His first album was 'The Great War of Words' followed by 'A Better Man' in 1996 which gained quadruple platinum sales in Ireland. This led to awards for 'Best Irish Male Album' and 'Best Irish Male Artist’. With the release of the album, 'Now That I Know What I Want' he found himself with 3 albums simultaneously in the top 30 of the Irish album charts.
In his varied career he has toured frequently, recorded with Ronan Keating, has acted and has performed in Riverdance and on Broadway. Brian has recently made a number of popular BBC TV programmes in which he sings traditional Irish songs. He has released albums based on the series and also a single ‘You Raise Me Up’. This famous song he originally recorded for Secret Garden and indeed he is also the vocalist on their CD ‘Earth Songs’ where he sings Always There. Secret Garden are Norwegian Rolf Lovland writer of two Eurovision winners (La Det Swinge for Bobbysocks in 1985 and Nocturne for Secret Garden in 1995) and also his Irish partner in the group is Fionnuala Sweeney.
Keep A Firm Grip
Brian Kennedy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh so slowly, right in front of him my mother
Skips like a little girl and cries like an old woman
Hold on, keep a firm grip
Hold on, never lose a grip
As I grow older, I find it hard going home
Could bring me to the ground
Hold on keep a firm grip
Hold on, never lose it
Hold on, keep a firm grip
Hold on, never lose a grip No No
Hold on, keep a firm grip
Hold on, never lose it
Hold on, keep a firm grip
Hold on and never lose it
The lyrics to Brian Kennedy's song "Keep A Firm Grip" are filled with a feeling of nostalgia and a longing for the past. The first verse describes the singer's parents walking together. While the father walks slowly, the mother skips like a little girl and cries like an old woman. This contrast between their attitudes towards life demonstrates the contradictory nature of aging. The chorus repeats the phrase "hold on, keep a firm grip" as a reminder to the listener to not lose sight of their values and beliefs.
The second verse delves into the singer's fear of returning home. He describes how the memories of his siblings' emotions could bring him down to the ground. This highlights the emotional weight of returning to a familiar environment and facing the ghosts of the past. However, the chorus remains a constant source of comfort, reminding the listener that they should hold on and never lose a grip.
Overall, "Keep A Firm Grip" is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of difficult circumstances. The lyrics paint a picture of a world that is changing, but the chorus serves as an anchor to keep the listener grounded.
Line by Line Meaning
Over my shoulder my father walks slowly
My father's presence is always with me, but he is not as strong or active as he used to be.
Oh so slowly, right in front of him my mother
My mother is taking care of my father, but she is struggling and sometimes feels helpless.
Skips like a little girl and cries like an old woman
Although my mother tries to stay positive and upbeat, she is also deeply affected by my father's decline.
Hold on, keep a firm grip
Life can be difficult and uncertain, but you have to stay strong and hold on tight to what is important.
Hold on, never lose a grip
Don't let go, even when things get tough or seem out of your control.
As I grow older, I find it hard going home
Returning home brings back memories of the people I have lost or the changes that have occurred, making it bittersweet and emotionally challenging.
Just going home, my brother's eyes, my sister's cries
Being around family can be both comforting and difficult, as we share the weight of our collective experiences and struggles.
Hold on and never lose a grip
This refrain is a reminder to persevere, to stay strong and hold on to what is important, no matter what life throws our way.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN KENNEDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind