Paper Bird (Denver, Colorado) consists of: Sarah Anderson (vocals, cornet/trumpet), Esme Patterson (vocals), Genevieve Patterson (vocals), Tyler Archuletta (trombone), Caleb Summeril (banjo and harmonica), Paul Dehaven (guitar), Mark Anderson (percussion, typewriter) and Macon Terry (bass). The band's first album Anything Nameless and Joymaking is an eclectic mix of folk, Americana, jazz, and everything good in the world. Their latest (and fourth) release is Rooms (2013); difficult to pin, one might now describe them as Indie Folk/Baroque Pop.
Anna Kohlweis was born in 1984 and lives in Vienna, Austria. She has been making music under that name since 2005. Her debut album Peninsula was released on Vienna-based label Seayou Records in early 2006. Two years later, in February 2008, Seayou released the the follow-up Cryptozoology, highly acclaimed by the music press for its intimate approach and complex lyrics. Her third album Thaumatrope, building choirs out of multiple vocal layers and using field recordings as complex rhythms, was released in November, 2009. Paper Bird is a purely one-woman-band working within her self-set concepts, see her latest work under Squalloscope.
Hold it Down
Paper Bird Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold me now
Baby won't you hold it down
If you got no ticket, come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
I went walking around the world today
To know i'm not alone
I know I'm not alone
Hold it down
Hold me now
Baby won't you hold it down
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
If you're changing into someone new
Never looking back
Well open that door and walk on through
And you won't look back
Hold it down
Hold me now
Baby won't you hold it down
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
No more holes in my travelling shoes
Cause I'm moving on
Oh warning tide(?) There's nothing to lose
When you're moving on
To the people all around the world
They can hold it down
Every single man woman boys and girls
They can hold it down
Hold it down
Hold me now
Baby won't you hold it down
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
Hold it down
Hold me now
Baby won't you hold it down
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
And we'll hold it down
Now you've got that ticket see we'll see you around
And we'll hold it down.
The song "Hold It Down" by Paper Bird talks about finding a sense of security and belonging, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. The repeated plea to "hold it down" is a call to steady oneself, to anchor oneself to someone or something that provides support and stability. The singer has traveled far and wide, looking for a place where they feel they belong, where they are not alone. They encourage others to join them, regardless of whether or not they have a "ticket" or established place, assuring that they will "hold it down" together.
The second verse addresses the idea that change is inevitable; people often grow and evolve, leaving behind old versions of themselves. The singer acknowledges that this process can be scary and daunting, but encourages others to embrace it and move forward fearlessly. In the final verse, the message is broadened to include all people across the world, inviting everyone to find their place and hold it down together.
The song is built around a simple but catchy melody that utilizes acoustic guitar, banjo, and percussion to create a folksy, Americana sound. The vocals are shared by two female singers, who alternate between leading and harmonizing lines. Overall, the song conveys a positive message of community and resilience, encouraging listeners to find strength in themselves and each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold it down
Maintain stability and stay grounded
Hold me now
Embrace me in this moment of uncertainty
Baby won't you hold it down
Please help me stay balanced and secure
If you got no ticket, come on anyhow
Even if you're not prepared, join us anyways
And we'll hold it down
Together, we can support each other
I went walking around the world today
I explored the world in search of connection
To know I'm not alone
To reassure myself that others share my experiences
Got there and headed back the other way
Realized that I didn't need to go far to find what I was looking for
If you're changing into someone new
If you're transforming yourself and your life
Never looking back
Without hesitation or regret
Well open that door and walk on through
Take the next step in your journey
And you won't look back
You won't dwell on what you've left behind
No more holes in my travelling shoes
No more setbacks or obstacles on my path
Cause I'm moving on
I'm continuing to progress and evolve
Oh warning tide(?), there's nothing to lose
Despite potential dangers, there's no risk in moving forward
To the people all around the world
To everyone on this earth
They can hold it down
We can all support each other
Every single man woman boys and girls
Regardless of gender or age
If you've got no ticket come on anyhow
Don't let lack of preparation stop you from joining us
Now you've got that ticket see we'll see you around
Now that you've taken the leap, we'll support you and welcome you in
And we'll hold it down.
Together we'll maintain stability and groundedness
Contributed by Mateo L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.