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.
Vacancy
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for someone, a home
Don't wait for me
I'll be all right
In the ocean of your mind
I know I've seen better days
Walking through life like a maze
But I can see
In the ocean of my mind
Turn on you light
Shining vacancy
With you I'm lost
Like a shell in the sea
But I'll pray for you
I hope you will pray for me
I know your always alone
Looking for someone, a home
I know you're always alone
Looking for someone, a home
Don't wait for me
I'll be all right
In the ocean of your mind
And you'll be alright
In the ocean of my mind
In Joseph Arthur's song Vacancy, the singer acknowledges the loneliness both he and his partner feel, as they both search for a sense of belonging and comfort in the world. Despite this mutual feeling of isolation, the singer reassures his partner that he will be okay and they will both find solace in each other's company. The lyrics depict a relationship that is struggling, yet hopeful, as the two individuals navigate the challenges of life together.
The singer describes his partner's mind as an "ocean," emphasizing the vastness and depth of their thoughts and emotions. He acknowledges that he has not always been at his best, but he is certain that his partner will be able to weather the storms of life with him. The repetition of the phrase "I know you're always alone, looking for someone, a home," underscores the shared sense of longing and the desire for a deeper connection.
Overall, the song Vacancy speaks to the universal human experience of seeking love and companionship in a world that can be isolating and challenging. The lyrics present a message of hope and reassurance, reminding us that no matter how lost we may feel, there is always the potential for connection and comfort with another person.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you're always alone
The person being addressed is commonly by themselves
Looking for someone, a home
The person being addressed is seeking companionship and stability
Don't wait for me
The person addressing is acknowledging that they are unable to provide what the other person is seeking
I'll be all right
The person addressing is assuring the other person that they will be okay without them
In the ocean of your mind
The other person has deep and complex thoughts
I know I've seen better days
The person addressing has experienced happier times
Walking through life like a maze
The person addressing is currently confused by life and the path they should be taking
But I can see
Despite the difficulties, the person addressing has some clarity or insight
You'll be alright
The person addressing has faith that the other person will overcome their struggles
Turn on you light
The addressing person is calling for the other person to show themselves, to be fully present
Shining vacancy
The other person's presence is recognized, but their true nature or intentions are unknown
With you I'm lost
Being with the other person disorients the person addressing
Like a shell in the sea
The person addressing feels out of place and uncertain when around the other person
But I'll pray for you
The person addressing wants the best for the other person
I hope you will pray for me
The person addressing desires for the other person to have similar feelings towards them
And you'll be alright
The person addressing maintains hope that the other person will persevere
In the ocean of my mind
The person addressing has deep and complex thoughts
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sam Esser
Absolutely love this album was waiting for years to get it on vinyl it finally comes out and it turns out that I have to buy wine in order to join a club to get this on vinyl I am so disappointed
kisaro88
Love this song :)
limestonegoth
Joseph doodled on the cover of this EP for me in Baltimore in 2002. One of the high points of my life. :)
Chimera1591
I love this song. You rule. Can you upload "a Smile that Explodes"?