The Holdup’s first EP was released in spring of 2007 and sold 1000 instant copies. Shortly after their EP’s success they were picked up and sponsored by Local Clothing Company Left Coast Boardwear and signed a record deal with the Independent label Dub Rock Records. Dub Rock Records quickly got to action and booked the band with national touring bands such as: The Dirty Heads, Rebelution, The B-Side Players, The B Foundation, Collie Buddz, and more.
With such songs as “Wildchild”, “Chronic Song” and the ever growing popular hit “Stay Gold”, the Holdup’s music is destined to be heard over airwaves and venues across the golden state. Combine surf rock melodies with ear catching lyrics and you get The Holdup, an energetic hardworking quintet that defines a unique style of California based dub rock music.
The Truth
The Holdup Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I barely believe what I see right here
Trying to keep the lies out of my mind
I never bother with cable
I guess I′ll miss all the bullshit this year
If I'm being honest that′s just fine
'Cause all these people talking got no proof
If they don′t wanna keep it straight up
Alright fasho then, I guess I won′t have a clue
Tell me what the difference is
How do I know who's really down
Tell me what it looks like when they′re lying
They try to make it simplistic
No shades of gray to figure out
It doesn't even look like they′ve been trying
Won't someone tell me the god damned truth
′Cause all these people talking got no proof
If they don't wanna keep it straight up
Alright fasho then, I guess I won't have a clue
So they fight, they fight and don′t know which is right
See it on the news when you′re getting home at night
Who's wrong, wrong, a broken record song
Why can′t we admit that we don't know and move along
′Cause I can't even have a conversation
Please don′t bring up politics and just stick to the basics
You don't have the facts and I don't think I have the patience
Every source of information that we have is tainted
Aside from the facts, opinions are broad
And that′s just some shit you can′t argue
I'd like to be right but it′s not looking good
And I don't wanna play the fool
Won′t someone tell me the god damned truth
'Cause all these people talking got no proof
If they don′t wanna keep it straight up
Alright fasho then, I guess I won't have a clue
The Holdup's song "The Truth" speaks about the difficulty in discerning what is true and what is not in a world filled with fake news and conflicting opinions. The singer expresses their frustration with the media and politicians for not providing clear and honest answers, and for giving simplified solutions to complex issues. The lyrics also touch on the singer's reluctance to engage in political conversations due to the overwhelming amount of biased information available.
The song highlights the importance of seeking out objective and factual information to form one's own opinions instead of relying on hearsay and popular beliefs. It also suggests that admitting to not knowing the truth is better than blindly accepting half-truths.
Overall, "The Truth" is a reflective and introspective song that encourages listeners to question the validity of their sources of information and think for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I never read the newspaper
I don't trust mainstream media.
I barely believe what I see right here
I only believe information that is directly in front of me.
Trying to keep the lies out of my mind
Avoiding false information is important to me.
I never bother with cable
I don't watch news channels on TV.
I guess I'll miss all the bullshit this year
I'm glad to avoid the constant stream of lies and misinformation in the media.
If I'm being honest that's just fine
I don't feel like I'm missing out by not consuming mainstream media.
Won't someone tell me the god damned truth
I'm frustrated with the lack of reliable information in society.
'Cause all these people talking got no proof
People often speak without any factual evidence to back up their claims.
If they don't wanna keep it straight up
If people aren't being honest with me...
Alright fasho then, I guess I won't have a clue
...then I won't be able to form an opinion or make a decision.
Tell me what the difference is
Help me understand how to distinguish truth from lies.
How do I know who's really down
How can I tell who is genuine and trustworthy?
Tell me what it looks like when they're lying
Help me recognize when someone is being dishonest.
They try to make it simplistic
People often present issues as black and white with no nuance.
No shades of gray to figure out
There are no complicated factors to consider in their view.
It doesn't even look like they've been trying
It seems like people are intentionally oversimplifying complex issues.
So they fight, they fight and don't know which is right
People argue with no real sense of what is true or correct.
See it on the news when you're getting home at night
The media perpetuates this senseless arguing by sensationalizing conflict.
Who's wrong, wrong, a broken record song
It feels like we keep having the same arguments over and over without any resolution.
Why can't we admit that we don't know and move along
We need to acknowledge when we don't have all the answers and focus on finding solutions.
'Cause I can't even have a conversation
I can't talk about politics without getting frustrated or angry.
Please don't bring up politics and just stick to the basics
I'd rather avoid discussing controversial topics to maintain peace in my relationships.
You don't have the facts and I don't think I have the patience
I don't have the energy to argue with someone who doesn't have a strong basis of information.
Every source of information that we have is tainted
I am aware that the media is not entirely reliable and therefore skeptical of all sources.
Aside from the facts, opinions are broad
Beyond indisputable facts, views on topics vary widely.
And that's just some shit you can't argue
You can't refute someone's subjective opinion, so it's not worth fighting about it.
I'd like to be right but it's not looking good
I want to believe that I understand the truth, but I don't have enough evidence to be confident.
And I don't wanna play the fool
I don't want to be deceived or misled, so I seek reliable information.
Writer(s): Michael Ryan Garmany, Grant Averill, Justin Phillip Kastner
Contributed by Zachary V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DJ
on Smell These Roses
Smell These Roses
The Holdup
Started every single sentence with remember when.
Never gonna get those frowns.
Used to wanna pray that it would never end.
But now I’d rather close my eyes.
When my friends hit me like one drink, anything,
Miss them too, but I’m busy so I say that I’m cool.
But I know they won’t stop till I say yes.
Shit, I don’t want to say yes tonight.
Trynna save some bread and move out,
Get a new couch, and a blender for the kitchen.
Looks like I’m going out now,
Heading downtown, and instead I’ll be wishing.
Everything could feel this good like, what about one more good night?
What about something better, when this all gets old?
So go…
Smell these roses one more time.
We ain’t gonna be here for that long.
Gotta move on at some point, even though it’s everything I know.
Oh, everything I know.
Oh.
Thank you mama for letting me stay home for a decade or two.
All that good karma, well, I promise that it’s gonna come back to you.
And my big head and my big brain ninny.
I got a lot of knowledge but my confidence is thinning.
I guess doing what you want is more like making a decision.
Maybe I’m just scared to make it and that’s why I’m always tripping.
I just wish that we could laugh inside, shit, every night.
But we got to go to class and work, guess that’s what’s right.
So I put my boots on and I slick back my hair.
Some coffee and I’m no longer tripping.
I try to ignore that life isn’t fair,
But, sometimes you still catch me wishing.
Everything could feel this good like, what about one more good night?
What about something better, when this all gets old?
So go…
Smell these roses one more time.
We ain’t gonna be here for that long.
Gotta move on at some point, even though it’s everything I know.
Oh, everything I know.
Oh.
Everything could feel this good like, what about one more good night?
What about something better, when this all gets old?
So go…
Smell these roses one more time.
We ain’t gonna be here for that long.
Gotta move on at some point, even though it’s everything I know.
Oh, everything I know.
Oh.