The Voice
The Hold Lyrics

The lyrics from The Hold's song "The Voice" paint a vivid picture of a complex relationship filled with themes of distance, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The opening lines, "Open your arms, Enter the sea, The ocean is cold, You will cope with it," evoke a sense of entering a new chapter or facing a challenge head-on. The symbolism of the sea as a vast and unpredictable force mirrors the uncertainty and discomfort that can come with change.

As the singer watches someone "swim far from the shore," there is a desire to join them but a fear of drowning, both literally and metaphorically. This could symbolize a longing to connect with the other person but also a fear of getting too emotionally invested or losing oneself in the relationship. The lines "From lacing your shoes, To wearing your coat, Memories make it harder, To stay afloat" suggest that memories of the past can weigh heavily on the present, making it difficult to move forward.

The shifting perspectives in the lyrics, where the singer addresses someone who may be younger or older, create a sense of confusion and disjointedness. The lines "If I am '93, Then you are '27, But I am twenty-eight, so you are ninety-four" play with the notion of age and identity, blurring the lines between past, present, and future. This could symbolize the ways in which memories and experiences shape our sense of self and our relationships with others.

The final lines of the song bring a sense of emotional climax, with the singer reflecting on a missed call from their mom and the realization that a departure or significant change is imminent. The poignant image of sailing away, combined with the mention of a voicemail and the phrase "Her tone," suggests a mix of longing, regret, and acceptance. Overall, "The Voice" by The Hold conveys a deep sense of introspection and emotional complexity, inviting listeners to reflect on the passage of time, the impact of memories, and the bittersweet nature of relationships and loss.