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.
Toxic Angel
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I found my angel
In the desert looking all around
For someone to strangle
In chains
Like a mad dog barking over what you've done
So strange
That the one you need is the one you shun.
With a love like yours
I don't know if I'm able
To keep my feet on the ground
With a mind like mine you know it's never stable.
Are you near? (repeated 4 times)
All my dreams underneath the ground
But I found my angel
Kicked off of the merry-go-round
By some toxic stranger
In pain
Like the way you feel
When you know you can't complain
So strange
Like the one who saved you
Is the one you say you'll blame
Could you follow me down
With a love like yours
I don't know if I'm able
To keep my feet on the ground
With a mind like mine you know it's never stable.
The lyrics tell a story about a person who has found their "toxic angel" in the midst of a world full of cold and cruel people. The angel is described as someone who the singer initially wants to harm (strangle), but soon realizes that this person is the one they need in their life. The singer is struggling with instability and uncertainty, but is willing to take the risk and follow this person down a path of love.
The imagery used in the lyrics is vivid and poetic. The desert represents a harsh and unforgiving place, while the chains and barking mad dog symbolize the violence and anger that the singer is feeling. The toxic stranger on the merry-go-round represents the negativity and chaos that can creep into one's life unexpectedly. Throughout the song, the singer is searching for something stable and grounding.
Overall, the lyrics speak to the complexity of human emotions and relationships. People can be both toxic and angelic, and it can be difficult to navigate those contradictions. The singer is willing to take a chance on love, even though they know it may be difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold hearts pound all around
People around me are heartless and indifferent
But I found my angel
I found someone special
In the desert looking all around
Despite being in isolation, I am searching for love
For someone to strangle
I long to hold someone tight and never let go
In chains
Feeling trapped and powerless
Like a mad dog barking over what you've done
Reacting with uncontrollable fury over past actions
So strange
It's odd to need someone who you try to distance yourself from
That the one you need is the one you shun.
The one you desire is the one you avoid
Could you follow me down
Can you take a chance and join me?
With a love like yours
With a love as strong as the one you possess
I don't know if I'm able
I am uncertain of my ability to handle it
To keep my feet on the ground
To stay grounded and stable
With a mind like mine you know it's never stable.
You understand my tendency to struggle with emotional stability.
Are you near? (repeated 4 times)
Repeated questioning of someone's proximity and availability
All my dreams underneath the ground
All of my aspirations are buried or ruined
Kicked off of the merry-go-round
Thrown off the ride of life
By some toxic stranger
Hurt by someone dangerous and unkind
In pain
Struggling with physical or emotional distress
Like the way you feel
Similar to how you feel
When you know you can't complain
When you are aware that you have no right to express your grievances
So strange
Odd and confusing
Like the one who saved you
The person who helped you survive
Is the one you say you'll blame
The one you plan to hold responsible for anything that goes wrong
Could you follow me down
Can you take a leap of faith with me?
With a love like yours
With love as strong as yours
I don't know if I'm able
I am uncertain if I can handle it
To keep my feet on the ground
To remain stable and grounded
With a mind like mine you know it's never stable.
You understand my emotional instability
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lisa Marie
I come back to this every now and then like an emotional memorial.