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.
Permission
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a new job
And I don't need your permission
To fade away
I'm right behind you
I'm right behind you
And I don't need your permission
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(on the way down, on the way down)
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(on the way down, on the way down)
I'm right inside you
I'm right inside you
And I don't need your permission
To dig your grave
I've got religion
I've got religion
And I don't need your permission
To pray for you
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(on the way down, on the way down)
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(falling up, falling up)
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(on the way down, on the way down)
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
On the way down, you're falling up
(falling up)
Tell the darkness what you're thinking
Tell the darkness what you see
You got everything you wanted
In the darkness you are naked
In the darkness you are near
You got everything you wanted
Oh the world will never hear your pain
Oh the world will never hear you cry
Fly, the way you fly
Fly, the way you fly
Fly, the way you fly
In "Permission," Joseph Arthur declares his independence and autonomy from a past lover, stating that he no longer requires their permission to "fade away" or "make [his] play." The repetition of this line underscores Arthur's determination for self-determination and personal agency, particularly as it pertains to his decision to move on from a previous relationship free of external validation.
The subsequent verses play with mood and tone, with Arthur taking on a more menacing persona, one that is literally "right behind" his former partner and "inside" them. Here, he professes his religiosity, proclaiming his ability to "dig [their] grave" and "pray for [them]" without constraint. The stark repetition of the line "on the way down, you're falling up" further emphasizes Arthur's desire to take control and subvert the expectations of his previous relationship.
As the song continues, Arthur invites listeners to "tell the darkness what you're thinking," underscoring that even in moments of genuine pain and anguish, one retains the power to navigate and express their emotions. Ultimately, "Permission" is a declaration of self-empowerment and a willingness to take control of one's own journey, free from the constraints and permission of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a new job
I have acquired a new job position
And I don't need your permission
I don't require your authorization or approval
To fade away
To recede into the background, to disappear gradually
I'm right behind you
I'm closely following you
And I don't need your permission
I don't require your authorization or approval
To make my play
To do what I want and make strategic moves
On the way down, you're falling up
While descending, you're able to ascend or succeed
On the way down, you're falling up
While descending, you're able to ascend or succeed
I'm right inside you
I'm internally connected with you
And I don't need your permission
I don't require your authorization or approval
To dig your grave
To be responsible for your downfall or ruin
I've got religion
I have developed a spiritual belief system
And I don't need your permission
I don't require your authorization or approval
To pray for you
To offer my spiritual prayers for your benefit
Tell the darkness what you're thinking
Communicate your thoughts and feelings to the unknown, uncertain aspects of life
Tell the darkness what you see
Describe your perceptions and insights to the unknown, uncertain aspects of life
You got everything you wanted
You have obtained all of your desires
In the darkness you are naked
Without the usual societal filters, you are exposed and vulnerable
In the darkness you are near
In the unknown, uncertain aspects of life, you are close to discovering or achieving something significant
Oh the world will never hear your pain
The world will not be aware of, or acknowledge, your struggles and distress
Oh the world will never hear you cry
The world will not be aware of, or acknowledge, your emotional distress or sadness
Fly, the way you fly
Succeed and achieve in the way you are best suited to, without restraint or limitation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind