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.

Say Goodbye
Joseph Arthur Lyrics

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If you?re going to leave
You should say goodbye
You should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

I know it?s getting harder every time you cry
But you should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

You left on a cold afternoon
Leaving winter in the month of June
Here for a while, now you?re gone too soon
Like a hidden flower that forgot to bloom

If you?re going to leave
You should day goodbye
You should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

Can?t help but be a liar, saying it will never die
But you should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

You?ve burnt the sun and broke the moon
I could see you lying in an empty room
The letter you left me was laced with your perfume
Like a butterfly trying to fly ?????????

If you?re going to leave
You should day goodbye
You should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

Can?t help but be a liar, saying it will never die
But you should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

If you?re going to leave
You should day goodbye

You should say goodbye
You should say goodbye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song Say Goodbye offer an emotional plea for closure and a sense of finality in a relationship that has come to an end. The song seems to be directed at someone who is struggling to let go and move on, and reminds them that they owe it to themselves and their partner to say a proper goodbye. The repetition of the phrase "you should say goodbye" in the chorus reinforces this message and emphasizes the importance of closure.

The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer has noticed a pattern in their partner's behavior - perhaps they have been crying frequently or demonstrating other signs of emotional distress. Despite their own difficulty in acknowledging the end of the relationship, the singer urges their partner to take the first step and "say goodbye." The lyrics paint a picture of a lover who has already left - someone who departed on a cold day in June, leaving the singer feeling abandoned and confused.

The song is filled with vivid imagery that underscores the feelings of loss and grief. The reference to a "hidden flower that forgot to bloom" speaks to the sense of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities that often accompany the end of a relationship. The line about the letter being "laced with your perfume" is particularly powerful, evoking the sensory memories that can linger long after a partner has left. Ultimately, the song is a haunting reminder of the importance of closure and the healing power of saying goodbye.

Line by Line Meaning

If you're going to leave
If you have decided to go away

You should say goodbye
You should express your farewell

You should say goodbye
You should speak your goodbye

You should say goodbye
You should bid goodbye

I know it's getting harder every time you cry
I understand your sorrow is intensifying with each teardrop

But you should say goodbye
But still, you should utter the farewell

You should say goodbye
You should speak your goodbye

You left on a cold afternoon
You departed on a chilly day

Leaving winter in the month of June
By leaving, you left winter behind in the month of June

Here for a while, now you're gone too soon
You stayed for some time, and now you have left too soon

Like a hidden flower that forgot to bloom
Similar to a flower that stayed hidden and missed blooming