holding back the years
Star Lyrics


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Holding back the years,
Thinking of the fear I've had for so long.
When somebody hears,
Listen to the fear that's gone.
Strangled by the wishes of pater,
Hoping for the arm of mater,
Get to me sooner or later,
Nothing ever could, yeah.
I'll keep holding on,
I'll keep holding on,
I'll keep holding on,
I'll keep holding on.

Chance for me to escape from all I know.
Holding back the tears.
There's nothing here has grown.
I've wasted all my tears,
Wasted all those years.
Nothing had the chance to be good,

Nothing ever could, yeah.
I'll keep holding on,

I'll keep holding on,
I'll keep holding on,




I'll keep holding on
So tight.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Holding Back the Years" by Star touch upon themes of fear, longing, and the struggle to break free from one's past. The first verse sets the tone by describing the act of holding back emotions and reflecting on the fear that has haunted the individual for a significant period of time. The fear, which could be rooted in various experiences or traumas, has remained hidden away until now. The singer longs for someone to truly listen and understand the fear that has shaped their existence.


The second verse introduces a sense of being trapped and suffocated by the expectations or desires of one's parents. The lines "Strangled by the wishes of pater / Hoping for the arm of mater" suggest that the individual feels constrained by their father's wishes and longs for the comfort and support of their mother's embrace. The singer recognizes that these influences have been present throughout their life, and hopes for a change that could come either sooner or later.


In the chorus, the singer acknowledges that despite the emotional turmoil and difficulties they face, they will continue to hold on. The repetition of the phrase "I'll keep holding on" emphasizes the determination and resilience of the individual, even in the face of adversity. It implies a commitment to keep fighting and persevering, rather than giving in to despair.


In the closing lines, the singer starts to contemplate the possibility of a change or escape from the familiar and stagnant life they have known. The line "Chance for me to escape from all I know" suggests an opportunity to break free from the circumstances that have held them back. They acknowledge that nothing they have experienced thus far has given them a chance to truly thrive, but there is a glimmer of hope that things could be different in the future.


Overall, "Holding Back the Years" expresses the longing for understanding, the struggle against past fears and expectations, and the determination to keep holding on despite the challenges faced. It paints a poignant picture of an individual grappling with their past while seeking a brighter future.


Line by Line Meaning

Holding back the years
Suppressing and concealing the emotions and experiences of the past


Thinking of the fear I've had for so long
Reflecting on the long-standing anxieties and apprehensions


When somebody hears
When someone truly listens and understands


Listen to the fear that's gone
Pay attention to the fear that no longer exists


Strangled by the wishes of pater
Feeling emotionally suffocated by the expectations of the father figure


Hoping for the arm of mater
Yearning for the love and support of the mother figure


Get to me sooner or later
Ultimately affecting and influencing me


Nothing ever could, yeah
No external factor or circumstance could change this


I'll keep holding on
I will continue to persevere


Chance for me to escape from all I know
An opportunity for me to break free from my familiar surroundings


Holding back the tears
Suppressing the overwhelming emotions


There's nothing here has grown
Nothing in this situation has developed or improved


I've wasted all my tears
I have expended all my emotional energy on fruitless endeavors


Wasted all those years
Ineffectually spent all that time


Nothing had the chance to be good
Opportunities were not given a fair chance to flourish


I'll keep holding on
I will persist and endure


I'll keep holding on
I will continue to stay resilient


I'll keep holding on
I will maintain my determination


I'll keep holding on
I will retain my grip on hope


So tight
With immense strength and conviction




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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