
In times of loneliness and need of companionship
As I'm hanging out on a limb in plain sight
Exposed and vulnerable as if hanging from a tree limb
And time won't run away from me
I intend to seize the moment and make the most of it
Like you always do
Contrasting my intentions with the other person's tendency to waste time
Say you will tonight
I hope for you to commit to spending time with me tonight
And they can't see what we've been through
Witnesses are unaware of our shared past experiences
Fading memories
Our recollections of past events are deteriorating
Blame us too but that's alright
Admitting that our mistakes caused the memories to fade, yet learning to accept them
Walking across the floor
Casually moving across the room
Hiding behind the door
Concealing oneself from view behind the entrance
Your shadow just disappears without light
The silhouette vanishes without illumination
Baby you're still a slave
You're still in servitude to someone or something
I wanna give you what you gave
I wish to repay your generosity and kindness
But there's nothing in your grave tonight
You cannot be repaid tonight as you're no longer around
Hey are you still alright?
Checking on the other person's well-being and safety
Stay with me tonight
I request for you to be with me this evening
Writer(s): Joseph Lyburn Arthur Copyright: Lonely Astronaut
Contributed by Madison B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
greencat48
I am so excited to finally see you play live! I sang " In the Sun" at my Daughters wedding this summer, Tonight She got me on skype and started playing the song, And then told me She was giving my 50th birthday present early, and asked me to guess what it is... It didnt take me long to guess!!! Joseph Arthur Tickets! And She also got me a hotel room!! along with Vikes tickets on sunday!! My daughter rocks! looking forward to seeing you play! And Visit with Our old friend Kraig! PEACE PAPI
prosoloist
I was guessing it was a baby ;) ... tickets for Jos Art are good too
Hope
never stop making music!
wsfireballoon
Joe Arthur albums are my go-to music late at night... there's always something there to fit the mood.
Nicole González
Es una de la canciones que mas me transmiten paz con su voz y letra, es tan especial este tema, genialidad de músico encontré!
4vuvape
Wow, this song really moves me. I can't wait for his next album to come out in a few days. I don't know how he could top the Graduation Ceremony, it is incredible.
Alvarez Metal Works
Just wanted to thank you for everything you've created. You've given me countless hours of thoughts, entertainment, and relaxation while listing to your music and looking at your artwork. Not to mention the memory of seeing you live while I lived in Oregon. Thank you...
Kent Borges
Mr. Arthur keep on with your amazing artistry.
smootycat
A raw and beautiful piece of art from a favorite artist of mine. Love and prayers to you. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You are a blessing.
Saadia
this guy's voice and
music makes me feel so calm and I don't know why