Singer/Songwriter Colin Hay is the former front-man of the classic Australian band Men at Work. Since the group disbanded he has released several solo albums, including Man at Work, which featured re-recordings of classic Men at Work songs in an acoustic environment.
Hay has also been involved with the NBC TV series Scrubs, lending several songs to the sitcom, including "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin," "My Brilliant Feat" and "Beautiful World." He also starred as a troubadour in the first episode of season two, "My Overkill," performing his song "Overkill," which was also the basis for the episode's title.
Hold me
Colin Hay Lyrics
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Ngibambele Duze Kumakaza
Ngibambele Duze Kumakaza
Ngibambele Duze Kumakaza
Oh, you're born alone and die the same
In between can take a while
Only one drop in the sea of time
If you find someone to share your life
Things are never quite the same
Years we have traveled seem like days gone past
And we've known so little pain
At this point in time I stand alone
To the phone I'm holding on
Outside people stare as if to say
We know there's nobody home
Hold me when you're lonely
Hold me when you're lonely
When the papers read that all is lost
Only darkness lies ahead
I'll speak softly and soothe and chase the fear
And on me you rest your head
When the nights are hot with heavy air
Or it's freezing to the bone
You may lie drunk in the city square
You may feel lost and forlorn
Hold me when you're lonely
Hold me when you're lonely
The lyrics of Colin Hay's song "Hold Me" is a reflection of the lonely and challenging moments in life that most of us experiences. The opening lines, "Ngibambele Duze Kumakaza" is a Xhosa phrase which means "Hold me close to you". This sets the tone of the song that is seeking for companionship and solace during moments of hardship. The first verse presents a existential truth that we are born alone and will die alone. However, what matters is the time between birth and death, the journey of life. It acknowledges that sometimes life can be tough, but even a small gesture of kindness can brighten a dark moment. The chorus "Hold me when you're lonely" is an earnest plea to be comforted and sheltered in the arms of a loved one.
The second verse of "Hold Me" offers hope that life can be better when we find someone to share it with. It tells the story of how time passes slowly when we spend it in the company of others who make life worthwhile. It also acknowledges that pain is part of life, but lessens when shared with others. The third verse is a poignant reminder of how life can be isolating, despite being surrounded by people. The singer stands alone, clinging to the phone, desperate for human connection, but with none forthcoming. The people outside stare blankly, indifferent to the silent plea for help.
In sum, "Hold Me" conveys the importance of human connections and the need for companionship during life's challenging moments. It explores issues of loneliness, loss, and the fragility of human existence. It is a reminder to hold on to the people that matter and cherish every moment with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Ngibambele Duze Kumakaza
Repeating the same line in another language which means 'Hold me close, Kumakaza'
Oh, you're born alone and die the same
Life is a solitary journey and it ultimately ends with a solitary end
In between can take a while
The time between our birth and death can span over years and can seem like a long time
Only one drop in the sea of time
An individual life in the expanse of time is like a single drop of water in an ocean
Sometimes makes it hard to smile
Being a small part of a vast universe can make it difficult to find joy in life
If you find someone to share your life
When you have someone to share your life with
Things are never quite the same
Life takes on a new meaning and perspective when you have someone to share it with
Years we have traveled seem like days gone past
Time can fly when you're enjoying life
And we've known so little pain
When you're living a happy life with someone, you experience less suffering
At this point in time I stand alone
The singer is in a lonely state in the present moment
To the phone I'm holding on
The singer is hoping for a connection with someone, even if it's just a phone call
Outside people stare as if to say
The singer is feeling judged by onlookers
We know there's nobody home
People think the singer is alone and lonely at home
Hold me when you're lonely
The singer is asking someone to hold them when they're feeling alone
When the papers read that all is lost
During times of despair or crisis
Only darkness lies ahead
The future looks bleak and uncertain
I'll speak softly and soothe and chase the fear
The singer is making a promise to comfort and calm someone when they're scared or upset
And on me you rest your head
The singer is offering emotional support for someone to lean on
When the nights are hot with heavy air
During oppressive or uncomfortable weather
Or it's freezing to the bone
During freezing temperatures
You may lie drunk in the city square
The singer acknowledges that someone may need help or support even when they're in a vulnerable state or location
You may feel lost and forlorn
The singer understands the feeling of being lost and alone
Hold me when you're lonely
The singer repeats their request for someone to hold them when they're feeling alone
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Colin James Hay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christopher Nihil
(Chant at song beginning in Kinyarwanda):
NGIBAMBELE DUZE KUMAKAZA
NGIBAMBELE DUZE BUYA BANDA
NGIBAMBELE DUZE KUMAKAZA
NGIBAMBELE DUZE DUYA BANDA
Translation:
WE ARE THE FIRST TO COME TO KUMAKAZA
I'M THE FIRST TO COME FROM THE PEOPLE
WE ARE THE FIRST TO COME TO KUMAKAZA
I'M THE FIRST TO COME TO OUR PEOPLE
torgo4ever
My uncle recorded this video on a VHS cassette and I never really paid much attention. He passed away a bit young and it was pretty devastating. A few years later , I came across the tape that had this song on it and , for whatever reason, seeing this on that tape hit me pretty hard. Years later still after having pretty much forgotten about it , I've come across it here and it's destroying me in a very beautiful way.
Cameron Blond
Amazing song that didn't do well on the charts. It was radio-friendly and it got plenty of air-play. Unfortunately few people bought the single.
Jeffrey Mosher
It got to #42 on my personal charts in April 1987, and I generally ran most songs into the top 25, but at least I still charted it.
Kevin McGiffin
His voice should have made it #1 . Very unique and uncopied. ❤👋👋👋
Daniel Clutch Bielski
I loved Men At Work, and as soon as this came out, I went out and bought the cassette. Yes, cassette. I could only hope to find this on CD now... What a great album it was! Not a bad track.. Thanks for posting!!!
Steve Bruns
Wow--how did I miss this one back in the day?! Great song!
onehundredstocks
I have always been a fan of Colin James Hay. Watching this video, circa 1987; I wonder if he dabbed into the martial arts? His multiple Horse Stances, Fists on his waist and his Punches in front of his Solar Plex are very precise. HHMM, food for thought, Thank you Colin for this excellent song!
Mike
I was thinking the same thing. I'd say he definitely studied karate at some point.
Captain M
One of his absolute best!!!
Cajun Viking
Always a great lyricist.