Born in Oxford, England, Lewis grew up in a family of teachers with two brothers, an older brother named Tom and a twin brother named George. His passion for music began at the age of 13 when he started playing the guitar. However, it was only later, after joining his brothers' band, that he began singing. Lewis attended Bartholomew School in Eynsham and also worked as a 'dinner lady' at Cokethorpe School. At the age of 19, he moved to London to study at the London Centre of Contemporary Music.
Lewis initially started writing songs and performing under the moniker Rhys Lewis & the Relics. His talent caught the attention of Decca Records, which led to the release of his debut solo single, "Waking Up Without You," in late 2016. Over the next year, he released several successful singles, including "Be Your Man" and "Reason to Hate You," gaining millions of streams. Lewis embarked on tours with James TW and JP Cooper during this time.
In 2018, Lewis released his major-label debut, the Bad Timing EP, which further solidified his growing fan base. The EP showcased his soul and blues influences, with his distinctive singing style and guitar skills shining through. Lewis continued to release a string of successful singles in 2019, setting the stage for his debut album, Things I Chose to Remember, which was released in July 2020. The album stands out as it was recorded on analogue tape, a deliberate choice by Lewis to ensure meticulous attention to detail and clarity in the music.
Lewis draws inspiration from artists such as Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, whose lyrics resonated with him as a songwriter. He also cites influences from Led Zeppelin and Bill Withers, particularly the latter's song "Lean On Me."
His songwriting covers various aspects of his life, addressing topics such as the portrayal of men in the media, mental health, and personal relationships. Many of his songs revolve around themes of heartbreak, including "When Was The Last Time," "Be Your Man," and "Hurting." Lewis finds performing his song "No Right To Love You" particularly challenging due to its connection to a personal heartbreak, as it evokes intense emotions and memories associated with the breakup.
Hold On To Happiness
Rhys Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some kind of heaven in my hands
For so long
And I was busy making plans
Couldn't see the things I had
'Til they are all gone
Well so much has passed me by
And I didn't realize
So try 'til your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Well I miss talking late at night
Getting drunk on cheap red wine
Yeah, we were so close
So now I'm trying not to waste the untamed seconds of the day
'Cause I know
That so much can pass you by
You don't even realize
So try 'til your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
And treasure it while it lasts
'Cause you'll never get it back
Never get it back, no, no
And regrets can hurt the most
So when you got it don't let go
Don't let go
Just try 'til your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on to happiness
The song "Hold On To Happiness" by Rhys Lewis explores the theme of cherishing the joy and contentment that life has to offer. The lyrics reflect a realization of how easy it is to overlook the simple moments of happiness in our lives while being caught up in our plans and aspirations. The lines "Some kind of heaven in my hands for so long / I was busy making plans, couldn't see the things I had / 'Till they're all gone" emphasize the underlying message of the song. It's a reflection on missed opportunities and the importance of holding onto the fleeting moments of happiness.
The chorus encourages the listener to hold onto happiness until their dying breath because life is just a fleeting moment that can pass by quickly. The lyrics highlight the contrast between the transience of time and the lasting impact of holding onto happiness. The repetition of the phrase "hold on to happiness" serves as a reminder to prioritize and savor the joyful moments before they slip away.
Line by Line Meaning
It was golden looking back
Reflecting on the past, it was a time of pure happiness and beauty
Some kind of heaven in my hands for so long
I had a blissful and heavenly experience within my grasp for a significant period of time
I was busy making plans, couldn't see the things I had
I was too preoccupied with making future arrangements that I failed to appreciate the present gifts
'Till they're all gone
I didn't realize their worth until they were gone, lost forever
Well, so much has passed me by and I didn't realize
I've missed out on numerous opportunities and moments without even recognizing their significance
So try to your dying breath to hold on to happiness
Make every effort, even until your last breath, to cling onto moments of joy and contentment
'Cause life is just a moment and one day it's over
Life is fleeting, existing only for a brief period, and eventually comes to an end
And it's cruel how the time can pass, the deepest rivers move so fast
The passage of time can be merciless; it swiftly carries everything, even the most profound emotions, away
And life's just a moment, so know when it's golden
Life is transient, so it is crucial to recognize and cherish moments of extraordinary significance
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on to happiness
Don't let go of happiness, keep tightly grasping onto it
Well, I miss talking late at night
I yearn for the deep conversations we had during the late hours
Getting drunk on cheap red wine
We would indulge in the intoxicating effects of inexpensive red wine
Yeah, we were so close
Our connection was incredibly strong, and we were inseparable
So now I'm trying not to waste the untamed seconds of the day
Currently, I am putting effort into not squandering the unrestrained moments of each day
'Cause I know
Because I am aware
So much can pass you by, you don't even realize
Many significant experiences can slip away unnoticed, evading your awareness
And treasure, while it lasts 'cause you're never get it back
Value and appreciate something while you still have it because once it's gone, it can never be retrieved
Never get it back, no, no
Once it's lost, it can never be regained, absolutely not
And regrets can hurt the most
Feelings of remorse and sorrow can cause the greatest pain
So when you got it, don't let go, don't let go
Therefore, when you possess something valuable, don't relinquish your hold on it, don't release it
Just try to your dying breath to hold on to happiness
Make every effort, until your final breath, to retain your grip on moments of happiness
Hold on to happiness
Maintain a firm grasp on happiness, don't let it slip away
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rhys James Lewis, Simon Aldred
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dianaplugaru9293
lyrics:
It was golden looking back
Some kind of heaven in my hands
For so long
I was busy making plans
Couldn't see the things I had
'Till they are all gone
Well so much has passed me by
And I didn't realise
So try to your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Well I miss talking late at night
Getting drunk on cheap red wine
Yeah, we were so close
So now I'm trying not to waste the untamed seconds of the day
'Cause I know
So much can pass you by
You don't even realise
So try to your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Treasure it while it lasts
'Cause you're never get it back
Never get it back, no, no
And regrets can hurt the most
So when you got it
Don't let go
Don't let go
So try to your dying breath
To hold on to happiness
'Cause life's just a moment
And one day it's over
And it's cruel how the time can pass
The deepest rivers moves so fast
And life's just a moment
So know when it's golden
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on to happiness
Hold on to happiness
@mione134
The Resident brought me here. And I'm glad it did. This music is beautiful.
@sincerelyomaina
:)
@vijayabala5042
Same here
@zaroena
Me too!
@suparnahari8241
High five!
@seanmulhall8335
What a great show with great music
@LEvans-vg7sp
Just heard this played on The Resident and the lyrics stopped me in my tracks. I looked this up because this song is truly given to you by God. Especially after a year like 2020. Peace and blessings!
@marty6112
Just heard too from the resident
@perpetual08
I came from the resident too. It spoke volumes to me
@samwelclarence8561
Same