Release
Michael Nesmith Lyrics


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Please don't let fear
Hold back the tears
If you feel that's the way that it need be
Walking down halls
With echoing walls
The past looming small with new feelings

Time's on your side
Your conscience was guide
And he's gone, but perhaps it's for the better
For the stand that you made
With such courage displayed
Lets you laugh in the face of disaster

But now it's over and done
And your need for such boldness is gone
You're alone and you sigh
And you try not to cry
But if it's coming, just let it come

And don't let fear
Hold back the tears
If you feel that's the way that it need be
Walking down halls




With echoing walls
The past looming small

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Nesmith's song "Release" deal with the topic of letting go of past fears and emotions. Nesmith encourages the listener not to let fear control their emotions and to allow themselves to express their feelings freely. He acknowledges that walking through the halls of our past can be scary, but it's important to confront our emotions and allow ourselves to feel them fully.


Nesmith offers the perspective that often it's only through making bold and courageous stands that we can move past our fears. However, once we do this and make it through the difficult times, eventually our need for such boldness fades away. We may find ourselves alone, reflecting on those times and fighting not to cry, but Nesmith tells us that if the tears come, it's okay.


The song ends on the same refrain as the beginning, repeating the idea that we should not let fear hold us back from experiencing our emotions and continuing to move forward.


Overall, "Release" is a powerful message to embrace our emotions, face our fears, and allow ourselves to truly be present in the moment.


Line by Line Meaning

Please don't let fear
The listener is encouraged to not let fear hold them back.


Hold back the tears
The listener is encouraged to not suppress their emotions.


If you feel that's the way that it need be
If feeling emotional is necessary, then it's okay to express those emotions.


Walking down halls
The scene is set to a hallway.


With echoing walls
The hallway is spacious and empty, causing sounds to echo.


The past looming small with new feelings
The memories of the past are still there but they are becoming less prominent as new feelings take over.


Time's on your side
The passage of time is helpful to the situation at hand.


Your conscience was guide
Trusting one's conscience is important and helpful.


And he's gone, but perhaps it's for the better
Someone is gone, but it's possible that it's better for them to be gone from the situation.


For the stand that you made
The listener made a courageous decision or took a stand.


With such courage displayed
The decision made was a display of courage.


Lets you laugh in the face of disaster
The decision made allows for the listener to face a potential disaster with a laugh, meaning they have gained confidence in their decision making.


But now it's over and done
The situation has passed and is finished.


And your need for such boldness is gone
The courage that was necessary in the past is no longer required.


You're alone and you sigh
The listener is by themselves and feels the need to let out a sigh.


And you try not to cry
The listener is attempting to suppress their emotions.


But if it's coming, just let it come
If the emotions are going to be expressed, it's better to let them happen naturally.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL NESMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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