Lewis began performing live in May 2011, notching up numerous performances around the UK, including two A64s on SB.TV, a channel renowned for spotting new talent, as well plays on MTV, AKA and 1Xtra. Oxford-born Lewis started playing music as a hobby from a young age. Lewis then began performing live as often as he could, with requests soon coming in from across the UK. As an independent artist, Lewis released two videos in 2011, starting with his #3 and then featuring on "Let Go" (Krept & Konan collaboration).
Hold On
Lewis Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What you mean you're not coming by
I called you later and you were outside
It always screams screams inside my head
Curtains closed you'd be beside my head
You were always down for it
Get in this getaway and be running from it
Get in this getaway and be running from it
You're giving me the coldest stare,
Like you don't even know I'm here,
Why don't we turn the leaf?
Why don't we turn the
Why don't we turn the leaf
Why don't we turn the [x2]
What you've done, what you've done you can't keep inside
By the end of the night I'll help you confide
Cause I can see, see your sad self
Cause I can see you're not being yourself
Cause usually you're down for it
Can't hold back a smile when you try for it
Yeah, usually you're down for it
Can't hold back a smile when you try for it
You're giving me the coldest stare,
Like you don't even know I'm here,
Why don't you let me sing?
Why don't you let me
Why don't you let me sing
Why don't you let me
You're giving me the coldest stare,
Like you don't even know I'm here,
Why don't you let me sing?
Why don't you let me
Why don't you let me sing
Why don't you let me [x2]
In this song, Lewis Watson sings about trying to connect with someone who seems distant and closed off. The first verse describes the frustration of trying to make plans with this person, who is not responsive and seems to always be elsewhere. The second verse hints that there may be something troubling them that they are keeping inside, and Watson offers to listen and help them open up. The chorus repeats the phrase "you're giving me the coldest stare" and begs the person to let Watson in, to "turn the leaf" and give him a chance to connect with them.
Throughout the song, Watson's voice is gentle and melancholic, highlighting the vulnerability and loneliness of the singer. The soft guitar and piano accompaniment add to this tone, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere. Overall, "Hold On" is a powerful and relatable song about the challenges of trying to connect with someone who is closed off and struggling.
Line by Line Meaning
How'd you mean
In what way are you trying to communicate?
What you mean you're not coming by
Why are you saying you can't come over?
I called you later and you were outside
When I tried to reach you later, you were out and about.
It always screams screams inside my head
I can never seem to quiet the constant noise inside my mind.
Curtains closed you'd be beside my head
If you were here, you'd be next to me with the curtains drawn.
You were always down for it
You used to always be willing to do this with me.
Get in this getaway and be running from it
Let's escape and try to forget our problems.
You're giving me the coldest stare,
Your expression towards me is completely unwelcoming.
Like you don't even know I'm here,
It's as if I'm not even present or I'm invisible to you.
Why don't we turn the leaf?
Can't we start fresh and move on?
What you've done, what you've done you can't keep inside
You can't continue to bottle up whatever you've done.
By the end of the night I'll help you confide
I'll listen and offer support if you choose to open up to me.
Cause I can see, see your sad self
I can easily recognize that you're feeling unhappy.
Cause usually you're down for it
You usually show enthusiasm and excitement towards this.
Can't hold back a smile when you try for it
It's evident that you enjoy this and can't help but smile.
Why don't you let me sing?
Can't you give me a chance to share my thoughts and feelings?
Why don't you let me sing
I'm asking for an opportunity to express myself more fully.
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pastel Pringles
"Holding On"
Bite my tongue, you wouldn't hear me anyway
Hold my nerve, while I wait for the fires to fade
I'm seeing every single word you don't say
But I feel like I've seen it all
How come every time you ask me to stay
You're halfway gone?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
And everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on, so tight it hurts
So why are we holding on?
Close my eyes
Am I slowly slipping away?
If I bide my time,
I'll get lost like a tear in the rain
How come every time you ask me to stay, you're halfway gone?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
Everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on so tight, it hurts
So why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
Everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on so tight it hurts, but I can't let you go
olafgoesraawr
the song, the video and the album are all absolutely top notch! great to see how far you've come x
(kudos for the funky shirt too)
ClassicalGas91
Most artists have like 3/4 really good songs on their album, but literally every single one of your songs are amazing!
Ambient Infinite Video AIV
I agree. Lewis Watson, you're separate from other artists (in many ways) -- and ahead of them. Your songs will catch up to the time we're in. It's happening as I write this, now. I hear "hit quality" in almost all of your songs. Keep at it. --Rocco
Ambient Infinite Video AIV
Excellent song and video. This is so well written and composed, Lewis. You can hear the "hit music quality" it has. So beautiful
Pastel Pringles
"Holding On"
Bite my tongue, you wouldn't hear me anyway
Hold my nerve, while I wait for the fires to fade
I'm seeing every single word you don't say
But I feel like I've seen it all
How come every time you ask me to stay
You're halfway gone?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
And everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on, so tight it hurts
So why are we holding on?
Close my eyes
Am I slowly slipping away?
If I bide my time,
I'll get lost like a tear in the rain
How come every time you ask me to stay, you're halfway gone?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
Everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on so tight, it hurts
So why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
Why are we holding on?
If this is the easy way out, then why am I finding it hard as hell?
I'm wide awake, waiting for sleep to steal my doubts
Everything we had rehearsed, has come back to haunt us but ten times worse
I'm holding on so tight it hurts, but I can't let you go
Ambient Infinite Video AIV
These lyrics are true genius. Incredibly poetic. You can feel the emotions and heartfelt pain within. Excellent writing.
Kate MacKenzie
This entire album is marvelous. Congratulations!!
bethbethbeth17
The lyrics of all his songs are just so so relatable its insane
charly jimenez
Fave song on the album. So proud of you, Lew! Xx
Tanzina Chowdhury
This is brilliant man. Just everything you produce never fails to amaze me.