Holding Back the Years

Simply Red

About Holding Back the Years

"Holding Back the Years" is the seventh track on Simply Red's debut studio album Picture Book (1985). It remains their most successful single, having reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart. It is one of two Simply Red songs (the other being their cover of "If You Don't Know Me by Now") to reach number one in the US. It also reached number four on the Adult Contemporary chart. "Holding Back the Years" had initially been released in the UK the year before, reaching number 51. The song was nominated in the category of Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards. 


Year:
2008
4:11
79 
#1

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Holding back the years
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

Holding back the tears
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Holding back the tears
'Cause nothing here has grown
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
Nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could, yeah

I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on, so tight

Well I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
'Cause nothing ever could

I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on

Holding
Holding
Holding
Holding

I said

It's all I have today
It's all I have to say

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Simply Red

Simply Red were an English soul band that sold more than 50 million albums over a 25-year career. Their style drew influences from blue-eyed soul, New Romantic, rock, reggae and jazz. Since their early days the main driving force behind the band was singer Mick Hucknall, who by the time the band was disbanded in 2010 was the only original member left. At the 1992 and 1993 Brit Awards they received the award for Best British Group. more »

10 fans

Written by: Mick Hucknall, Neil Moss

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Release Information
"Holding Back the Years" was first released in the UK in 1985 by British band, Simply Red. A year later, it came out in the USA and quickly rose to success.
Chart Performance
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1986, making it Simply Red's most successful single in the US.
Song Composition
It was co-written by lead singer Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss, who was a member of Simply Red during its early days.
Album Information
"Holding Back the Years" is the seventh track on the band’s debut studio album, "Picture Book."
Meaning of Song
The song's lyrics were written by Hucknall and reflect on his troubled childhood, following the death of his father when he was only three and difficulties brought about by his mother's absence during his teen years.
Music Video
The music video for "Holding Back the Years" was directed by a famous British director, Andy Morahan. It features Hucknall under different roles, including a child wandering in the countryside and an older man traveling on a train.
Cover Versions
American jazz and pop singer, Etta James, covered this song for her 1993 album "Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday."
Song's Legacy
In 2006 and 2007, "Holding Back the Years" was used in two episodes of the American television series "Cold Case."
Awards and Nominations
The band received two Grammy nominations in 1987 for this song – Best Pop Performance by a duo or group and Song of the Year.
Rerecorded Version
A new version of "Holding Back the Years" was also included on Simply Red's 2008 studio album, "25: The Greatest Hits." This rerecorded version was done to commemorate their 25th anniversary.
Genre Classification
The song can be categorized under blue-eyed soul/pop, emphasizing Hucknall's soulful vocals.
Vocal Performance
Hucknall's poignant and emotional delivery in this song is often noted as one of his best vocal performances.
Sound Engineering
Renowned sound engineer, Barry Mraz, was credited for their sound recording, which played a significant role in the song's sonic appeal.
Commercial Success
Besides topping the charts in the U.S, the song also peaked at #2 in the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 20 in several other countries.

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    "Holding Back the Years Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15494764/Simply+Red/Holding+Back+the+Years>.

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    Holding Back the Years

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #1


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