On her MAXJAZZ debut, Don't Take Your Time, Erin performed her personal take on tunes from the Great American Songbook, pop classics, and her first original song, "Don't Take Your Time." On her new album Over and Over, she adds more original songs and arrangements, further developing her own unique sensibility.
The Erin Bode Group have performed nationwide at venues such as Blues Alley in Washington D.C., Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia, and at Sweet Rhythm in New York. They have also been in Europe twice, touring in Italy.
They have also opened for legendary Supremes' singer, Mary Wilson; for Michael Buble at St. Louis' newest premiere venue The Pageant; with Macy Gray on the steps of the Gateway Arch; and for Jamie Cullum at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
In late 2006, they traveled to South Africa to work with the Themba Girls' School Choir. Most recently, Erin performed with Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion at the Fabulous Fox.
Holding Back The Years
Erin Bode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thinking of the fear Ive had for so long.
When somebody hears,
Listen to the fear thats gone.
Strangled by the wishes of pater,
Hoping for the arm of mater,
Get to me sooner or later,
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on.
Chance for me to escape from all I know.
Holding back the tears.
Theres nothing here has grown.
Ive wasted all my tears,
Wasted all those years.
Nothing had the chance to be good,
Nothing ever could, yeah.
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on,
Ill keep holding on
So tight.
The first verse of Erin Bode's song "Holding Back The Years" conveys a powerful message about the effects of fear and how it can inhibit a person's life. The lyrics speak to the idea that holding on to fear can prevent people from living their best lives, and that it's essential to let go of that fear and move forward. The line "Thinking of the fear I've had for so long" indicates that the singer is reflecting on past experiences and how they have shaped their perspective on life. The second line, "When somebody hears, listen to the fear that's gone," suggests that the singer has found someone who is willing to listen and help them overcome their fear.
The next few lines of the song introduce the idea of being "strangled by the wishes of pater" and "hoping for the arm of mater." These lines seem to reference the singer's parents and how their expectations have hindered their personal growth. The line "Get to me sooner or later, nothing ever could" suggests that they have always known they need to break free from those expectations, but it has taken some time to do so. The chorus, "I'll keep holding on, I'll keep holding on, I'll keep holding on, I'll keep holding on," reinforces the idea of persistence and determination, that despite the challenges the singer faces, they will not give up.
The second verse continues with the theme of breaking free from the past, as the singer describes the opportunity to escape from what they know. The line "Theres nothing here has grown" suggests that the life they were living wasn't evolving or getting better, and this was weighing on them heavily. They have wasted years and tears, and nothing has had a chance to be good, reinforcing the idea that the fear and expectations they experienced held them back. The chorus repeats, "I'll keep holding on," and ends with the final line, "So tight," emphasizing the resolve and strength needed to keep pushing forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Holding back the years,
Suppressing emotions and memories of the past
Thinking of the fear Ive had for so long.
Reflecting on long-standing anxiety
When somebody hears,
When someone listens
Listen to the fear thats gone.
Consider past fears to find freedom
Strangled by the wishes of pater,
Constrained by paternal expectations
Hoping for the arm of mater,
Desiring maternal comfort
Get to me sooner or later,
Either address or escape from it finally
Nothing ever could, yeah.
Nothing could have helped, indeed
Ill keep holding on,
I will persevere
Chance for me to escape from all I know.
Opportunity to leave behind familiarity
Holding back the tears.
Hiding emotions
Theres nothing here has grown.
Nothing here progressed
Ive wasted all my tears,
I've used all my emotional energy
Wasted all those years.
Lost time focusing on unproductive things
Nothing had the chance to be good,
Things failed to meet their potential
Ill keep holding on,
I refuse to let go
Ill keep holding on,
I am determined to persevere
Ill keep holding on,
I won't give up
Ill keep holding on
So tight.
I will grip on tightly with all my strength
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind