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.
Saint of Impossible Causes
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the saint of no return
the saint of scented candles
that never really burn
I need the saint of laughter
I need the saint of tears
I need the saint detective
who can find my stolen years
I need the saint of needing
I need the saint of loss
the one who gave up wanting
his heart to trash to toss
I need the saint of longing
I need the saint of will
I need the saint of killers
too afraid to kill
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
only they can save me reaching out for you
I need the saint of weapons
that never hurt no one
a struggle towards perfection
to obliterate the sun
I need the saint of drinking
wine and ice-cold beer
is there any saint of thinking
beyond the reach of fear
The saint of our desire
is sitting here with me
he says you ain't no buddha
there ain't no mystic tree
you could sit forever
and never understand
the mind of this creator
moving mountains in your hand
(I know what you're thinking and you're right)
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
only they can save me reaching out for you
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
only they can save me reaching out for you
I need the saint of healing
I need the saint of health
I shot the saint of money
beat up the saint of wealth
the saint of twisted memory
the saint that sets us free
I saw them run together
they look like you and me
For the saint of fallen skies
and the saint of heavy rain
the saint of bored encounters
was making fun of all my pain
you are a tiny man he said
with language from below
a hitcher in the whirlwind
just like the saint of snow
(and then he said…)
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
only they can save me reaching out for you
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
only they can save me reaching out for you
only they can save me reaching out for you
only they can save me reaching out for you
In this song, Joseph Arthur is searching for a variety of saints to help him find comfort and guidance in his life. He asks for the saint of impossible causes, the saint of no return, the saint of scented candles that don't burn, and the saint of laughter and tears. He also seeks out the saint of needing and loss, the saint of longing and will, and the saint of killers who are too afraid to act. In his search, he turns to the saint of music and love, believing that they are the only ones who can truly save him.
Throughout the song, Arthur seems to be grappling with a sense of dissatisfaction and searching for purpose. He seeks out the saints as a way to find meaning and fulfillment in his life. However, he is also aware of his own limitations and the limitations of these saints. When the saint of our desire appears to him, he acknowledges that he will never fully understand the mind of the creator who moves mountains.
Overall, the song portrays a person looking for answers and guidance in their life, turning to different sources of help along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I need the saint of impossible causes
I am in dire need of help that seems impossible to receive.
the saint of no return
Someone who can help me in a way that there is no turning back from it.
the saint of scented candlesThat never really burn
I need someone who can provide the calming fragrance of candles without the danger of them actually catching on fire.
I need the saint of laughter
I need someone who can help bring joy and happiness into my life.
I need the saint of tears
I need someone who can help me express and cope with my deep emotions.
I need the saint detectiveWho can find my stolen years
I need someone who can help me locate and make peace with my past experiences and the time that has passed me by.
I need the saint of needing
I need someone who can understand and satisfy all of my essential desires.
I need the saint of loss
I need someone who can help me cope with the grief of losing something or someone.
The one who gave up wanting
Someone who chose to give up any type of desire they once had and can help me do the same.
his heart to trash to toss
Someone whose heart is broken or unneeded, so much so that they cannot keep it with them and have to throw it away.
I need the saint of longing
I need someone who can help me hold onto hope and a sense of purpose.
I need the saint of will
I need someone who can provide the strength and confidence needed to achieve my goals.
I need the saint of killersToo afraid to kill
I need someone who can protect me from harm or danger, even if they are afraid to actually use force.
I need the saint of music need the saint of love
The only things that can save me are the beauty and power of music and love.
I need the saint of weaponsThat never hurt no one
I need someone who can protect me without actually causing any harm or violence.
A struggle towards perfectionTo obliterate the sun
In my pursuit of greatness, I am willing to go to extreme and impossible lengths.
I need the saint of drinkingWine and ice-cold beer
I need someone who can help me relax and forget my worries with the enjoyment of alcohol.
Is there any saint of thinkingBeyond the reach of fear
I need someone who can help me overcome my fears and achieve the clarity of thought that I desire.
The saint of our desireIs sitting here with me
The one I have been looking for has been near me all along.
He says you ain't no buddhaThere ain't no mystic tree
I am not as enlightened or wise as I believe, and the things I seek do not exist as I imagine them.
You could sit foreverAnd never understandThe mind of this creatorMoving mountains in your hand
Even if I dedicate all my life to seeking understanding, it is impossible to comprehend the power of creation or control it.
I need the saint of healingI need the saint of health
I need someone who can restore my health and help me heal physically and emotionally.
I shot the saint of moneyBeat up the saint of wealth
I have destroyed my chances to gain financial stability and success.
The saint of twisted memoryThe saint that sets us free
The one who can release us from the burden of our painful memories and experiences.
I saw them run togetherThey look like you and me
The saints I have seen seem like ordinary people like you and me.
For the saint of fallen skiesAnd the saint of heavy rain
I need someone to help me endure and persevere through the hardest and darkest times.
The saint of bored encountersWas making fun of all my pain
The one who can help me overcome monotony and apathy is mocking my suffering.
You are a tiny man he saidWith language from belowA hitcher in the whirlwindJust like the saint of snow
Others see me as insignificant, with the potential to be swept away by the powerful and unpredictable nature of life, just like a snowflake.
Writer(s): Joseph Lyburn Arthur Copyright: Lonely Astronaut
Contributed by Kaitlyn O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jill Van Meter
Love this album so much. He is a wonderful talent
Makayla Moore
The weather is very nice! Especially today!
Debra Lightworker
How timely this message...we definitely need this saint! <3
musicmania52ify
LOVE this song!!
Elaine Sparklemonkey
Incredibly moving, brilliant gets me through the day x
Wuni Triches
Great song!
Bass Proguy
Great song!
Gib Fulton
I like it!
justamom
Have I ever told you that ,YOU GUYS ROCK !!! thanks and yep I need a Saint too so ... ;-)
Jim the Adventurer
Man I am starting to really like your stuff dude.