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.
YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you're strange
Don't want you to change
No way
Ah ha ha ah
Why can't I explain
Flying to the sun
When you're here
Ah ha ha ah
And don't you worry
'Bout me babe
'Cause I'm right here
For you to say
Hope you know
You inspire me
You're a flower
And I'm a bee
I need you
Ah ha ha ah
All this
You do for free
Give me hope
And I can see
You're so true
Ah ha ha ah
And don't you
Worry bout me babe
'Cause I'm right there
For you to say
All the day
All the time
You and I know
You're the waves of my ocean
Here's my ring and my devotion
All the time
All the time
You and I know
You're the waves of my ocean
Here's my ring and my devotion
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
You're strange
And I'm strange
Don't want you to change
No way
How can I explain
Flying to the sun
Without a plane
When you're here
Ah ha ha ha
And don't you worry
'Bout me babe
'Cause I'm right here
For you to say
Don't you worry
'Bout me babe
'Cause I'm right here
For you to say
In Joseph Arthur's song You're So True, the singer tells the person they are addressing that they are strange but that's okay as the singer doesn't want the person to change. The singer says they can't explain the feelings they have when the person is around, that it's like flying to the sun without a plane. The person is encouraged not to worry about the singer because they are always there for them. The singer tells the person that they inspire them and that the person is like a flower and the singer is like a bee. The singer says that the person does all this for free, they give the singer hope, and the person is true.
The repeated motif of both the singer and the person they are addressing being strange suggests that their relationship is unconventional, perhaps not understood by society, but that they accept each other for who they are. The symbol of the sun represents the feeling of being lifted higher and beyond, while the symbol of the flower and bee represents the idea of needing each other to survive. The overall tone of the lyrics is one of appreciation for the person and their relationship, with the singer feeling content and fulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm strange
I acknowledge that I am different from the norm
And you're strange
I recognize that you are also unique in your own way
Don't want you to change
I appreciate you just the way you are and wouldn't want you to change for anyone else
No way
Absolutely not
Why can't I explain
I struggle to put into words
Flying to the sun
I feel like I can achieve the impossible
Without a plane
With nothing but my own strength and determination
When you're here
Your presence gives me courage and confidence
And don't you worry
You have no reason to be concerned
'Bout me babe
Regarding me, my well-being or my actions
Cause I'm right here
I am here for you always
For you to say
If you need anything, just ask
Hope you know
I want to emphasize
You inspire me
You motivate and encourage me to be my best self
You're a flower
You are delicate and beautiful like a flower
And I'm a bee
I am drawn to your beauty and want to be close to you
I need you
You are important and valuable to me
All this
All of these things
You do for free
You willingly offer your support and kindness without asking for anything in return
Give me hope
You inspire and instill in me the expectation or desire for better things
And I can see
I realize and appreciate
You're so true
You are genuine, honest and loyal
All the day
Every single day
All the time
Continuously and without interruption
You and I know
We both understand
You're the waves of my ocean
You are a fundamental and essential part of my life
Here's my ring and my devotion
I offer you my love and promise to be faithful
Ah ah ah ah
Vocalizations conveying joy and enthusiasm
You're strange
I reiterate my appreciation for your uniqueness
How can I explain
I struggle to articulate once again
And don't you worry
Once more, you have no reason to be concerned
Don't you worry
Please don't be anxious
Cause I'm right here
As ever, I am always here for you
For you to say
Just let me know what you need
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sara Robin
Thank you, great!