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.
The Coldest Sea
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Going back from where you came
And even though you are much older now
In your heart you feel the same
Tell me how you used to be
Swimming in the coldest sea
And if you hide your memory
To a world that tore you apart
To a world that tore you
And you always follow everyone
Never wanting to stand by
And everytime there was
You tried to run
And it helped you fall in love
Tell me all you use to be
Swimming in the coldest sea
And if you hide your memory
Could you open up your heart
To a world that tore you apart
To a world that tore you
The lyrics of Joseph Arthur's song "The Coldest Sea" delve into the idea of being a refugee or an outsider, someone who struggles with belonging and finding their place in the world. The opening lines of the song present this idea, questioning whether the subject has always felt like a refugee, returning to their point of origin, never quite finding the place they belong. The subject's age doesn't matter because they still feel the same way in their heart - isolated and disconnected from the world around them.
The chorus touches on memories and asks the subject to share their experiences of swimming in the coldest sea. The imagery of coldness is symbolic, representing the emotional distance and detachment that the subject has endured. The next line is a plea for the subject to open up their heart, even though the world has "torn them apart."
The second verse continues to explore the idea of the subject being a follower, never wanting to stand out or be different. They have tried to run from the world's struggles, but it has brought them to love. It's almost as if the subject has embraced their outsider status and found a way to embrace it - by falling in love with another outsider, perhaps.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Coldest Sea" are deeply introspective, looking at one's place in the world and the struggles that come with being an outsider. It's a sad song with moments of hope, suggesting that even though the world may tear us apart, there are ways to find love and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you always been a refugee
Have you always felt like an outsider, like you don't truly belong anywhere?
Going back from where you came
Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to retreat back to the familiar, even when it's not good for you?
And even though you are much older now
Despite your age and experience, do you still struggle with the same feelings and issues from your past?
In your heart you feel the same
Do those inner struggles still haunt you, even after all this time?
Tell me how you used to be
Can you share with me how things were for you in the past?
Swimming in the coldest sea
Did you once feel like you were immersed in a challenging, unforgiving environment?
And if you hide your memory
If you try to suppress or ignore your past experiences...
Could you open up your heart
...would you be willing to confront those memories and emotions head-on?
To a world that tore you apart
Are you ready to face the painful reality of how the world has hurt you?
And you always follow everyone
Have you tended to go along with the crowd, rather than standing up for yourself?
Never wanting to stand by
Do you shy away from taking a firm stance on important issues or speaking your mind?
And everytime there was
Whenever there was an opportunity or challenge before you...
You tried to run
...did you tend to avoid it, out of fear or insecurity?
And it helped you fall in love
Did avoiding those challenges and risks give you a false sense of comfort and security?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind