Their first major hit as Coldcut was the house-inflected People Hold On, featuring a then-unknown Lisa Stansfield. The single took the U.K. by a storm, and the subsequent album featured such luminaries as Junior Reid (on the single "Stop This Crazy Thing") and Queen Latifah.
In 1991 they started their own record label, Ninja Tune, which continues to release groundbreaking and extremely diverse music by a small army of like-minded artists. In 1997 the duo unveiled their own real time video manipulation software, VJamm. Coldcut's current live and DJ sets rely on video as much as records, taking the concept of multimedia performance into largely uncharted territory.
Conceptually, Coldcut owes as much to the ideas of beat writer and cut-up theorist William S. Burroughs, 1970s art / industrial group Throbbing Gristle, and the religious writings of J. R. "Bob" Dobbs as much as to hip-hop originators like Grandmaster Flash or later innovators Double D and Steinski.
Recognizing the power inherent in Burroughs' cut-up technique and its presence in hip hop music, More and Black have relentlessly pushed the D.I.Y. ethic and an understanding of play as a means of fostering greater interaction with and understanding of the world around you. The similarities between this ethos and that of hacking need hardly be stated. Ninja Tune uses a corporate facade to communicate via the marketplace itself, an idea first implemented by Throbbing Gristle via their own Industrial Records imprint.
One of the key aspects of the Ninja Tune ethos, Stealth, implies that their following of DJs and listeners are "agents" in a Burroughsian sense, propagating the D.I.Y. ethic of play as an essentially subversive act by replaying and manipulating media under the radar of mainstream culture. Nowadays Coldcut reach a worldwide audience through their syndicated radio show Solid Steel. Black has recently (2003) worked with Penny Rimbaud (ex Crass) on Crass Agenda's Savage Utopia project.
In 2006, Coldcut released their fifth album, Sound Mirrors. single True Skool featured rapper Roots Manuva and featured an Indian sample from a cult Bollywood era, making the track popular on the bhangra and desi scene and with most of the British Asian urban nation.
People Hold On
Coldcut Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's doing their own thing
And nobody's solving the problem
Ain't nobody helping each other
Some people give into fear
Some people give into hunger
Some of us live for the future
Givin' into life, givin' into love
Maybe there's enough for everyone
Givin' into hope, and into trust
Maybe there's enough for everyone
[Chorus]
People hold on
Don't do yourself wrong
People hold on
We've got to be strong
People hold on
Everybody's getting frustrated
Why should we live with this hatred
We've all dancin' on a thin line
They're makin' out we're having a good time
So who's gonna give us the answer
Sister and brother
Givin' into life, givin' into love
Maybe there's enough for everyone
[Chorus]
People hold on, people hold on to it
you know you gotta do it
Givin' into life, givin' into love
Maybe there's enough for everyone
Givin' into hope, and into trust
Maybe there's enough for everyone
[Chorus]
The song "People Hold On" by Coldcut is a plea for people to come together and work towards solving the problems of the world. The lyrics convey the idea that everyone is looking for a meaning in their lives and doing their own thing, but nobody is solving the problem. The song urges people to hold on and be strong, as we need to work together to overcome hate and fear.
The lyrics also touch upon the different ways people react to the struggles of life. Some give into fear, while some give into hunger. However, the song suggests that if we give into life and love, maybe there is enough for everyone. The chorus reinforces the message of holding on and being strong, with a call for people to not do themselves wrong.
The second verse highlights the frustration and hatred that people experience, and questions who will give us the answer to these problems. The song recognizes the thin line that we all walk on, and urges us to come together as brothers and sisters.
Overall, "People Hold On" is a call for unity and resilience. The lyrics convey the message that although we may face struggles and problems, holding on and supporting each other can bring about positive change in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's looking for a meaning
Everyone is searching for a purpose or significance in their life.
Everybody's doing their own thing
People are pursuing their own goals and ambitions.
And nobody's solving the problem
No one is taking action to fix the issues that need to be addressed.
Ain't nobody helping each other
People are not offering support or assistance to those who need it.
Some people give into fear
Some individuals allow their anxiety or apprehension to hold them back.
Some people give into hunger
Some individuals prioritize their physical needs over other things.
Some of us live for the future
Some people focus on their long-term goals and aspirations.
And some of us wonder
Others are uncertain or curious about what the future holds.
Givin' into life, givin' into love
Choosing to embrace life experiences and love instead of being held back by negativity.
Maybe there's enough for everyone
Perhaps there is abundance in the world that can benefit everyone if shared equally.
[Chorus] People hold on
Don't do yourself wrong
People hold on
We've got to be strong
People hold on
The message is to persevere and not give up despite the struggles and obstacles faced in life.
Everybody's getting frustrated
Many people are feeling exasperated or irritated with their circumstances.
Why should we live with this hatred
Why should people have to tolerate the animosity and hostility present in society.
We've all dancin' on a thin line
Everyone is balancing on the edge of uncertainty and instability.
They're makin' out we're having a good time
Others might perceive people as enjoying themselves despite the difficulties they are facing.
So who's gonna give us the answer
Who can provide the solution to the problems we're encountering.
People hold on, people hold on to it
you know you gotta do it
The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATTHEW BLACK, JONATHAN MORE, LISA JANE STANSFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dameon Beal
Man, this is the jam; even though it was made 23 years ago. I can't get enough of this. To Lisa and Cold cut, much love for this track.
Pablures Mg
This masterpiece marks an epoch, particularly to talented listeners.
Deepest Tempest
A good nostalgic tune to pump you up in these dark times.
Terry McK
One of greatest dance tracks very released from the brilliant fantastic incredible miss Lisa Stanfield !!! She is just a great ambassador for popular music one of my favourite artists and this remix is just awesome really appreciate this long funky soulful version from 1989 this is just what the 80s was ground breaking news music and she is just still very popular today writing producing director choreography touring to sell out crowds all over the world !!! When I first heard this song is was in a night club in my home town of Wigan Lancashire England UK and it just blew me away I would just go crazy with my mates dancing to this floor filler it still sounds fresh today nearly 30 years on I just remember good excellent times growing up !!!
suavehinrg
I agree! No other mixes even comes close to the unstoppable energy of this mix!
waynee v
coldcut & lisa are both legends.....she`s done some good underground tunes aswell.....normally on the flip side but there good :)
ted norton
Indeed. I was alive and listening. Black Lives Matter 2020
Go for the goal Kids!
Chris M.R. Santos
mto bom ! isso abalou o mundo todo......!!!
Jorge Luiz Mello Corrêa
A melhor versão para esta música é essa mesma. Curti e dancei muito ao som desta. Bombou entre 1989 e 1990.
Chris M.R. Santos
praticamente o melhor UK Garage de todos os tempos