Holding Back the Year
Lou Barlow Lyrics

Lou Barlow's song "Holding Back the Year" talks about the pain and struggle of a past relationship that was marked by an inevitable end due to their self-destructive tendencies. The lyrics express the singer's desire for closeness and tenderness with this person, but he knows they have too much baggage to carry forward into a healthy relationship. The first verse suggests that they were both cold to each other, with their sarcasm and mocking tone, but their connection was unique, maybe like a drop of gold. The chorus indicates that they were both trying to hold back the year, the past that was shadowing their future hopes, dreams, and possibilities.

The second verse reflects back to when the poison took its toll on them. She became paper-thin, and he turned wrinkly and old. The line "I held you back, grabbed you by the arm" implies that he wanted to save her from herself, but it also shows how he might have been too controlling and unsupportive of her struggles. Their relationship was driven by fear, not love anymore, and he regrets his role. The bridge shifts the focus to the present and how he wishes to fix things - roll down the window, or open yourself up, and wipe away my tear, show me some compassion.

The final verse talks about how they ended their toxic cycle by growing apart, and maybe they could find happiness separately. The metaphor of a kitten growing into a cat suggests growth and hope for a better future. The song's overall theme is about the human tendency to hold onto things that are no longer worth holding onto and how toxic relationships can be devastating to one's mental health.