I went to the Blackpool Opera House with my Mum when I was a teenager. Nobody would go with her to see Simply Red, so I volunteered. That was twenty five years ago and now that my Mum has been gone a year Simply Red is really our music.
In Jamaica we call this a Big Big tune!! One of the greatest songs ever recorded......was only 10 when I first heard it....3×10 and I'm still holding on...
I work listening to music from the 70s and 80s, and this one stops me in my tracks, EVERY time! Incredible. Brings back so many memories when life didn't seem so complicated. Miss those days . . . .
This song is like a knife cutting through my heart. everytime i hear it. It is so hard when you here songs like this and youre struggling through life.
Song makes me cry. I been through so much as a kid. Now i hate that ive made so many bad decisions as a adult. I gotta work hard and get my life together
It really tugs on the heart two ways - sadness, but heartwarming. I like that. Every so often I turn to this song because it sends me back to the time I heard it. Music is truly magical - it takes you where you want to be.
This song makes me cry like a baby but makes me wanna keep holding on for my son I’m a single mom who’s struggling with mental illness and dark thoughts and my life is all out of shape and everyday it seems nothing goes right or gets better and I think like why can’t I just go to a better place but then I think about my son but I was on RUclips just up couldn’t sleep doing applications and praying and this song came on I’m sorry to write my long story
Karyn please hold on and try to be strong. Pray that God gives you the strength to overcome these trying times that you are going through. I will pray for you and your son. Things will get better. Don't give up🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dear Karyn ... Life is deeper than any challenge. Do not ever give up, never. The challenge is just a test of your persistence, will, faith. I do Yoga therapy with people who have various mental challenges and the results are great. If I can help you in any way, leave a message ... an e-mail address and I'll send you a program I'm doing with people here in England. Of course, everything is free. I don't sell anything....
Just keep on going and give that son everything you have...your soul will grow. Fear is your greatest enemy and your greatest teacher. You will not be unhappy forever.
I hear ya. Its funny how I am now reflecting on all the music of my youth (late 70s & 80s) and discovering how great the artists and songs really were.
superb soulful heartrending song that tells all our amazing ly short stories on this fuckingly amazing and lost blue saphire in the galaxy Thanks for the music SR thanks for father figure MG we will miss you God this year is just overwhelming ...so much loss
If you could only save one Simply Red song (and they've made loads of greats) this is the one that it would be cruel to discard. It's Grammy level, absolutely.
:-P "Who gives a fuck about a goddamn Grammy?" - Public Enemy. They have a point (music industry is corrupt and conformist, not revolutionary). Yet YOU have a point, too, as does the song. :-) I wish for a world where the popular culture ups its game again, to reflect GOOD ART (meaningful, spiritual-level art). Not this worthless, destructive materialism and fear. Mid-late 1990s was a peak in some senses. The 1980s had some great artists, too. In ALL genres (I like a lot of metal, for example and Metallica in the 1980s were a popular force, of the people, for the people, telling it how it was and not corrupt - then came MTV in 1989). Things have gotten bad since 2000s. 9/11 has a lot to answer for in making people conformist due to fear and surveillance (which is why the powers that be did it - to force negative change, the despicable fuckers). Good art is revolutionary in the face of that negativity.
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
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 meet her sooner or later I'll keep holding on I'll keep holding on Holding back the years Chance for me escape from all I've known Holding back the tears Cause nothing here has grown I've wasted all my tears Wasted all those years And nothing had the chance to be good Nothing ever could I'll keep holding on I'll keep holding on I'll keep holding on I'll keep holding on That's all I have today That's all I have to say
I remember me and my wife got into a argument, I took a drive to cool off and I hread this song on the radio. I had too apologize to her, this song is deep, it touched the soul
That's the stuff that makes a marriage work it's a give and take encounter, My wife and I are going on 37 years together and it only gets better when you can agree to disagree
My dad used to play simply red, wet wet wet and billy idol non stop in the car when I was a boy everywhere we went.Now 20 years later I still remember all the words to all their bloody music
This is true! You know a song is great when thugs on the corner know it and sing it. LOL. It has crossed over in areas that aren't even talked about! AND, it has lasting power - 2017 I'm still listening to it.
To my adored son; Losing you took the roar out of my lion heart, the sun out of my sky...I am not capable of understanding why you were taken away so young, I cannot express to the universe enough how meaningful, amazing and good you were, now everyday is cruel...it’s brutal, your absence is like an elephant on my chest...I miss you, Oh god, I miss you so much! I have accepted life gets no better than the 20 amazing years, I was blessed with you. I promise to honor your life and one day sweet boy, I will hold you again...I know you are with me because I wouldn’t still be here if you weren’t. Lifetimes of Love...Mom💔 •Kyle David StrIckland• 6/17/97~1/21/18 ...you used to beg me to stop singing this song in my high pitch aggravating singing, the memories are bittersweet...every thing has a nostalgia of you...😢
So sorry for your lost. Can't even begin to understand your pain. May God give you comfort, strength and blessing you abundantly. You will be in my prayers.
It’s amazing that a song so soulful and beautiful was inspired by an experience so heartbreaking. However, it’s good to know that the singer keeps holding on, despite the heartbreaking event.
Nostalgic as fuck that trumpet solo is like its filtering out of a smokey sleazy bar down some steps on a dark night with the faulty flashing red budwiser sign outside kinda vibes this gives me...
Just one of those songs where you just completely focus all you have to make it right in life. Through all the bad and good,it always remains the same.Keep holding on,I know I will be.2018 still listening.
Holding Back the Years Simply Red 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
This song was sad and hopeful all at the same time. He never gave up. When listening to this song it really makes you think how did this really happen. Will always jam this one and the music is so lovely.
This was my all time favorite in the early 80s, spoke to me deeply. Best voice of the decade, for sure. It's a real shame there are no songs like this anymore.
I totally agree. The music that we love reminds us of different periods in our lives. Memories of going to achool, college, and raising our children. It reminds us of birth and when we have lost those we have loved through death. My oldest daughter was born when this came out. She remembers me singing to her. I love this song.
I wonder how many of you who commented have shared this song (and other 80s music), with the teens of today? It would be ashame if you deny them a chance to enjoy what music was like when we were young.
He has such an amazing voice 😍 I grew up off of this song . Hits home when you’re going through things ... this song brings me back to love and basketball though 😊😊😊
I am a music lover, the real deal. My taste rang from Tupac, Taylor Swift everyone in between depending on the song. I can state without reservation this one of the most soulful songs I have ever heard.
I went to the Blackpool Opera House with my Mum when I was a teenager. Nobody would go with her to see Simply Red, so I volunteered. That was twenty five years ago and now that my Mum has been gone a year Simply Red is really our music.
This song is as smooth as glass. Close your eyes lay back and remember someone special.
Songs like this remind me that once upon a time music was real and the world was a beautiful place ♥️
In Jamaica we call this a Big Big tune!! One of the greatest songs ever recorded......was only 10 when I first heard it....3×10 and I'm still holding on...
I'm an old man now, all my life I've liked this song. It is so flowing. Everything else is not.
I work listening to music from the 70s and 80s, and this one stops me in my tracks, EVERY time! Incredible. Brings back so many memories when life didn't seem so complicated. Miss those days . . . .
This guys voice is incredible, piercing.
A timeless classic. It's like an old time best friend, you only meet every now and again but nothing ever changes.
I miss the 80s. Was a way different time then... ❤️
That blue eyed soul is nothing but the truth. I love this jam! 😍
As long as songs like this exist, I'LL KEEP HOLDIN ON!!!
exactly
Still,,,
Bernice Miller yes
Bernice Miller
Amen baby
This is what you call real music it will be on my playlist for ever
This song never gets old.
I wish that someone could turn back time as I wish these times could go back. I loved them!
One of the greatest ballads of all time.
This song still brings tears to my eyes. One of my favorite songs in the world.
I was born in 78 and this makes me think of my early years. When my whole family was around and would gather for Christmas good times 😥
Holding back the years..... I wasted all my tears, wasted all those years, nothing had the chance to be good...
what a reality to face...
I categorize this song under blues-pop. Simple tune packed with genuine emotion.
I love your response. We can put beautiful music around those words,but there's still a lot of pain behind them.
agnesenid it's definitely not a hole you climb out of quickly...
U can't define art
Chris Krajewski I agree but I have to add this song to the Soul category also, feel me?
This song is like a knife cutting through my heart. everytime i hear it. It is so hard when you here songs like this and youre struggling through life.
ryan pelaez, I'm sorry for u, but continue to hold on... it'll get better 😘😃.
Qué viva Uber, dejen laburar
hold on buddy
Truth. I hope it gets better for you, dear. Just keep on going.
You got this 💪Keep holding on 🙏💜
I can feel the emotions in this song on my skin. God, the talent.
This is one of THE great vocal performances...period.
A great classic.....
could not agree more, what a voice, what a gem!
Maravilhoso
Bloody right. Talk about pouring your heart into a performance!!! Bless u Mick.
Tyler Burns with out a dout
Song makes me cry. I been through so much as a kid. Now i hate that ive made so many bad decisions as a adult. I gotta work hard and get my life together
My jam! My daughter was born the year this dropped. I used to sing it to her as a baby. Soulful and senuous. What happened to music like this?
+Deborah Garner-Moore it's called extinction.
The corrupt music industry destroyed this kind of music
Some songs never get old. What a classic!
Oh now here's a classic. Yes Sir!
Quincy Jones rated this song as one of the best for the year.
yes it is
JUST SIMPLY TIMELESS
back when we didn't care who sung the music it just hit are souls!!🔥🔥🔥
It really tugs on the heart two ways - sadness, but heartwarming. I like that. Every so often I turn to this song because it sends me back to the time I heard it. Music is truly magical - it takes you where you want to be.
One of my absolute favorite 80s songs of all time!
Reminds me of growing up in the 80s ,damn i miss those days
The 80s were the time to grow up in. MTV and all these wonderful groups.
I.m old and alone now I wasn't always this broken down old man reminds me of better times
This song makes me cry like a baby but makes me wanna keep holding on for my son I’m a single mom who’s struggling with mental illness and dark thoughts and my life is all out of shape and everyday it seems nothing goes right or gets better and I think like why can’t I just go to a better place but then I think about my son but I was on RUclips just up couldn’t sleep doing applications and praying and this song came on I’m sorry to write my long story
Karyn Neal , I hope you find happiness. Enjoy the special time you have with your son
Karyn please hold on and try to be strong. Pray that God gives you the strength to overcome these trying times that you are going through. I will pray for you and your son. Things will get better. Don't give up🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Dear Karyn ... Life is deeper than any challenge. Do not ever give up, never. The challenge is just a test of your persistence, will, faith. I do Yoga therapy with people who have various mental challenges and the results are great. If I can help you in any way, leave a message ... an e-mail address and I'll send you a program I'm doing with people here in England. Of course, everything is free. I don't sell anything....
Bless you Karyn. You and your son are worth everything...
Just keep on going and give that son everything you have...your soul will grow.
Fear is your greatest enemy and your greatest teacher.
You will not be unhappy forever.
The soul of this song is filled with beauty, hope, nostalgia, reflection, regret and renewal.
THESE LYRICS TELL MY LIFES LOVE STORY!!!!!! ALL THOSE WASTED YEARS!!!!!!!!!!
Just think he was only 17 when he wrote such a soulful song.
Brilliant song! Takes me back to my youth.being a teenager in the 80s was awesome
Now THIS is actual singing!! Would the 21st century please take note?
80s classic, what a voice
I was born in 83.... And through the grace of God.... After all these years I'm holding on.
Dear Lord I honestly forgot how F'ing BEAUTIFUL this song is/STILL IS!
I'm in awe of this creation more right now than hearing it in 1987 TOO!
John Erkman Luba singing No more words is almost as great. Such a touching song
I hear ya. Its funny how I am now reflecting on all the music of my youth (late 70s & 80s) and discovering how great the artists and songs really were.
superb soulful heartrending song that tells all our amazing ly short stories on this fuckingly amazing and lost blue saphire in the galaxy Thanks for the music SR thanks for father figure MG we will miss you God this year is just overwhelming ...so much loss
people....this is what we call music, I declare!!
Not all songs are created equal.
This is the ATOMIC BOMB of songs.
That trumpet solo is so mesmerizing
Just beautiful! This song deserved the Grammys.
absolutely
If you could only save one Simply Red song (and they've made loads of greats) this is the one that it would be cruel to discard. It's Grammy level, absolutely.
:)
:-P "Who gives a fuck about a goddamn Grammy?" - Public Enemy. They have a point (music industry is corrupt and conformist, not revolutionary). Yet YOU have a point, too, as does the song. :-) I wish for a world where the popular culture ups its game again, to reflect GOOD ART (meaningful, spiritual-level art). Not this worthless, destructive materialism and fear. Mid-late 1990s was a peak in some senses. The 1980s had some great artists, too. In ALL genres (I like a lot of metal, for example and Metallica in the 1980s were a popular force, of the people, for the people, telling it how it was and not corrupt - then came MTV in 1989). Things have gotten bad since 2000s. 9/11 has a lot to answer for in making people conformist due to fear and surveillance (which is why the powers that be did it - to force negative change, the despicable fuckers). Good art is revolutionary in the face of that negativity.
Nik it was on the 80s billboard
Hucknells voice is from another world!!!
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
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 meet her sooner or later
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
Holding back the years
Chance for me escape from all I've known
Holding back the tears
Cause nothing here has grown
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
That's all I have today
That's all I have to say
+Alan Francisco Who is Pater and Mater?
Whos pater and mater?
thank you for the lyrics
that's real bro you said it right
Alan Francisco
Even in 2018 one of the greatest songs ever. Can I get a Amen?
Amen!
After thirty years of hearing this beautiful song, I can relate completely. Thanks, Simply Red...
What a gorgeous, gorgeous song and a fantastic voice
I remember me and my wife got into a argument, I took a drive to cool off and I hread this song on the radio. I had too apologize to her, this song is deep, it touched the soul
That's the stuff that makes a marriage work it's a give and take encounter, My wife and I are going on 37 years together and it only gets better when you can agree to disagree
Yes! Tune
All this time on the radio I thought it was a black man singing this🤧but like wow it’s this guy this little red headed boy has SOUL❤️👏
My favorite song ever written right here. It has so much meaning cause through all the wasted tears and wasted years I just kept on holding on
His voice is Soo beautiful.
People really took a dislike to this guy but man he knocked out some beautiful tracks. This one is stunning.
Speak for yourself I think he's great
No he's right mick had his critics but you can't beat this tallant
One of the best soul tracks to ever come out of the UK. True Classic !!!
Simply Red has alway's been ground breaking and aheaad of the times. He wrote this song when he was 18.
Phillip Smith Simply Red is the band's name, the singer is Mick Hucknall.
Thanks
Phillip Smith I heard he was 16yrs old when he started writing this!!??
Yes this is grown folks music
But he looks like 35 or 40 singing it. Look at his neck.
Who hear has shed a tear from this wonderful masterpiece...i know i have
My dad used to play simply red, wet wet wet and billy idol non stop in the car when I was a boy everywhere we went.Now 20 years later I still remember all the words to all their bloody music
It´s my story too. ahahahahhah :)
Respect to your Dad.
Charly85 that's exactly how I feel
Theres worse to have to listen to.....im still brainwashed with friggin westlife and steps from my childminder....
This one hits you hard.
one of the most beautifulest songs ever
Vivian Martin Very True.
Wow Vivian, new word and imaginative spelling. Well done!
and one of the most romanticalist too
Yes Vivian.
Where are the boys now guys?
This song will never retire
Damn, powerful music like this is unthinkable these days.
***** That's kind of what I meant yeah.
MrEnjoyBeats Not true. Check out Michael Kiwanuka. It's there, man. It's just supressed in favor of crappy pop music.
MrEnjoyBeats Sad, isn't it?
+MrEnjoyBeats wish i said that
Steve McKinley Why ?
This song is timeless. Describes my relationship right now. I've been holding on to these tears for so long and it's time to let go!
This will never get old.
Holding back the tears
One of the best songs ever made!
This is true! You know a song is great when thugs on the corner know it and sing it. LOL. It has crossed over in areas that aren't even talked about! AND, it has lasting power - 2017 I'm still listening to it.
Ramona I agree
Ramona
Ramona Yasssssss
Appreciated
Mum is dying and this song kills me , always make peace with your parents , especially MUM XX
To my adored son;
Losing you took the roar out of my lion heart, the sun out of my sky...I am not capable of understanding why you were taken away so young, I cannot express to the universe enough how meaningful, amazing and good you were, now everyday is cruel...it’s brutal, your absence is like an elephant on my chest...I miss you, Oh god, I miss you so much!
I have accepted life gets no better than the 20 amazing years, I was blessed with you. I promise to honor your life and one day sweet boy, I will hold you again...I know you are with me because I wouldn’t still be here if you weren’t. Lifetimes of Love...Mom💔
•Kyle David StrIckland•
6/17/97~1/21/18
...you used to beg me to stop singing this song in my high pitch aggravating singing, the memories are bittersweet...every thing has a nostalgia of you...😢
God bless
So sorry for your lost. Can't even begin to understand your pain. May God give you comfort, strength and blessing you abundantly. You will be in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss
😥
This song will always be in heart it has a true meaning!!
It’s amazing that a song so soulful and beautiful was inspired by an experience so heartbreaking. However, it’s good to know that the singer keeps holding on, despite the heartbreaking event.
thanks Mick for all!
Who the fuck could dislike this song, it's a classic........
i so agree
As of today, 3,331 of 'em. Not me though...
Definitely!!!
Redro1982 don't you know how to set an example? Do you really have to use bad vulgar language.
Redro1982 yes my favorite
Nostalgic as fuck that trumpet solo is like its filtering out of a smokey sleazy bar down some steps on a dark night with the faulty flashing red budwiser sign outside kinda vibes this gives me...
I could put this song on repeat for about 2 days.
Just one of those songs where you just completely focus all you have to make it right in life. Through all the bad and good,it always remains the same.Keep holding on,I know I will be.2018 still listening.
A magical voice this song still rocks even today.
Holding Back the Years
Simply Red
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
This is music, not the trash, sex, drug music there is today. Simply Red kept it simple.
Have loved this song, and "Simply Red " since I first heard it on the radio in the 1980's.. So beautiful and full of soul.
Hello Angie, I am Luana. I Know You. I was Michael Jackson's fan.
This song was sad and hopeful all at the same time. He never gave up. When listening to this song it really makes you think how did this really happen. Will always jam this one and the music is so lovely.
Beautiful song. Need to come back with the 80s music. Great time.
This was my all time favorite in the early 80s, spoke to me deeply. Best voice of the decade, for sure. It's a real shame there are no songs like this anymore.
my fave song of that century ..I have none this century ..what a dreamy voice
I agree
It's amazing when you realize why you subconsciously love a song so much
subconsciously for 30 years....
musiw
Jtapia031 Special song to many of us that can relate 30 years later such great memories and the song still relates BEAUTIFUL
Jtapia031 you live with it regarding music 😆
I totally agree. The music that we love reminds us of different periods in our lives. Memories of going to achool, college, and raising our children. It reminds us of birth and when we have lost those we have loved through death. My oldest daughter was born when this came out. She remembers me singing to her. I love this song.
Yessssss my jam !
Tasha Renee
I've always been a sucker for a good melancholy song, Perfect for reflection.
At My age 50 plus I'll hold the years back and stay 50 plus, classic song
Just let yourself fall into the music and words, so very sad, but at the same time so uplifting. No music like this today.
simply the best, the way he uses his vocals in this song so smooth and the music too. simply red isa great singer,
This is a unique jam-soulful,somewhat sad,yet uplifting as well. It's like a fine wine-it gets better with time.😌🍷🕘🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶👍
One of My ALL TIME favorite songs! I simply love it! 😍
This is a great, great tune and Mick Hucknall is on fine form.
this song is timeless, and as time gos by it just gets better and better.
I wonder how many of you who commented have shared this song (and other 80s music), with the teens of today?
It would be ashame if you deny them a chance to enjoy what music was like when we were young.
É impossível não viajar com uma lenda dessa!! Wow!!!!!! Linda demais!!!
After all these years I still love this song and video!! "Nothing ever had the chance to be good,cause nothing ever could. I keep holding on!!"
Me too Estella :) Life runs out eventually.
I Love you __
Blue Rodeo
Estella Cohen good for u you
Estella Cohen Very True.
32+ years ago now, and it still holds up.
I love this song....brings back so many memories.
Same here. Summer of 1986..This song touched my soul
He has such an amazing voice 😍 I grew up off of this song . Hits home when you’re going through things ... this song brings me back to love and basketball though 😊😊😊
I am a music lover, the real deal. My taste rang from Tupac, Taylor Swift everyone in between depending on the song. I can state without reservation this one of the most soulful songs I have ever heard.
Debilane23 I
Same here. Cheers to great taste in music
what do you think about short people??