Simply Red - Holding Back The Years Lyrics
Simply Red - Holding Back The Years Lyrics
Holding back the years
Thinking of the fear I've had so long
When somebody hears
Listen to the fear that's gone
Strangled by the wishes of pater
Hoping for the arms of mater
Get to me the sooner or later, oh
Holding back the years
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Holding back the tears
'Cause nothing here has grown
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
Nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could, yeah, oh
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on, so tight
Alright, oh now
Well, I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
'Cause nothing ever could, oh yeah
Oh
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
Holding
Holding
Holding
Holding, la-la-la, la, la-la
I said, ooh, yeah
That's all I have today
It's all I have to say
Analysis of Simply Red - Holding Back The Years
Themes
-
Regret and Loss
The lyrics explore feelings of regret over wasted time and missed opportunities. The repetition of phrases like "wasted all my tears" and "nothing had the chance to be good" reflects deep sorrow for the past. -
Emotional Resilience
Despite the melancholy tone, the song also emphasizes perseverance through phrases like "I'll keep holding on." This suggests a determination to move forward despite emotional struggles. -
Family and Relationships
References to "wishes of pater" and "arms of mater" hint at complex family dynamics, possibly unresolved parental issues that have influenced the narrator’s life and emotional state.
Emotions
- Melancholy: A sense of sadness and longing permeates the song, particularly in its reflections on wasted time and tears.
- Hopefulness: The recurring line "I'll keep holding on" conveys a sense of hope and determination to endure despite hardships.
- Nostalgia: The lyrics frequently reference the past, evoking both fond and painful memories.
Key Terms and Symbolism
- "Holding back the years": Represents suppressed emotions and the inability to move on from the past.
- "Wishes of pater" and "arms of mater": Symbolize familial expectations and the yearning for emotional comfort or support.
- "Tears": Serve as a metaphor for emotional release and wasted efforts in relationships.
Notable Lines
- "Strangled by the wishes of pater, hoping for the arms of mater": This line poetically conveys the narrator's struggle with conflicting parental influences.
- "Nothing had the chance to be good, nothing ever could": A stark expression of hopelessness and disillusionment with life or relationships.
- "I'll keep holding on": A pivotal line that juxtaposes resilience against the backdrop of despair.
Overall Message
Holding Back The Years reflects on the emotional toll of regret, unresolved familial struggles, and lost time, but it also emphasizes resilience. The narrator acknowledges past pain and wasted opportunities while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to moving forward. This juxtaposition of despair and hope resonates universally, making the song a poignant anthem for enduring life's challenges.
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