I’ve wasted all my tears/
Wasted all those years.

The narrator in Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years” describes a less-than-ideal relationship with his parents. It has led him to much heartache and tears. Whenever he thinks back about those times he cries…or tries to hold the tears in.

It sounds like his father was overbearing and his mom was non-existent in his life, which caused a lot of this pain later in his life. All the pain it is causing him is ruining him, but he is trying to hold on. But it is hard. A lifetime of wasted years and tears add up on one’s psyche.

The song’s vocals sound bluesy and deliver a unique take on the song. Hucknell’s lead vocals are very unique and quite high for a male singer. The emotion with which he delivers the words also makes this song special and add meaning. From his voice we can tell he is telling us something important to him, so we want to listen to the message. This is Simply Red’s best work.

Holdin Back The Years Lyrics

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

Songwriters: Mick Hucknall / Neil Moss