Holding Back The years
The Cooltrane Quartet Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Holding back the years
Thinking of the fear I've had so long
When somebody hears
Listen to the fear that's gone
Strangled by the wishes of pater
Hoping for the arms of mater
Get to me the sooner or later
Holding back the years
Chance for me to escape from all I've known
Holding back the tears
Cause nothing here has grown
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
And 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

I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
Cause nothing ever could oh yeah

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





That's all I have today
It's all I have to say

Overall Meaning

The song Holding Back the Years by The Cooltrane Quartet describes a person reflecting on their past struggles and fears. The opening line “Holding back the years, thinking of the fear I’ve had so long” suggests that the person has been holding back their emotions for a long time, possibly due to fear. The next line “When somebody hears, listen to the fear that’s gone” shows that they are ready to let go of the fear and open up to someone else.


The lines “Strangled by the wishes of pater, hoping for the arms of mater” suggest that the person may have had difficult or absent relationships with their parents. They are holding back their tears and emotions because nothing has grown or improved in their life. They feel as though they have wasted their tears and years, and that nothing ever had the chance to be good. The repetition of “I’ll keep holding on” at the end of the song suggests that the person is determined to keep moving forward and holding onto hope, despite their struggles.


Overall, the song Holding Back the Years is a powerful commentary on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It speaks to the experience of many people who have struggled with their past and are trying to move forward with strength and determination.


Line by Line Meaning

Holding back the years
Suppressing and repressing one's emotions and thoughts, avoiding facing one's fears and doubts.


Thinking of the fear I've had so long
Reflecting on long-held fears that have paralyzed and restricted one's actions and choices.


When somebody hears
When someone listens and understands.


Listen to the fear that's gone
Pay attention to the fear that has already passed, no longer a constant presence.


Strangled by the wishes of pater
Feeling suffocated and stifled by the expectations and demands of one's father figure.


Hoping for the arms of mater
Longing for the nurturing and comforting embrace of one's mother figure.


Get to me the sooner or later
Reaching and affecting me eventually, either positively or negatively.


Chance for me to escape from all I've known
An opportunity to break free from one's familiar and confining environment and experiences.


Holding back the tears
Suppressing and controlling one's emotional pain and sadness.


Cause nothing here has grown
Because nothing has changed or progressed, leaving one unfulfilled and disillusioned.


I've wasted all my tears
Having shed so many tears in the past, with no positive outcomes to show for it.


Wasted all those years
Squandered precious time and opportunities because of one's fears and doubts.


And nothing had the chance to be good
All the potential for goodness and joy was never realized or fulfilled.


Nothing ever could yeah
Despite one's hopes and efforts, nothing ever came to fruition or improved.


I'll keep holding on
Continuing to endure and persevere through the pain and difficulties.


So tight
With great intensity and firmness, not willing to let go.


Holding, holding, holding
Repeating the same action of holding on, emphasizing the ongoing struggle.


That's all I have today
Concluding the reflection with a statement of having nothing else to share at the moment.


It's all I have to say
Acknowledging the limited scope and depth of one's expression and insight.




Writer(s): Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss

Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Michael Laky

Simply inspiring and wonderful !!!

Juan C. Guido

Increíble la interpretación !! Mis oídos lo les dan las gracias !

Mbali Mashazi

What a lovely song ❤❤

Alan Díaz

This quartet its incredible !!!

Aline Lombard

Perfect ❤❤❤

cuptain Marr-ell

Always a good way to relax.....jazz music.

Arlindo Reginaldo

Great song👌🎼

Lucas Mallmann

wow , amazing . I love trumpet !!!

Moacir

Bom gosto é tudo.

paolo zerbinati

fantastico

More Comments

More Versions