Sylvain Cossette (born May 8, 1963) is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Gr… Read Full Bio ↴Sylvain Cossette (born May 8, 1963) is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Grand-Mère, Mauricie, Quebec. Sylvain was a founding member of the Quebec-based English language band Paradox in 1984, before becoming a French language solo artist by 1994. During his career he has recorded several hit albums, won many Quebec Felix Music Awards and Juno nominations, and performed in Canada and Europe in the hit stage musicals Notre Dame De Paris & Dracula. His 2007 album "70s" (#1 Quebec, #2 Canada) is his first all English release and has so far produced three #1 hit singles and one #1 hit video. The album went Gold (50,000 CDs sold) in 27 days and Platinum (100,000 CDs sold) in 15 weeks. The 70s concert tour went Silver Ticket (25,000 tickets sold) in 3 months.

Hold The Line
Sylvain Cossette Lyrics

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Its not in the way that you hold me
It's not in the way you say you care
Its not in the way youve
Been treating my friends
Its not in the way that
You stayed till the end
Its not in the way you look or the
Things that you say that youll do

Hold the line, love isnt always on time
Oh oh oh
Hold the line, love isnt always on time
Oh oh oh

Its not in the words that you told me, girl
Its not in the way you say youre mine, ooh
Its not in the way that you came back to me
Its not in the way that your love set me free
Its not in the way you look or the
Things that you say that youll do

Its not in the words that you told me
Its not in the way you say youre mine, ooh
Its not in the way that you came back to me
Its not in the way that your love set me free
Its not in the way you look or the
Things that you say that youll do

Chorus - love isnt always on time

Hold the line, love isnt always on time
Love isnt always, love isnt always on time
Hold the line, love isnt always on time
Love isnt always on time

Love isnt always on time, love
Isnt always on time, oh oh oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sylvain Cossette's "Hold the Line" speak to the idea that love isn't always easy or predictable. The singer highlights different ways that his partner has shown affection or commitment, but ultimately concludes that it's "not in the way" of any of those things that makes him feel certain about their love. Instead, he asserts that "love isn't always on time" - that finding and maintaining a strong, lasting love involves a certain amount of patience and trust, as well as a willingness to hold on even when things get tough.

The repeated refrain of "hold the line" emphasizes this point, suggesting that the singer is urging himself (or perhaps his partner) to remain steadfast in the face of uncertainty or doubt. The song's lyrics don't specify what exactly is causing this uncertainty - perhaps there have been conflicts or breakups in the past, or perhaps the singer is simply aware that no relationship is ever entirely smooth sailing. But regardless of the specifics, the song's message is one of perseverance and faith in the power of love.

Line by Line Meaning

It's not in the way that you hold me
The way you physically hold me doesn't necessarily mean that you love me.

It's not in the way you say you care
Saying you care isn't enough to prove your love.

It's not in the way you've been treating my friends
Treating my friends well doesn't necessarily mean you love me or that we have a good relationship.

It's not in the way that you stayed till the end
Staying until the end doesn't prove love or loyalty.

It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you'll do
Love isn't just about physical appearance or empty promises and words.

Hold the line, love isn't always on time, oh oh oh
The singer is advising the listener to persevere and wait for love even if it doesn't always come at the right time.

It's not in the words that you told me, girl
Words can easily be empty, and just saying 'I love you' isn't always enough to prove it.

It's not in the way you say you're mine, ooh
Just claiming someone as yours doesn't make them love you or feel loved by you.

It's not in the way that you came back to me
Coming back to the person doesn't prove love or affection.

It's not in the way that your love set me free
Being set free from something doesn't necessarily mean that you are receiving love.

Hold the line, love isn't always on time (Love isn't always on time)
The song is repetitively reminding the listener that love doesn't always happen when we want it to but to stay hopeful.

Hold the line, love isn't always on time (love isn't always, love isn't always on time)
Another repetitive reminder that love isn't always on time.

Love isn't always on time
The central message of the song, that love doesn't always happen when we want it to and it's essential to persevere.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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