holding back the years
Gene-o Lyrics
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IT SURE DOES ME GOOD TO SEE AN OLD LADY SMILE
AND WATCH AS SHE WANDERS BACK THROUGH THE MEMORIES
DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS AND THE THOUSANDS OF MILES
TO REACH OUT HER ARMS, TO HOLD ME OR SCOLD ME
OR LAUGH AND A WARNING INSTEAD
THEN SUPPER AND PRAYERS AND A ROOM BY THE STAIRS
WHERE THREE OF US CHILDREN LAY DOWN OUR HEADS
BUT I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
CAN’T HOLD THE TEARS BACK
THE JOY OR THE SADNESS OF SO LONG AGO
I CAN’T MAKE THE SAME SUN
SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
OR TURN THIS OLD HOUSE BACK INTO A HOME
NOW PRAYING TOGETHER MEANS STAYING TOGETHER
BUT THE WINDS OF TIME THEY DO BLOW
THE BOOKS IN THAT OLD ROOM WRAPPED IN THEIR OWN GLOOM
WITH LESSONS THAT EVEN I DIDN'T KNOW
THE MEDALS OF GLORY AND EACH SUCCESS STORY
ARE FRAMED AND POLISHED BY OLD HANDS THAT CARE
THE CARD OF REMBERANCE WITH ONE EXTRA LONG GLANCE
FOR THE ONE WHO DIDN 'T GET ANYWHERE
BUT I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
CAN’T HOLD THE TEARS BACK
THE JOY OR THE SADNESS OF SO LONG AGO
I CAN’T MAKE THE SAME SUN
SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
OR TURN THIS OLD HOUSE BACK INTO A HOME
NO, I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
CAN’T HOLD THE TEARS BACK
THE JOY OR THE SADNESS OF SO LONG AGO
I CAN’T MAKE THE SAME SUN
SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
OR TURN THIS OLD HOUSE BACK INTO A HOME
OH, I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
"Holding Back the Years" by Gene-O is a poignant and reflective song that explores the passage of time and the longing for the past. The lyrics tell the story of the singer, who finds solace in reading a letter that brings back memories of an old lady, possibly a grandmother figure, who filled their childhood with love and warmth. The singer reminisces about the moments spent with this lady, whether it was being scolded, laughing together, or saying prayers before bedtime. However, the singer recognizes that they cannot hold onto these memories forever or recreate the same feeling of comfort and home they once had. The passing of time and the inevitable changes that come with it cannot be stopped or reversed.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of family and the bond that prayer creates. The singer realizes that staying together as a family requires more than just physical presence; it requires effort to overcome the trials and challenges brought by time. The old room mentioned symbolizes the lessons and experiences that have shaped the singer's life, although they may not have fully understood their significance at the time. The song suggests that even the greatest achievements and successes can be overshadowed by the feeling of not having done enough or not reaching one's full potential.
Overall, "Holding Back the Years" is a deeply introspective song that delves into the bittersweet nostalgia for the past and the acceptance that some things cannot be held onto or recreated.
Line by Line Meaning
I’M READING A LETTER, IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER
Reading a letter brings comfort and solace to my heart.
IT SURE DOES ME GOOD TO SEE AN OLD LADY SMILE
Seeing an old lady smile brings immense joy and happiness.
AND WATCH AS SHE WANDERS BACK THROUGH THE MEMORIES
Observing her journey through cherished memories from the past.
DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS AND THE THOUSANDS OF MILES
Reflecting on the passage of time and the distance traveled.
TO REACH OUT HER ARMS, TO HOLD ME OR SCOLD ME
Her tender embrace conveys both love and discipline.
OR LAUGH AND A WARNING INSTEAD
Her laughter often accompanied with valuable life lessons.
THEN SUPPER AND PRAYERS AND A ROOM BY THE STAIRS
The routine of shared meals, prayers, and a cozy bedroom upstairs.
WHERE THREE OF US CHILDREN LAY DOWN OUR HEADS
The place where three siblings would peacefully rest.
BUT I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
I cannot stop the passage of time.
CAN’T HOLD THE TEARS BACK
Unable to suppress the emotions and tears.
THE JOY OR THE SADNESS OF SO LONG AGO
The profound happiness or sadness from a distant past.
I CAN’T MAKE THE SAME SUN
It is beyond my power to replicate the sun.
SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
To recreate the same sunlight that once streamed through the window.
OR TURN THIS OLD HOUSE BACK INTO A HOME
Unable to transform this aging house into a true home once again.
NOW PRAYING TOGETHER MEANS STAYING TOGETHER
The bond formed through shared prayers strengthens relationships.
BUT THE WINDS OF TIME THEY DO BLOW
The passage of time is inevitable, like the blowing winds.
THE BOOKS IN THAT OLD ROOM WRAPPED IN THEIR OWN GLOOM
The books in the old room hold their own melancholy aura.
WITH LESSONS THAT EVEN I DIDN'T KNOW
Containing valuable lessons that have previously eluded me.
THE MEDALS OF GLORY AND EACH SUCCESS STORY
Preserved medals of achievement and stories of success.
ARE FRAMED AND POLISHED BY OLD HANDS THAT CARE
Carefully handled and polished by aging hands with love.
THE CARD OF REMBERANCE WITH ONE EXTRA LONG GLANCE
A card of remembrance deserving an extended, meaningful look.
FOR THE ONE WHO DIDN 'T GET ANYWHERE
In memory of the person who couldn't achieve their dreams.
NO, I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
It is impossible for me to halt the passage of time.
CAN’T HOLD THE TEARS BACK
Incapable of suppressing the welling emotions and tears.
THE JOY OR THE SADNESS OF SO LONG AGO
The profound happiness or sorrow from a distant past.
I CAN’T MAKE THE SAME SUN
I lack the ability to recreate the identical sun.
SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
To restore the same luminous sunlight through the window.
OR TURN THIS OLD HOUSE BACK INTO A HOME
Unable to transform this aged house into a genuine home once again.
OH, I CAN'T HOLD THE YEARS BACK
Oh, I am powerless to halt the relentless passage of time.
Lyrics © BARDIS MUSIC, USA ATTN: PETER BARDON
Written by: Patsy Cavanagh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind