"The Real You" by Joseph Arthur is a song that reflects on the longing for a deeply authentic connection with someone who has changed or lost their true essence. The lyrics express the singer's awareness of a transformation in the person they knew, and their yearning for their true self to return. The repetition of "The Real You, I Knew" signifies the singer's recognition of the person they once knew, suggesting that the current version is different or unfamiliar. This sentiment is further emphasized by the statement "I Miss You," conveying a sense of loss and nostalgia for the genuine connection they once shared. "I Have to Redeem Myself, Forever and Forever" reflects the singer's desire for redemption and a longing for a lasting reconciliation with the person they miss. It implies a commitment to repairing the relationship and finding a way back to their genuine connection. The lines "You Can Hear It In My Song, You Can See It In My Eyes" convey the singer's attempt to communicate their feelings and true self through their music and eyes. It suggests that their emotions and longing for the real person can be sensed and understood through these expressions. The phrase "You Can Master Me, You Can Master Me Alot" suggests a surrender to the influence and power the other person holds over the singer. It implies a recognition of the impact this person has on their emotions and overall state of being. The lyrics "Bend Out In My Mind" are repeated multiple times, potentially indicating a sense of mental struggle or confusion caused by the absence or change in the person they miss. In the lines "Feel Like Taking A Razor Blade, And On My Wrist, Write An Invitation" and "Feel Like Taking A Loaded Gun, And In My Mouth Blowing up The Ocean," the singer expresses intense emotions of despair and self-destructive thoughts as a result of their longing for the real person. These metaphors depict the singer's desperation and the extreme measures they contemplate in an attempt to confront and overcome their emotional pain. The repeated invitation for the person to "Come To Where I’m From" symbolizes the singer's longing for the other person to return to their shared origins, to rekindle the genuine connection they once had. Overall, "The Real You" delves into themes of longing, loss, and the search for genuine connection. It showcases the singer's journey to reconcile with the changed or lost essence of someone they deeply care about, expressing their desire for redemption and emotional stability.
