There are (at least) five bands with this name: a Canadian classic rock ban… Read Full Bio ↴There are (at least) five bands with this name: a Canadian classic rock band; a Swedish punk band; a Medieval/Folk band from Tasmania; an Ambient/Alternative Rock band from Brisbane; and a South Korean rock band.

Canadian rock band: Harlequin was a Canadian rock band that formed in Winnipeg in 1975 and lasted until the mid-1980s. Before reunited mid 2000's.

The original members of Harlequin were vocalist George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, keyboard player Gary Golden, drummer David Budzak and bassist Ralph James. Harlequin signed with Epic Records in 1979 and had a string of hit singles in Canada. Their biggest hit single is "Innocence" which topped Canada's charts.

Belanger has since reformed the band, again in Winnipeg. Their latest release is Waking the Jester [2007]. Ralph James is still very active in business side of music, managing The Agency, a large music booking firm.

The Swedish Harlequin was active between 1992 and 1998 in Mariestad, Sweden.(2)

The Tasmanian band is currently active, and becoming well known in folk and re-enactment circles in Australia. To quote the notes on their 2005 album "La Vielle": Harlequin's music has been resurrected from & inspired by mediaeval, middle eastern & eastern european traditions and is played on mediaeval instruments handcrafted by the members.

Sven Väth was also known under this synonym.

Can't Hold Back
Harlequin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There you go showin' off again
Don't you know the hold you got on me
You know I'm not complainin'
I'm just so tired of waitin'

I can't hold back
Though I'm tryin'
I can't hold back

I'm almost dyin'
I can't hold back
And it's all because of you

Don't you know what you put me through
Every night I'm sleepin' without you
You know I'm not complainin'
I'm just anticipatin'

I can't hold back
You know I'm tryin'
I can't hold back
I'm almost dyin'
I can't hold back
And it's all because of you

Can't hold back

You know I'm not complainin'
I'm just so tired of waitin'

I can't hold back
You know I'm tryin'
I can't hold back
I'm almost dyin'
I can't hold back
And it's all because of you

I can't hold back
Can't hold back
Can't hold back
Can't hold back
Can't hold back

I can't hold back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Harlequin's song "Can't Hold Back" express the frustration and longing of a person who is deeply in love with someone who has a hold on them. The singer admits to being unable to hold back their feelings and desires for the other person, even though they have tried to restrain themselves. The repetition of "I can't hold back" emphasizes this sense of helplessness and the intensity of their emotions.

The lyrics also suggest that the singer is constantly thinking about the other person, even when they are apart, and that this separation is causing them pain. The line "Every night I'm sleeping without you" highlights this sense of loss and loneliness. Despite this, the singer is not complaining but rather, they are anticipating their next time together.

Overall, "Can't Hold Back" is a powerful love song that expresses the intensity of the singer's emotions and the hold that their love interest has on them. The lyrics are simple, yet the repetition and the use of contrasts (like "complaining" versus "anticipating") give the song a depth and complexity that make it relatable to many people who have experienced intense feelings of love and longing.

Line by Line Meaning

There you go showin' off again
You are flaunting your power over me

Don't you know the hold you got on me
You have a strong grip on me emotionally and physically

You know I'm not complainin'
I don't want to sound like I'm unhappy with this situation

I'm just so tired of waitin'
I'm exhausted from waiting for you

I can't hold back
I'm unable to restrain myself

Though I'm tryin'
Even though I'm making an effort

I'm almost dyin'
It's causing me intense pain

And it's all because of you
This is all happening because of you

Don't you know what you put me through
You don't realize the emotional turmoil you're causing me

Every night I'm sleepin' without you
I'm having a hard time sleeping, missing you

I'm just anticipatin'
I'm eagerly waiting for you