Hold Back the River

James Bay

About Hold Back the River

"Hold Back the River" is a song by the English singer-songwriter James Bay. It was released in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2014 by Republic Records as the second single from Bay's first studio album Chaos and the Calm (2015). The song was written by the Ivor Novello award winner Iain Archer with Bay and produced by Jacquire King. The song peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, after the success of "Let It Go", it was planned to go for adds on 27 September 2016, but it was cancelled.  


Year:
2015
3:58
1,255 
#4

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Tried to keep you close to me
But life got in between
Tried to square not being there
But think that I should have been

Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and see where you hide
Hold back the river, hold back

Once upon a different life
We rode our bikes into the sky
But now we call against the tide
Those distant days are flashing by

Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, hold back

Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and see where you hide
Hold back the river, hold back

Hold oho, oho
Oho, oho

Lonely water, lonely water, won't you let us wander
Let us hold each other
Lonely water, lonely water, won't you let us wander
Let us hold each other

Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, hold back

Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river, so I
Can stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, hold

Lonely water, lonely water, won't you let us wander
Let us hold each other
Lonely water, lonely water, won't you let us wander
Let us hold each other

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James Bay

James Bay (French: Baie James, Cree: Wînipekw) is a large body of water on the southern end of Hudson Bay in Canada. Both bodies of water extend from the Arctic Ocean, of which James Bay is the southernmost part. It borders the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Islands within the bay (the largest of which is Akimiski Island) are part of the Nunavut territory. Numerous waterways of the James Bay watershed have been modified with dams or diversion for several major hydroelectric projects. These waterways are also destinations for river-based recreation. Several communities are located near or alongside James Bay, including a number of Aboriginal Canadian communities, such as the Kashechewan First Nation and nine communities affiliated with the Cree of northern … more »

2 fans

Written by: Iain Denis Archer, James Michael Bay

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Hold Back the River" is a song by English singer-songwriter James Bay. It was released in the UK on 17 November 2014 through Republic Records as the second single from his debut studio album ‘Chaos and the Calm’ (2015).
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and also reached the top 10 in Ireland, Australia, Belgium, and New Zealand.
Song References
The song, as suggested by James Bay, subtly references the capriciousness of fame and its impact on personal relationships. It’s about trying to keep a grasp on things, as life speeds up around you.
Songwriters and Producers
"Hold Back the River" was written by James Bay and Iain Archer and was produced by Jacquire King.
Music Video
The music video for "Hold Back the River," directed by David Wilson and Christy Karacas, was released on 24 November 2014 and features Bay performing the song live on stage with his band.
Awards
The song was nominated for the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and won the 2016 Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work.
Commercial Success
"Hold Back the River" is certified multi-platinum in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and the US, indicating huge commercial success.
Acoustic Performance
James Bay also released an EP titled "Hold Back the River" which includes an acoustic version of the song. The acoustic rendition showcases his finger-picking guitar skills and raw vocal talent.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Hold Back the River," highlighting the song's popularity and influence. Notably, Ella Henderson performed her version in the BBC Live Lounge in 2015.
Live Performances
James Bay has performed "Hold Back the River" at some of the world's biggest music festivals and stages, including the international televised broadcast of the 2015 MTV European Music Awards.

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