Joseph Arthur's In the Sun

There are thousands of musicians in the world. There is an unfathomable amount of songs. These songs get categorized into "good" and "not-so-good" - depending on who you talk to. And "good" music will always be relative no matter how you slice it.

All of this said, ever so often a song (and Artist) comes along that captures the attention of a majority audience.

Joseph Arthur’s In the Sun has certainly emerged as one of these songs. Since Arthur began writing and performing in the mid-90s, he has managed to stay under the radar from any mainstream audience. However, his notoriety began to shift once featured on PBS's Austin City Limits late in 2005. (A show worthy of TiVo-ing by the way). The interesting thing is that Arthur was never on the show.

Coldplay had received the covetted performance slot and Chris Martin requested Michael Stipe (REM) to be their “special guest” (a tradition of ACL). Martin and Stipe then proceeded to perform a song ironically not written by either - In the Sun. The short story is Stipe had become fascinated with the song as well and had a vision for covering (and re-releasing) the song via a special EP to benefit Katrina relief. In fact, Stipe started a foundation called In the Sun to continue to assist those put out by the hurricane. The EP features a variety of artists; however, Arthur’s original version, which was actually recorded in 2000, might be the most mesmerizing. You can gather your own thoughts and opinions about the song, but it's worth a listen none the less.

The lyrics are included below; however, we created a visual version if you are so inclined.

Joseph Arthur's In the Sun (Lyrics)

In the Sun via LaLa

Download Songs/Album:
In the Sun EP via iTunes
Joseph Arthur’s Come to Where I’m From Album via Amazon
Joseph Arthur's offical website or via myspace

In the Sun (Lyrics)
by Joseph Arthur

I pictured you in the sun wondering what went wrong
And falling down on your knees asking for sympathy
And being caught in between all you wish for and all you seen
And trying to find anything you can feel that you can believe in

May God’s love be with you
Always
May God’s love be with you

I know i would apologize if i could see your eyes
‘Cause when you showed me myself, you know, i became someone else
But i was caught in between all you wish for and all you need
I pictured you fast asleep
A nightmare comes
You can’t keep awake

May God’s love be with you
Always
May God’s love be with you

‘Cause if i find
If i find my own way
How much will i find
If i find
If i find my own way
How much will i find
You

I don’t know anymore
What it’s for
I’m not even sure
If there is anyone who is in the sun
Will you help me to understand
‘Cause i been caught in between all I wish for and all I need
Maybe you’re not even sure what it’s for
Any more than me

May God’s love be with you
Always
May God’s love be with you