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.

PAPA
Joseph Arthur Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I
Needed you to love me
But you
Did not know how to love

Papa
You've been gone too long
Papa

I'm so glad you're home

You
Were living in a separate world
I
Tried so hard to impress you

Papa
You've been here before
And papa
I'm not as strong as you are

I can finally see
Looking through your eyes
I will try to honour you with my life

Papa
You've been gone too long

Papa
I'm so glad you're home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's "Papa" are a son's expression of yearning for his father's love and acceptance. The opening lines convey the singer's need for paternal affection, which he never received because his father did not know how to love. The song takes on a melancholic and nostalgic tone as the singer reminisces about the time when his father was absent from his life, living in a separate world.

As the song progresses, the mood shifts to one of relief and gratitude, as the father has returned home after an unknown period of absence. The repetition of the phrase "Papa, you've been gone too long" highlights the pain and longing the singer felt when his father was absent from his life. The singer underlines the fact that he is glad his father is back, but also acknowledges that he is not as strong as his father, indicating admiration and a sense of inferiority.

The final lines reveal a newfound understanding, as the son reflects on seeing the world through his father's eyes, and promises to honor him with his life. The bittersweet nature of the song highlights the complex and often difficult relationship between father and son, and the profound longing for parental love and validation that can endure even in adulthood.

Line by Line Meaning

Needed you to love me
I had a strong desire for your love

But you did not know how to love
You lacked the knowledge or ability to show love

Papa, you've been gone too long
Father, you have been absent for an excessive period

Papa, I'm so glad you're home
Father, I am pleased that you have returned

You were living in a separate world
You were residing in a different realm, not connected to me

I tried so hard to impress you
I made significant efforts to gain your admiration

Papa, you've been here before
Father, you have faced this situation previously

And Papa, I'm not as strong as you are
And Father, I am not as resolute as you are

I can finally see, looking through your eyes
I can now perceive, from your perspective

I will try to honour you with my life
I will make an effort to show you respect through my actions

Papa, you've been gone too long
Father, you have been absent for an excessive period