In the early 1980s, Stone (as 'Angie B'), was a member of The Sequence, the first major female hip-hop group. They had a hit in 1980 with "Funk You Up". She then worked with Mantronix, before teaming up and performing vocals and saxophone for Lenny Kravitz.
Angie Stone emerged during the 1990's as part of hip-hop/R&B trio Vertical Hold which released the popular single "Seems You're Much Too Busy" as well as two albums: A Matter Of Time (June 1993) and Head First (1995).
In 1996, she teamed up with Gerry Deveaux (Lenny Kravitz's cousin from The Bahamas) and together with Charlie Mole they formed Devox. One album received a Japanese-only release including Stone-penned or co-written material.
Angie Stone shared song-writing credits on D'Angelo's first two studio album's (1995 - Brown Sugar and 2000 - Voodoo) as well as providing backing vocals on tour with him.
She released her first solo album, Black Diamond, released on 28 September 1999 via Arista Records. She has since also released, via Clive Davis' J Records, Mahogany Soul on October 16, 2001 and Stone Love on July 6, 2004.
Much of Angie Stone's solo material has a significant hip-hop influence and features notable samples. For example, her first solo single, 1999's "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" samples Gladys Knight & the Pips' 1972 "Neither One Of Us (Want To Be The First To Say Goodbye)", and 2002 "Wish I Didn't Miss You" samples The O'Jays' 1972 "Back Stabbers".
Angie Stone sings the theme song for the UPN sitcom Girlfriends.
She has two children, a daughter and a son. The son is the child of neo-soul singer D'Angelo, whom she dated during the 1990's.
Official Website: http://www.angiestoneonline.net
holding back the years
Angie Stone Lyrics
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Oh yeah, uh-huh
Listen
Holding back the years
Thinking about the fear I've had so long
Will somebody here listen
Listen to the fear that's gone
Strangled by the wishes I begged for
Hoping for the unmade for
To get to me the sooner or later
Oh Lord
Ooh
Holding back the years
Chance for me to escape from all I know
And uh holding back the tears yeah
Cause nothing here is wrong, oh Lord
I've wasted all my tears yeah
(Ain't no reason, no)
Wasted all those years
(Too many, too many they just go by)
Nothing had the chance to be good, no, no
Nothing ever could, oh no
But I'll keep holding on
(Gotta keep holding on)
I'll keep holding on
(Never let go no, no, no)
I'll keep holding on
(Gotta keep holding on)
I'll keep holding on
Take your time, take your time
Suga take your time
Take your time
Take your time, take your time
Suga take your time
Take your time
Oh now
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those, those lonely, lonely years
Nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could
I'll keep holding on
(Gotta keep holding on)
I'll keep holding on
(Never let go no, no, no)
I'll keep holding on
(Gotta keep holding on)
I'll keep holding on
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Gotta just keep, keep
Keep holding on
No matter how tired
Gotta just keep, keep
Keep pressing on
As weary as it may seem... (repeat 4x)
Think it's a love song
Pull back, pulsate
Gonna keep holding on
Never, never, never let go
Oh yeah
I'll keep holding on
The first verse of Angie Stone's song "Holding Back the Years" reflects on the singer's past, and some of the things she wishes she had done differently. The lyrics are emotional and convey a sense of regret about things that have happened in the singer's past, such as "the fear I've had so long" and "the wishes I begged for." However, the verse also hints at a sense of hope for the future, with the line "will somebody here listen?"
The second verse starts with the words "Holding back the tears," further emphasizing the singer's emotional state throughout the song. Nevertheless, she continues to hold on and keep going, despite everything that has happened in the past. The singer resolves to keep holding on, repeating the phrase "I'll keep holding on" four times. The song ends with an affirmation of that determination, with the singer reminding herself that she will always continue to hold on, no matter what happens.
Line by Line Meaning
Holding back the years
Angie Stone is struggling to let go of her past and is still affected by her fears and challenges.
Thinking about the fear I've had so long
She is reflecting on how her past has impacted her ability to move on and be happy.
Will somebody here listen
She is seeking comfort and support from someone who is willing to hear her out.
Listen to the fear that's gone
She wants someone to acknowledge her past fears and how they are still affecting her.
Strangled by the wishes I begged for
She feels suffocated by her unmet desires and how they have impacted her life.
Hoping for the unmade for
Angie Stone is hoping for things that she knows can never happen.
To get to me the sooner or later
She hopes that these longings and desires will come true at some point in time.
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Angie Stone sees a possibility of leaving her current situation as a way for her to escape from her past.
And uh holding back the tears yeah
She is trying to avoid showing her emotions and vulnerability to others.
Cause nothing here is wrong, oh Lord
She is aware that her current life is not bad but still struggles with her past.
I've wasted all my tears yeah
Angie Stone feels that she has cried enough over her past and does not want to dwell on it anymore.
Wasted all those years
She believes that she has missed out on time by focusing too much on the past.
Nothing had the chance to be good, no, no
Angie Stone feels that nothing good has come out of her past experiences.
But I'll keep holding on
Despite her struggles, Angie Stone is determined to keep going and not give up.
Take your time, take your time
Angie Stone is telling someone to take their time and not rush into things.
Suga take your time
She is addressing someone affectionately and asking them to take their time.
Oh now
She is expressing her emotions at the moment.
Never, never, never let go
She is affirming that she will not let go of her hopes and dreams, despite the difficulties she has faced.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FefesWurl
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
Holding back the tears
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
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on, so tight
Well I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
'Cause nothing ever could
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
Holding
Holding
Holding
Holding
I said
It's all I have today
It's all I have to say
@yasminreid4507
This song makes me cry every time, a quick release from all the daily and worldly struggles! However it gives me motivation to keep pushing on. ❤️
@nicolenewsome4863
Agreed
@briggetteaustin296
Same with me
@212acres3
Lean on Jesus he will give you peace and rest.
@PricelessDes
Yessss this song will do it!
@Sunshine26762
Couldn’t have said it better.
@angiedee5124
Angie sang the heck out of this song!
@tianahaley9913
Agreed💯
@msoddballz5763
Yes she did.
@piettlhabi547
I sure do as I'm traveling back home cross country