What started as two guys with strong voices and one guitar became San Francisco's Train by 1994. It was in late 1993 that Patrick Monahan left Erie, PA, and met up with the Los Angeles band, The Apostles. Lead singer/guitarist Rob Hotchkiss and fellow guitarist Jim Stafford had basically disbanded by this time, but the chance meeting with Patrick Monahan proved fortuitous, as Hotchkiss extended an invitation to the crooning Monahan to become a two-man band. After making exhaustive appearances in low-key coffeehouses, they decided to form a full band and enlisted former Apostles members Stafford and bassist Charlie Colin. Colin brought along his good friend, drummer Scott Underwood, and Train were on their way.
Train settled in San Francisco to develop their sound in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. In an unlikely scenario, executives from Columbia Records expressed an interest and, in a somewhat cooperative strategy, farmed the fledgling band out to the minors -- in this instance, Aware Records -- where they could grow naturally and unhurriedly. In 1997, they went on tour, opening for the likes of Blues Traveler, Barenaked Ladies, and Counting Crows. Train knew they had arrived when they sold out a performance at San Francisco's prestigious Fillmore venue. Their completed debut album was released the following year. Drops of Jupiter followed three years later, becoming a 2x Platinum hit on the back of its single of the same name. My Private Nation followed in 2003. Though the response was initially weak, the single "Get to Me" eventually caught fire, and Train had their latest Billboard chart hit. A holdover live album appeared in 2004 while the band returned to the studio to record My Private Nation's follow-up. The single "Cab" announced the band's return in late 2005, with the full-length For Me It's You following early the next year.
From November 2006, the band took a break from recording and touring to be with friends and family. Lead singer Pat Monahan released a solo album, Last of Seven, on September 18, 2007. The first single, "Her Eyes," was released in July.
On October 27, 2009, Train not only released proof that they were once again a band but also put their fifth studio album on the market, Save Me San Francisco. Dedicated to getting back to where they came from, the album revisited the roots rock sound that has made the band such a tour de force. The album is a tribute to the city that made them who they are today and pays homage to the city by the bay whom they owe so much.
The first single from Train's sixth studio album, "Drive By," was made available on iTunes on January 10, 2012, a week after Train played the halftime show at the 2012 Discover Orange Bowl in Miami. This upbeat pop/rock tune was the first song to be released from Train's sixth studio album. It was already familiar to some of their fans as the band had been performing the tune during their 2011 Summer Tour. Train's singles tend to gradually build momentum, but this song debuted at #60 on the Hot 100 in its first week as Triple A, hot AC, and pop radio all embraced the song with enthusiasm.
This album was followed by Bulletproof Picasso, Christmas in Tahoe, Train Does Led Zeppelin II, and A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat. Their album AM Gold was released on May 20, 2022.
http://savemesanfrancisco.com/
Holding Back The Years
Train Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
I'll keep holding on
Holding back the years
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Holding back the tears
'Cause nothing here has grown
Noo oh
I′ve wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could,
Oo oh
I′ll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I′ll keep holding on,
So tight
Yeah,
Alright,
O' yeah
How, wasted all my tears
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
′Cause nothing ever could
O' yeah
Ohhhh.
I′ll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I′ll keep holding on
Holding
Holding
Holding
Ohhhhh.a.lala lala lala...
I said
O′ yeah
It's all I have today
It′s all I have to say
The end.
The song "Holding Back the Years" by Train is a poignant reflection on the fear and regrets that come with holding onto the past. The lyrics speak to the way that fear can stunt personal growth and keep people trapped in unfulfilling and unhappy situations. The opening lines set the mood, suggesting that the singer has been haunted by fear for a long time. The line "strangled by the wishes of pater, hoping for the arms of mater" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the singer is still seeking the love and support they may have missed out on in childhood. These desires are holding them back, making it difficult for them to move forward.
The chorus also speaks to this theme of being stuck, with the repeated refrain "holding on" suggesting that the singer is struggling to let go of the past. They acknowledge that they have "wasted all those years" and that "nothing ever could" be good in the situation they are describing. However, they can't help but continue to "hold on" and hope for something more.
Overall, the song is a powerful exploration of the way that fear and regret can hold people back from living their lives to the fullest. It acknowledges the pain and difficulty of letting go of the past, but ultimately suggests that finding the courage to do so is the only way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Holding back the years
Reflecting on the past and how long the fear and struggles have been present.
Thinking of the fear I've had so long
Contemplating the long-standing emotions of fear that have been experienced.
When somebody hears
Seeking someone to lend an ear and provide a listening presence.
Listen to the fear that's gone
Encouraging someone to understand and empathize with the past fears and challenges.
Strangled by the wishes of pater
Feeling restricted and limited by the expectations and desires of one's father figure.
Hoping for the arms of mater
Desiring the comfort and support of one's mother figure.
Get to me the sooner or later
Anticipating that the emotional support and stability will arrive at some point.
I'll keep holding on
Refusing to give up or let go of hope and perseverance.
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Recognizing an opportunity to break away from the familiar and try something new.
Holding back the tears
Suppressing the sadness and grief that has accumulated.
'Cause nothing here has grown
Feeling stagnant and unfulfilled with one's current situation and surroundings.
I've wasted all my tears
Realizing that the tears shed in the past were not productive or beneficial.
Wasted all those years
Regretful of the time that has passed without change or improvement.
And nothing had the chance to be good
Reflecting on missed opportunities for growth and positivity.
Nothing ever could
Feeling hopeless and defeated about the potential for a better future.
I'll keep holding on, So tight
Reaffirming the commitment to perseverance and resilience.
Yeah, Alright, O' yeah
Expressing a positive attitude and hopeful outlook.
Holding, Holding, Holding
Repeating the word 'holding' to emphasize the importance of not giving up.
Ohhhhh.a.lala lala lala...
Adding a musical emphasis to the theme of holding on and pushing through.
It's all I have today
Acknowledging that the present moment is all that is currently available.
It's all I have to say
Expressing that the song's message of perseverance is the most important thing that the artist can communicate.
Writer(s): Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss
Contributed by Jayce E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jenn Babicke
I ABSOLUTELY HATE when singers cover classics because they botch whatever song it is… No offense to the original but TRAIN FU©️KING KILLED THIS SONG!!! I actually prefer this version over the original! It gives me the CHILLS everytime I listen to it! It boggles my mind that for YEARS I’ve searched high and low for this version and this video is literally the ONLY one out there! (And I’m talking about all music and streaming platforms!) Thank you for posting this!! 🥰🥰🥰
The Stereo Side Of The Moon
Hi and welcome to "The Moon" Jenn. My channel is directed at visitors with an open mind and set a of STEREO ears. I only post versions that tickle the senses and prompt responses like yours. This song has always been sacred to me, TRAIN have done a version that seems like Simply Red composed it soley for them !!! Much love and respect for you. Cheers.
Mike Aucott
Train you have done it again as noted here a cover that outdose the very great original.....just love what they have done to it ,subtle but great ,
Phil Newton-England
When a cover version is even better than the original......
Phil Newton-England
When social media asks "what cover versions are better than the original?" - I direct them here.
The Stereo Side Of The Moon
Hi Phil. Welcome to The Moon. HNY Moon traveler and I cherish your thoughts.
bellerophon30
Genius