Can't Keep Holding On
Second Image Lyrics


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When you saw me walking down the street
You pretended that you never noticed me
Won't you tell me what you trying to do?
'Cause you're never alone, I can't talk to you

You know the way I feel
But I won't take any more
I can't keep holding on
You know I can't keep holding on

When you reach you say you really care
But how can I believe that's what you mean?
I call when you say but you're not there
Well, a smile, it's my pose
But the pain still shows

You know the way I feel
But I won't take any more
I can't keep holding on
You know I can't keep holding on

I don't want to be guilty for talk any more
The way you act is wrong
Am I wasting my time if it's only a game
I've waited for too long

I can't keep holding on
You know I can't keep holding on

You know the way I feel
But I won't take any more
I can't keep holding on

Having conversations with your friends
And they told me lots of things I never knew
See, the hopes I had were all in vain
Because your love faded faster than it grew

You know the way I feel
But I won't take any more
I can't keep holding on
You know I can't keep holding on

Holding on, holding on
I can't keep holding on

Holding on, holding on
I can't keep holding on
Holding on, holding on
I can't keep holding on
Holding on, holding on
I can't keep holding on

You know the way I feel




But I won't take any more
I can't keep holding on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Second Image's song "Can't Keep Holding On" convey a sense of frustration and heartbreak in a relationship where the singer feels ignored and unimportant. The song begins with the singer encountering their partner on the street, and despite their presence, the partner pretends not to notice them. This action leaves the singer confused and questioning the intentions of their partner, who always seems to be surrounded by others and unavailable for conversation.


The singer expresses their feelings, admitting that they can no longer endure the pain and disappointment caused by the neglect in the relationship. They acknowledge that they have reached their breaking point and can no longer hold on to false hope. The repeated refrain of "I can't keep holding on" emphasizes their inability to continue tolerating the situation.


The second verse further explores the false promises of care and concern made by the partner. The singer questions the sincerity of their partner's words when their actions betray a lack of commitment. The pain caused by this mismatch between words and actions is evident, as the singer's smile hides the enduring agony they feel.


The chorus and subsequent verses continue to express the singer's frustration and desire for change. They no longer want to bear the guilt of engaging in futile conversations and question whether the relationship is merely a game for their partner. The singer wonders if their investment of time and emotions has been wasted in waiting for their partner to change.


Overall, "Can't Keep Holding On" tells the story of a narrator who has reached their limit in a relationship where they feel disregarded and manipulated. They recognize their own worth and decide that they can no longer endure the pain caused by their partner's actions.


Line by Line Meaning

When you saw me walking down the street
When you saw me, you pretended as if you had never noticed me before.


You pretended that you never noticed me
You acted like you had never seen me before, pretending to be unaware of my presence.


Won't you tell me what you trying to do?
Please, could you explain your intentions or motives to me?


'Cause you're never alone, I can't talk to you
Because you're always surrounded by others, I find it difficult to have a conversation with you.


You know the way I feel
You are aware of the emotions that I am experiencing.


But I won't take any more
However, I have reached my limit and will not tolerate it any longer.


I can't keep holding on
I cannot continue to hold on or remain attached to this situation.


When you reach you say you really care
When you make an effort to communicate with me, you claim that you truly care.


But how can I believe that's what you mean?
Yet, I struggle to trust if your words genuinely reflect your feelings.


I call when you say but you're not there
I reach out to you as promised, but you are not present or available.


Well, a smile, it's my pose
Although I wear a smile on my face, it is merely a faรงade or a pretense.


But the pain still shows
Nevertheless, the pain I feel is still evident and visible to others.


I don't want to be guilty for talk any more
I do not wish to carry the blame for engaging in conversations anymore.


The way you act is wrong
Your behavior is inappropriate or unjust.


Am I wasting my time if it's only a game
I wonder if I am investing my time fruitlessly if this is all just a game or a ruse.


I've waited for too long
I have been patient for an extended period, but it has become excessive.


Having conversations with your friends
Engaging in discussions with your acquaintances or companions.


And they told me lots of things I never knew
They revealed numerous details or information to me that I was previously unaware of.


See, the hopes I had were all in vain
You see, all the expectations I had were ultimately futile or unsuccessful.


Because your love faded faster than it grew
This is because your love for me diminished more rapidly than its initial development.


Holding on, holding on
Continuously gripping or grasping onto something.


I can't keep holding on
I am unable to persist in holding on, it is becoming too much.




Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Beresford Grant, Roy Carter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@SolarRadioFM

Second Image were one of the many underground BritFunk bands that got no airplay on mainstream radio or TV in Britain at the time.
Unless you listened to the Pirate radio stations you would probably would have never heard them at all. They were up there with the best of them. Big up Second Image and thanks for the memories.

@exceller187

I heard it when I worked at this NY club CeSoir back in the 80s. Played a lot of underground music

@johnbuss6926

Robbie Vincent radio London Saturday lunchtime show were the best ..just left school in 82 as the brit funk scene started ๐Ÿ˜Š

@alecduguid7270

I remember back in the day my brother used to know a couple of these guys.. "WOW " Brings back so many wonderful memories. Where are my old skool appreciaters at. ? ?

@exceller187

Present!!!

@alecduguid7270

@@exceller187 "RESPECT "

@MsCharlieBrown78

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this song!!

@lenardshaw6037

Ms charlie are you still posting songs if not get back Into the game you threw down as well ๐ŸŒ€๐Ÿ”ฅ

@andysculley8394

At the time this was bangin oh fila pierre cardin Fred Perry.. ya get me

@CC-jy4gr

if you love it so much why don't you marry it?

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