Compared to Southern rock pioneers and label-mates The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker had a more country and western feel, with the flute being a key lead instrument in their sound. "Can't You See", "Fire on the Mountain", and "This Ol' Cowboy" are among their songs that received appreciable FM radio airplay, while "Heard It in a Love Song" made it to #14 as a single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.
Original bassist Tommy Caldwell died in a car crash on April 28, 1980. His brother, guitarist Toy Caldwell, died of respiratory failure on February 25, 1993.
There was no band member named "Marshall Tucker". Originally, the band called itself The Toy Factory (named after lead-guitarist Toy Caldwell). But by the time the band released its first album they had become the Marshall Tucker Band. During a radio interview in Hempstead, NY in 1973, Tommy Caldwell explained the origins of the band's name:
"There's an old blind dude [in Spartanburg, SC] that tunes pianos, and his name is Marshall Tucker... We didn't name the band after him, but we just kind of liked that name and stuck with it."
Holding on to You
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've tasted sweet
Seen bitter days draw a tear
I've been swept off my feet
Seems I've been here many times before
Every time I reached out
I couldn't unlock the door
I'm holding on
Holding on to things
That again will never be
And I'm always gonna hold on to you
I've seen some good timesv I've seen some bad
Been caught in situations
That left me oh, so sad
I'm holding on to things that used to be
Holding on to things that again can never be
And I'm always gonna hold on to you
I used to live my life
In late night dreams
Reality was hidden by the dark
It was an easy life it seemed
I'm holding on to things that used to be
Holding on to things that again will never be
And I'm always gonna hold on to you
The Marshall Tucker Band’s song “Holding on to You” tells a story of a person who has experienced both the good and bad times in life, but no matter what happens, they are always going to hold on to a past love. The first verse talks about how the person has had a range of experiences in life, from sour to sweet, from bitter to delightful. They have been swept off their feet, but they have also faced difficult times that caused them to shed tears. Despite all of this, it seems like they are stuck in a cycle of trying to reach out for something they cannot grasp. This is likely a metaphor for the person’s attempts to move on from the past and let go of the relationship, but they are finding it difficult to do so.
In the second verse, the person reflects on the fact that they have been through both good and bad times. They have been in situations that have left them feeling sad and defeated. However, despite all of these ups and downs, they are still holding on to something that can never be again. They are holding on to memories of a happier time when they were with their past love. The final verse reveals that the person used to live in a world of dreams, where reality was hidden and things were easy. However, they now find themselves trapped in the past, holding on to memories that they know they can’t have again.
Line by Line Meaning
I've tasted sour
I have experienced the unpleasant and bitter moments in life.
And I've tasted sweet
I have also experienced the sweet and joyful things that life has to offer.
Seen bitter days draw a tear
I have cried during difficult times that seemed unbearable.
I've been swept off my feet
I have been overpowered by strong emotions, whether good or bad.
Seems I've been here many times before
I've been through similar struggles before, and it feels like I keep coming back to the same place.
Every time I reached out
I couldn't unlock the door
I tried to make changes, but it always felt like I was making no progress or improvement.
I'm holding on
To things that used to be
I am clinging to past memories and times that are no longer possible.
Holding on to things
That again will never be
I am still holding onto things that cannot be restored or regained.
And I'm always gonna hold on to you
I will always cherish and treasure you, despite everything else that changes.
I've seen some good timesv I've seen some bad
I have experienced both joy and hardship in life.
Been caught in situations
That left me oh, so sad
I have been in difficult circumstances that have caused intense sadness and pain.
I used to live my life
In late night dreams
I used to spend my time dreaming and escaping reality at night.
Reality was hidden by the dark
It was an easy life it seemed
It seemed easier to hide from everyday life in my dreams, but it wasn't really living.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: GEORGE MCCORKLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joan 👍:‑X
Best way to start my evening with some one special to me to get ready for a incredible night with some great tunes....this is most definitely to the times I am grateful to be alive. .thank you guys...👍🎵🎶🎵🎶🤘❤️
Trent Hoebener
Love these guys every song is a hit right to the heart and soul
Trent Hoebener
Ain’t that the truth
Trent Hoebener
Yes sir
joan Jett
Once again I find myself listening to these amazing guys who have brought so much joy to my life..can never thank you enough guys..
David Hurst
Love long hard ride L.P had it in vinyl since 70s also on cd now so many good songs, even love the cover photo.
Peter De Cupis
the bass line is magnificent!! the perfect background for the wonderful melodic poetry of vocals and other instrumental parts
joan Jett
Always home in my heart and soul.,’
FC-2 Macdonald
I Love this L. P./Album. How about YOU?