As Long As You Hold Me
Kirsty MacColl Lyrics


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As long as you hold me I'll get by
As long as you need me I will try not to die
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore

If only they'd tell me, tell me why
If I could believe them and their lies
But I don't want their name
I don't want their pain
I won't play their games anymore

I always look at the last page of the book
How will it end?
The suspense robs me of lovers and friends

I don't want the shame




I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore

Overall Meaning

Kirsty MacColl's song "As Long As You Hold Me" is a poignant and introspective piece that touches on themes of vulnerability, fame, and the struggle for personal identity. The opening line "As long as you hold me I'll get by" conveys a desperate need for connection and support, suggesting that the singer is going through a difficult period in their life. The second line, "As long as you need me I will try not to die," furthers this idea of existential crisis, where the singer is struggling to find meaning in their life.


The following lines suggest that the singer has experienced some kind of trauma or public scrutiny, with the repeated refrain of "I don't want the shame, I don't want the blame, I don't want the fame anymore." This could be interpreted as a commentary on the harmful and invasive nature of fame in modern society, where public figures are often scrutinized and criticized for their actions and personal lives. The use of the word "anymore" implies that the singer may have had a past relationship with fame, but is now seeking a life of anonymity and privacy.


The lines "If only they'd tell me, tell me why, if I could believe them and their lies," suggest that the singer is grappling with issues of trust and disillusionment. There is a sense of frustration and sadness in these lines, as the singer is searching for answers but cannot seem to find them. This could be interpreted as a broader commentary on the difficulties of navigating a complex and confusing world, where people are often misled by false promises and half-truths.


Overall, "As Long As You Hold Me" is a powerful and introspective piece that explores complex themes of love, trauma, and identity. The song conveys a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion that is sure to resonate with listeners on a deep and personal level.


Line by Line Meaning

As long as you hold me I'll get by
I am struggling, but with your support, I can make it through


As long as you need me I will try not to die
I will do everything in my power to keep going for you, even on my hardest days


I don't want the shame
I am tired of feeling guilty for things I cannot control


I don't want the blame
I refuse to take responsibility for the actions of others


I don't want the fame anymore
The attention and scrutiny that comes with being famous is no longer worth it to me


If only they'd tell me, tell me why
I wish I knew why people do the things they do and treat others poorly


If I could believe them and their lies
I am tired of being manipulated and deceived by those who claim to have my best interests at heart


But I don't want their name
I am no longer interested in associating myself with those who bring me down


I don't want their pain
I will not let others' negativity affect me anymore


I won't play their games anymore
I am done with participating in the toxic and damaging behaviors of others


I always look at the last page of the book
I am constantly worried about how things will turn out in the end


How will it end?
I am terrified of not having control over the outcome of my own life


The suspense robs me of lovers and friends
My anxiety and fear often causes me to push people away and miss out on opportunities for connection




Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@MuchlisSmith

As Long As You Hold Me Lyrics
As long as you hold me I'll get by
As long as you need me I will try not to die
I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore

If only they'd tell me, tell me why
If I could believe them and their lies
But I don't want their name
I don't want their pain
I won't play their games anymore

I always look at the last page of the book
How will it end?
The suspense robs me of lovers and friends

I don't want the shame
I don't want the blame
I don't want the fame anymore



@user-xl7wv1jg5k

as long as you hold me i’ll get by
as long as you need me i will try not to die
i don’t want the shame
i don’t want the blame
i don’t want the fame anymore

if only they’d tell me, tell me why
if i could believe them and their lies
but i don’t want their name
i don’t want their pain
i won’t play their games anymore

i always look at the last page of the book
how will it end?
the suspense robs me of lovers and friends

i don’t want the shame
i don’t want the blame
i don’t want the fame anymore



All comments from YouTube:

@buffysummers7276

This song has been underrated over the years; it’s Oct 2020 now and it’s not even on Spotify.

@MarionRosner

Just checked TIDAL and it's not on there either. BB's version is, though.

@NickTion

September 2022 and i'm still waiting for it to be on spotify

@tessasparrow5881

The best singer-songwriter ever. To this day, I still think of her poor mum and children and feel my heart tear. I was working an evening shift at Canary Wharf when I heard that she had died, and I sobbed as though she was my own.

@peterwhitehead4591

Couldn't put it better, I adore Kirsty's pics x words...don't half miss her

@mhmalekos569

Same for me. I knew Kirsty’s Mum who passed last year. Always been haunted by her incredible talent and frequently haunted by her awful passing.

Rip Angel

@jonathanwood412

I have missed her for so many years now

@anthonybrady-lb5ve

Yes anyone who loved Kirsty is still heartbroken that a lovely kind talented genius has been ripped from us by a murderous millionaire maniac steering his luxury boat in an area designated for divers. The sorrow and loss is still palpable. LEST WE FORGET💔💔💔😪😪😪🇬🇧

@anthonybrady-lb5ve

So did i. It was a dreadful time😢

@meezy9022

I'm here for Matt and Casey.

#90$Kid

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