One by One

I'm loving this song by Joseph Arthur so much at the moment. I wanted to post some of the lyrics on here, but couldn't choose just one part, so have posted the whole song.

I first heard the song when it was first streamed on his blog last year and loved it from the first listen. The live versions are absolutely spell binding, here's one that was performed in France last year. Check out audience interaction (it'll raise the hairs on the back of your neck). Really hope he tours the UK soon.

'One by One'

Nights like this get twisted
When the light hits the frame
If you don't wanna be resisted
It's good to feel your pain

Smile when the camera holds you
With its evil knife
Burn your edges and make your mark
With the gift of your life

You always look at me
And then you look away
As I pretend to stay

Mannequins drinking bourbon
On a street with the same name
Little kids singing songs
Before they find out about the flame

One by one they tear stars out of the sky
And one by one throw them back
'cept for now there's a wish behind each
As one by one they turn black

You always look at me
And then you look away
As I pretend to stay

[One by one they turn black]
We are too late
[One by one they turn black]
We are too late
[One by one they turn black]
To go back there now
[One by one they turn black]

I can't hear you darling
Underneath your strange cough
Wearing your skin-tight outfit
Only you could pull off

It's hard to know where you're going
Or even where you stand
When you're running or you're burning out
In the promised land

Roses fill up dusty glasses
Drunk in the lungs of your dreams
Blooming inside cadavers dancing
And zombies coming clean

[One by one they turn black]
We are too late
[One by one they turn black]
We are too late
[One by one they turn black]
To go back there now
[One by one they turn black]

One by one they turn black
One by one they turn black
One by one they turn black
One by one they turn black

(C) Joseph Arthur.