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.
Yer Only Job
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free to live inside a tree
Free to see the way you see
If it's strange then let it be
Your only job is to be free
Free to laugh, free to sing
Free to think, you might be king
You have it all when you are free
But freedom puts the fear in some
And they will tell you not to run
And not to dream, all you see
Inside the open world of free
For freedom follows no command
It has no feet, no arm or hand
It has no language, it has no rhyme
It has no clock, no goal or time
For freedom is it's own reward
It's own protection without a sword
Without a fight, freedom stands
Holding on with phantom hands
Rob from always on the run is so bad and copy paste is a sin
To your heart of the sky
Winter lips, mountains cry
Freedom holds, the world above
The reach of death, the reach of love
I don't wanna waste your time
Come on baby take me home
I don't wanna waste your time
I don't wanna waste your time
Come on baby take me home
I don't wanna waste your time
Freedom is it's own reward
Distorted power singing chord
Freedom lifts the stars in space
Freedom is an angels face
The planets bouncing rubber balls
Freedom bouncing off your walls
You catch and throw and catch some more
Freedom opens every door
Rob from always on the run is so bad and copy paste is a sin
And just remember to be free
And you will be the same as me
And I will be the same as you
Sniffing flowers freedom glue
Stuck to stars which shoot through skies
The twinkle twinkle in your eyes
The bed of love on which you sleep
The day of hope, the one you greet
The night of dreams both big and small
The call you hear down freedoms hall
Come home now for home your in
One day gone, the next begin
It's a circle like wheels which ride
The waves of oceans freedom tide
Welcome home you never left
Maybe lost freedom theft
But you got found freedom bee
Buzzing for eternity
And freedom is the light you see
Enlightened soul turning key
Others see and may wake up
Inspiration freedom cup
Drink the nectar of the soul
Freedom is an endless hole
Which opens up in the sky
It's a circle you and I
We are one, we are free
I am you and you are me
Yes we are one when we are free
For I am you and you are me
Yes we are one when we are free
For I am you and you are me
I don't wanna waste your time
Come on baby take me home
I don't wanna waste your time
I don't wanna waste your time
Come on baby take me home
I don't wanna waste your time...
In Joseph Arthur's "Yer Only Job," the lyrics emphasize the importance of freedom as one's "only job" in life. The song suggests that true freedom involves being unafraid to live life on one's own terms, even if this means going against the norms and expectations of society. The song seems to address those who may be afraid of freedom and the unknown, warning against those who may try to restrict the freedom of others.
The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of societal pressures and be free to "live inside a tree," "laugh," "sing," "think," or "fly." While the song recognizes the fear that may come along with freedom, it ultimately warns against letting that fear control one's life, and urges listeners to remember that freedom is its own reward.
Line by Line Meaning
Your only job is to be free
The ultimate goal is to achieve true freedom
Free to live inside a tree
Free to live in a natural, unconventional way
Free to see the way you see
Free to have your own perspective and opinions
If it's strange then let it be
Not to be afraid of being different or unorthodox
Free to laugh, free to sing
Free to express yourself joyfully
Free to think, you might be king
Free to explore your potential and possibilities
Or you might fly or swim the sea
Free to pursue your own path and aspirations
You have it all when you are free
True freedom is the ultimate fulfillment
But freedom puts the fear in some
Freedom can be intimidating and challenging for some
And they will tell you not to run
Others might try to discourage you from pursuing freedom
And not to dream, all you see
Others might try to limit your imagination and aspirations
Inside the open world of free
Despite the risks, true freedom is an open, limitless world
For freedom follows no command
True freedom cannot be controlled or constrained
It has no feet, no arm or hand
True freedom is abstract and intangible
It has no language, it has no rhyme
True freedom transcends cultural and linguistic barriers
It has no clock, no goal or time
True freedom is timeless and goalless
For freedom is it's own reward
True freedom is a reward in itself, not a means to an end
It's own protection without a sword
True freedom is self-protecting and self-sustaining
Without a fight, freedom stands
True freedom is peaceful and non-violent
Holding on with phantom hands
True freedom is ethereal and elusive
Rob from always on the run is so bad and copy paste is a sin
Originality is important and plagiarism is wrong
To your heart of the sky
Follow your dreams and aspirations
Winter lips, mountains cry
Symbolic imagery of nature expressing emotions
Freedom holds, the world above
True freedom transcends physical and earthly limitations
The reach of death, the reach of love
True freedom encompasses both mortality and love
Freedom is it's own reward
Repeat of earlier line, emphasizing ultimate fulfillment of freedom
Distorted power singing chord
Reference to corrupted authority and influence
Freedom lifts the stars in space
True freedom can inspire universal and cosmic aspirations
Freedom is an angels face
True freedom is pure and divine
The planets bouncing rubber balls
Symbolic imagery of cosmic playfulness and joy
Freedom bouncing off your walls
True freedom is contagious and dynamic
You catch and throw and catch some more
Symbolic imagery of playful exploration and experimentation
Freedom opens every door
True freedom is a gateway to new possibilities
And just remember to be free
Final reminder of ultimate goal
And you will be the same as me
True freedom leads to unity and oneness
Sniffing flowers freedom glue
Reference to natural and euphoric aspects of freedom
Stuck to stars which shoot through skies
Symbolic imagery of cosmic transcendence and exploration
The twinkle twinkle in your eyes
Symbolic imagery of wonder and inspiration
The bed of love on which you sleep
Reference to the nurturing aspect of freedom
The day of hope, the one you greet
Reference to the positive and optimistic aspects of freedom
The night of dreams both big and small
Reference to the imaginative and aspirational aspects of freedom
The call you hear down freedoms hall
Reference to the beckoning of true freedom
Come home now for home your in
True freedom is a sense of belonging and security
One day gone, the next begin
True freedom is an ongoing and iterative process
It's a circle like wheels which ride
Reference to the cyclical and repeating nature of freedom
The waves of oceans freedom tide
Symbolic imagery of the ebb and flow of true freedom
Welcome home you never left
True freedom is an innate and intrinsic quality
Maybe lost freedom theft
Reference to the dangers and barriers of true freedom
But you got found freedom bee
Reference to the perseverance and discovery of true freedom
Buzzing for eternity
True freedom endures and persists
And freedom is the light you see
True freedom is illuminating and enlightening
Enlightened soul turning key
Reference to the transformative and transcendental aspect of true freedom
Others see and may wake up
True freedom can inspire and awaken others
Inspiration freedom cup
Reference to the empowering and uplifting nature of true freedom
Drink the nectar of the soul
Reference to the spiritual and rejuvenating aspect of true freedom
Freedom is an endless hole
True freedom is an infinite and boundless journey
Which opens up in the sky
True freedom transcends earthly and material boundaries
It's a circle you and I
Final reminder of the unity and oneness of true freedom
Yes we are one when we are free
Repeat of earlier line, emphasizing the ultimate outcome of true freedom
For I am you and you are me
Final affirmation of unity and oneness
I don't wanna waste your time
Repetition of earlier lyrics as a refrain
Come on baby take me home
Expressing a desire for fulfillment and belonging
I don't wanna waste your time
Repeat of earlier refrain
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Delta Davis
that songs was and always will be the soundtrack of my life.thank you joseph.you're such a preacher of freedom and i love you for that.
Sharon Houssou
Absolutely love this song. 🤍🕊🤍
Kent Borges
Joseph NAILS it...his message is SO TRUE !!!
Amelapa
Saw you on Shay's video. Love your voice and your song.
musicmania52ify
your art give me freedom
Miles McCoy
My greatest prophet
Victor Salazar
shaytards!
BlueToad2222
shaycarl brought me here
kaja214
Shay sent me