holding back the years
Scott Tom Lyrics

The song "Holding Back The Years" by Simply Red's lead singer, Scott Tom, is a soulful and introspective track that delves into the pain and fear that has consumed the singer for a prolonged period of time. The first verse highlights how the singer has been chained and strangled by the wishes of his father, and has sought refuge from his mother's nurturing. The lyrics convey how he has been waiting for someone to come to his rescue, but no one has ever come. The singer has been holding onto his pain for so long, it is impossible for anyone else to understand it.

In the chorus, he declares his intention to keep holding onto his pain and never let go, as it has become such a vital part of who he is. In the second verse, the lyrics depict the singer's desire to leave everything he knows behind, even though it brings tears to his eyes. His sadness is due to never having the opportunity for good things to happen to him because he was always held back by his fear. The chorus once again emphasizes his determination to hold onto his pain.

The overall message of the song revolves around the struggle of holding on to something that brings immense pain but is also a part of our identity. The singer understands that he needs to confront his fears and let go of the past to move on with his life but finds it difficult as it has been holding him back for the majority of his life.