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 Are In The Dark
Joseph Arthur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Against my will
My medicine
Won't let me feel
Anything at all
The doctor gave me sleeping pills
And I took one
Sleeping like a stone
And babe
You were the light
But now
You are the dark
But dream about the autumn leaves
And you were one
Falling in the sun
Where are you now?
A tv burns
A hollow room
I cleaned it up
And now I don't know what to do
I'm just lying down
And babe
You were the light
And now
You are the dark
I guess I live
Up in my head
I call you up
But my phone is dead
And now it's too much
The doctor said I need a cure
But what I got
He's not really sure
And I won't say much
And babe
You were the light
And now
You are the dark
And babe
You were the light
And now
You are the dark
In "You Are In The Dark," Joseph Arthur describes his state of mind while struggling with insomnia and the after-effects of medication. He is up all night, unable to feel anything because of his sleeping pills. Though once his lover represented light and all that was good in his life, she now personifies darkness. He reminisces about her through the metaphor of autumn leaves falling in the sun, but he is not certain where she is now. The TV in the room is on, but it is empty - this adds to his feeling of loneliness. Although he tries to call his lover, his phone is dead.
Joseph Arthur's use of the word "babe" throughout the song can be seen as a term of endearment toward his lover, as well as a distraction from his own distress. The repeated line "And babe, you were the light, and now you are the dark" can be interpreted as a plea for her to return to her role in his life as a positive force. However, it also implies that he is aware of his own obsession with her as the most significant factor affecting his mental state.
The song has been interpreted as a metaphor for depression and addiction, both of which alter one's perception of the world around them. Joseph Arthur's unique vocals, combined with the somber melody and affective lyrics, create a moving representation of his internal struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm up all night
I'm awake throughout the night.
Against my will
I don't want to stay up but I can't sleep.
My medicine
I took medicine, most likely sleeping pills.
Won't let me feel
The medicine is so strong that I can't feel anything.
Anything at all
I can't feel any emotion or sensation.
The doctor gave me sleeping pills
My doctor prescribed sleeping pills.
And I took one
I consumed one of the sleeping pills.
Then I feel all alone
After consuming the pill, I feel isolated.
Sleeping like a stone
I'm in a deep sleep, oblivious to what's happening around me.
And babe
Dear
You were the light
You were my savior.
But now
Presently
You are the dark
You're no longer able to help me.
But dream about the autumn leaves
I imagine the autumn leaves in my dreams.
And you were one
You were one with the leaves.
Falling in the sun
Falling when the sun is shining.
Where are you now?
I can't find you when I need you the most.
A tv burns
The television is turned on.
A hollow room
The room is empty and echoes.
I cleaned it up
I tidied and organized the room.
And now I don't know what to do
But now that it's clean, I don't know what to occupy myself with.
I'm just lying down
I'm lying down doing nothing.
I guess I live
I exist
Up in my head
I'm trapped in my thoughts.
I call you up
I try reaching out to you.
But my phone is dead
My phone battery has drained.
And now it's too much
Dealing with all this is too much for me.
The doctor said I need a cure
My doctor recommended a remedy.
But what I got
But the medicine I received
He's not really sure
My doctor is unsure if it will work.
And I won't say much
I won't tell my doctor the extent of my struggles.
And babe
Dear
You were the light
You were my savior.
And now
Presently
You are the dark
You're no longer able to help me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH LYBURN ARTHUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andrew Brayer
I've always loved the synthetic bass in the background which starts just before the second verse. Such a great song. I especially enjoy it with the lights low, and my eyes shut. Total headache medicine.
Wingchance
Just found his music, really loving it.
Andy Mc
Beautiful. I wish I could write songs like this instead of the crud that fills my dictaphone's 'ideas' folder!
jake hanzvik
Theirs literally magic in this song!
Andy Mc
Thank you JayGOS. That is kind.I am encouraged!
Linda Gießbeck
Hey Come on, let´s sing along!
Linda Gießbeck
Hm. Yeah. Bullet.