Hold up
Tim Atlas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But they all felt the same
Need no combination
Not trying to get involved
Stick to protocol
Take me on a vacation
I don′t need a warning
There's no reason to avoid it
Your responsibility
So hold up
I never noticed you until you showed up
For a moment
I hold on
To all the reasons I should never show up
′Til you say hold up
Hold up
Like a hundred proof
Been high without a muse
I'm not intoxicated
'Cause I like to get involved
Offending rotocol
Take me out of rotation
I don′t need a warning
All the insecurity
There′s no reason to avoid it
Your responsibility
So let's hold up
I never noticed you until you showed up
For a moment
I hold on
To all the reasons I should never show up
′Til you say hold up
Like a forest, green
We never have to fade
So let's hold up
I never noticed you until you showed up
For a moment
I hold on
To all the reasons I should never show up
′Til you say hold up
Hold up
Hold up
In Tim Atlas's song Hold Up, the artist reflects on the dynamics of relationships and the importance of expressing oneself instead of playing games. The song starts with the line "We play the numbers game, but they all felt the same," which suggests that the singer has been trying to find a meaningful connection but has been unsuccessful due to the patterns they have been following. He expresses the desire to step out of this routine and go on a vacation without getting involved with someone just for the sake of it. A sense of insecurity seems to be at play when he says "I don't need a warning, all the insecurity. There's no reason to avoid it, your responsibility." These lines suggest that the singer is not looking for any signals to pursue a relationship; he just wants the other person to communicate their feelings in a straightforward way.
In the chorus, the singer admits that he never noticed the other person until they showed up, but he holds back from expressing his feelings until he hears the other person's thoughts. He says, "To all the reasons I should never show up until you say hold up," signifying that he is ready to take the leap, but only if the other person reciprocates the same level of interest. The lyrics, "Like a forest, green, we never have to fade," suggests that the singer sees a possibility of a long-lasting relationship if they communicate their intentions.
The song's overall message urges the listener to be open and honest about their feelings and desires in human interactions instead of playing games. It shows the importance of communication and highlights the impact it can have in finding a meaningful connection.
Line by Line Meaning
We play the numbers game
We are engaging in a calculated, superficial approach to dating and relationships.
But they all felt the same
Despite our efforts to find unique partners, everyone we date seems to be interchangeable and unremarkable.
Need no combination
We don't require any special or complex factors to be happy in a relationship.
Not trying to get involved
We don't want to get too emotionally invested or committed to anyone.
Stick to protocol
We consistently follow a set of rules or guidelines for dating and relationships.
Take me on a vacation
We want to escape our routine and have a carefree, enjoyable time with someone.
I don't need a warning
I am aware of the potential risks involved in this relationship, but I am choosing to proceed anyway.
All the insecurity
Despite my outward confidence, I am still plagued by doubts and fears about this relationship.
There is no reason to avoid it
I don't have any valid excuses or rational reasons to avoid this relationship, even though it might not be a perfect fit.
Your responsibility
It is up to you to take care of and respect our relationship, since I am already showing my interest and investment.
So hold up
Pause or wait for a moment, as I reflect on our relationship and its potential.
I never noticed you until you showed up
I didn't pay attention to you or realize your value until you entered my life.
For a moment
Only for a brief period of time, as I contemplate my feelings and thoughts about this relationship.
I hold on
I cling to my reservations and doubts, fearing the potential problems or downsides of this relationship.
To all the reasons I should never show up
I remind myself of all the excuses or fears why I shouldn't pursue this relationship or see you.
Til you say hold up
I need reassurance or encouragement from you to continue pursuing this relationship, despite my doubts or hesitations.
Like a hundred proof
Full strength or intensity, like a high-proof alcoholic beverage.
Been high without a muse
I have experienced elevated emotions or sensations, even without having a specific inspiration or source of creativity or passion.
I'm not intoxicated
I am not under the influence of any substances, but rather naturally drawn to the excitement and novelty of this relationship.
Cause I like to get involved
I am willing to take a risk and engage emotionally in this relationship, even if it doesn't fit my usual dating protocol.
Offending protocol
Ignoring or violating the usual rules or guidelines for dating and relationships, as we pursue a connection that feels unique and authentic.
Take me out of rotation
Remove me from the usual dating pool or cycle, as I am seeking something outside of the norm.
Like a forest, green
A metaphor for a lush, thriving environment or state of being, like our relationship.
We never have to fade
Our relationship can remain vibrant and alive, as long as we nurture and maintain it like a beautiful forest.
Hold up
A repeated refrain, calling for a pause or moment of reflection, as we navigate the uncertainties and excitement of our relationship.
Writer(s): Timothy Ferguson, Jesse Paul Barrera
Contributed by Levi R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.