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.
Still The Same
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
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Life is a terminal condition
And we almost repeat it's aura frame
You're still the same
Oh how much have you changed?
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
There ain't no drug
that's going to give you another start
And there ain't no great love
That's going
To find the missing pieces
Of your broken heart
You're still the same
Oh how much have you changed?
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
You're following yourself
Into an empty space
There is nobody else
Left in your hiding place
Cause you're still the same
Oh how much have you changed?
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
Now you're still the same
Ohhh
In Joseph Arthur's song 'Still The Same', he alludes to the idea that there are no external factors that can cure an individual's pain or discomfort. The lyric "No religion is going to cure you of your pain" suggests that searching for answers outside of ourselves is futile. Similarly, the line "Life is a terminal condition" indicates that life is transitory and that one's time and energy should be invested in the present rather than the future. The repetition of "You're still the same" is a reminder that despite our best efforts to change, we inevitably retain certain qualities or beliefs that make us who we are.
Furthermore, the lyrics speak to the individualism of the human experience. The idea that "There ain't no drug that's going to give you another start" and "there ain't no great love that's going to find the missing pieces of your broken heart" highlights the notion that we are solely responsible for our own happiness and that we cannot rely on external factors to fix our problems. The chorus, "Oh how much have you changed? Now you're still the same" is an enigma - hinting at a change that is less significant than we'd hoped for.
The song can be interpreted as a reminder to seek happiness within ourselves and to seek change from within rather than expecting external sources to provide it. It is essential to accept ourselves and work on ourselves to grow into the best possible versions of ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
No religion is going to cure you of your pain
Believing in a religion or faith cannot heal you from your emotional anguish.
Life is a terminal condition
Human existence is fleeting and will eventually lead to death.
And we almost repeat its aura frame
We tend to repeat patterns in life, even if they are negative and unhealthy.
You're still the same
Despite changes that may have occurred in life, you are still fundamentally the same person.
Oh how much have you changed?
Acknowledging the possibility of change while still recognizing that core aspects of yourself are unchanging.
There ain't no drug that's going to give you another start
There is no quick and easy fix to restart or reset one's life.
And there ain't no great love that's going to find the missing pieces of your broken heart
Seeking love or a relationship cannot fill the emotional void left by past trauma or heartbreak.
You're following yourself into an empty space
Continuing to pursue unhealthy patterns or behaviors will lead you nowhere.
There is nobody else left in your hiding place
You cannot hide from yourself or your problems forever. Eventually, you will have to face them alone.
Now you're still the same
Reiterating the idea that despite any changes or attempts at self-improvement, a person's core self remains unchanged.
Ohhh
An expression of emotion, potentially sadness or contemplation, that cannot be described in words.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind