Raised in Velma, Oklahoma, Diffie worked in a foundry while playing local nightclubs in Oklahoma and moved to Nashville in 1986 to work for Gibson Guitar Corporation.
His first album arrived in 1990 when country music was thriving commercially and creatively. His first single, a sensitive traditional country ballad, Home, reached No. 1, although Diffie quickly counted on novelty hits to sustain his career. For instance, his other No. 1 hits are Pickup Man, Bigger Than the Beatles, Third Rock From the Sun and If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets). Toward the end of the 1990s, Diffie lost his chart momentum and left Epic Records following his 2001 album, In Another World. Subsequently, he toured with Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence on the Rockin' Roadhouse tour.
In 2013, Diffie collaborated with Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw on the album All in the Same Boat, and cut the single "Girl Riding Shotgun" with D Thrash of the Jawga Boyz. This was followed in 2019 by a vinyl album called Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie.
Diffie passed away from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 29, 2020.
I'm The Only Thing I'll Hold Against You
Joe Diffie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Today you say, you're sorry that we're through
Our love will work, we'll heal the hurt
So help me
Laying blame is the last thing I would do
I'm the only thing I hold against you
Let my loving arms show you the truth
No matter how much heart ache, we'll go through
I love you
(I'll always love you)
I'm the only thing, I'll hold against you
I know, it'll be just like the first time that I held you
When we swore that our love would always last
Let's give it one more try don't be afraid to
One touch and we'll forget about the past
I'm the only thing I hold against you
Let my loving arms show you the truth
There will be no I told you so's
No matter how much heartache we'll go through
I love you
(I'll always love)
I'm the only thing I'll hold against you
Sometime things go wrong
Between a woman and a man
I know will make it work
All we need is a second chance
I'm the only thing I hold against you
Lt my loving arms show you the truth
There'll be no I told you so's
No matter heart ache we'll go through
I love you
(I love you, I'll always love you)
I'm the only thing I'll hold against you
I'm the only hold against you
In the song, "I'm The Only Thing I'll Hold Against You" by Joe Diffie, the singer is addressing their partner who has recently left them. The partner says they are sorry for the breakup and believe that their love can overcome any hurt that has been caused. The singer is willing to forgive and give love another chance because they are the only ones they hold anything against. They promise not to bring up the past or say "I told you so" if things do not go as smoothly as planned. They express their love for their partner and remind them that their love has the power to overcome any obstacles. They further ask their partner not to be afraid and to give love another chance.
The lyrics show a unique perspective on relationships and forgiveness. Instead of laying blame or pointing fingers, the singer takes full responsibility for holding a grudge against their partner. They acknowledge that sometimes things go wrong between two people, but they are willing to work on their relationship to make it right. The singer's actions can be viewed as selfless and mature as they put aside their hurt feelings to give love another chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday, you walked away and left me
You left me yesterday and abandoned our relationship
Today you say, you're sorry that we're through
You express regret for ending our relationship today
Our love will work, we'll heal the hurt
We will make our love work and mend our broken hearts
So help me
Please help me make this work
Laying blame is the last thing I would do
I don't want to assign blame for the breakdown of our relationship
I'm the only thing I hold against you
I will not hold anything against you besides my love for you
Let my loving arms show you the truth
Let me embrace you and prove my love for you
There'll be no, I told you so's
I will not say 'I told you so' even if things get tough
No matter how much heart ache, we'll go through
Even if we experience difficulty and sadness, we'll get through it
I love you
I love you
(I'll always love you)
(I will always love you)
I know, it'll be just like the first time that I held you
I know our love will feel as strong as the first day we fell in love
When we swore that our love would always last
When we made a promise that our love would endure forever
Let's give it one more try don't be afraid to
Let's try again and not be fearful of the outcome
One touch and we'll forget about the past
One physical interaction can help us move on from our past troubles
Sometime things go wrong, between a woman and a man
It's common for problems to arise in relationships between a man and a woman
I know will make it work
I am confident that we can make it work
All we need is a second chance
All we need is an opportunity to try again
I'm the only hold against you
I am the only one holding anything against you - my love for you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DIFFIE, WILLIAMS, WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PhivePhivoSteve
Many thanks for your comment, this song was written for Conway by Joe along with 2 other co-writers, it is probably why he sings it so well.
Louise Rawle
One of the most beautiful songs Ive ever heard,and sung so beautifully..RIP joe Diffie..A special talent so tragically lost to coronavirus. Safe in Heavens choir
Louise Rawle
550 Steve equals scammer
Louise Rawle
Phiveophiveo..I think you are a fake
dov ybadoi
Oh God, what a beautiful song!!!!!! I love you Joe Diffie! Thank You for the music!
Doris Night
Well....the song stands on its own!!! Great song. Sang very well too.
lindalovesal
Rip Joe you will be missed thanks for all your great music
Norma Campbell
Joe is a fabulous singer, and it doesn't hurt a bit, that he is handsome, and a nice guy. I have met him. Love to hear him sing anything.
Ang P
This song and CD helped get me through my divorce 11 years ago... song still tugs on the heart strings.
K. Mac
My girl and I have made it through so much together. We've both done wrong and it almost killed us trying to work things out. But now we're stronger than we've ever been. And I know in my heart nothing in this world will break us up. I sent her this song from Iraq because it really conveys what I feel for her. We're getting married as soon as I'm home...=)