Behind the song: ''Holding Back the Years'' by Simply Red

7/12/2020

''I wrote the song in 1978, while I was a teenager. At art school, a teacher said: “The best paintings are when you get lost in a piece of work and start painting in a stream of consciousness.” I wanted to do music, not art, so started writing lyrics that way.'' - Mick Hucknall

''It’s about that moment where you know you have to leave home and make your mark, but the outside world is scary. So you’re holding back the years.'' - Mick Hucknall

''My mum left when I was three and my dad never remarried. After ''Holding Back the Years'' became a hit, my mum tracked me down, but I thought: “My dad was there every day. Cooked my meals, wiped my arse and where were you? You think you can walk back into my life and it be OK?” My seeing her was making my dad unhappy. I realised that there was no future in it.'' - Mick Hucknall

13 Comments

April

10/11/2020 09:20:38 pm

I love these songs! I understand.

B.A.art

10/12/2020 02:10:58 am

Fantastic explanation. Just the way I feel doing my art

Marie Rose

10/13/2020 11:20:43 am

That song reach me so deep

David

10/13/2020 02:24:26 pm

This song is 35 years old and crushes my spirit the same way it did the first time I heard it on the radio.

Jeff

10/13/2020 09:03:32 pm

This song resonates on so many personal levels for me, it’s simply brilliant

Lizzie

10/14/2020 08:14:15 am

I was so blessed to see Simply Red in Perth, Western Australia. It was one of the greatest nights of my life. Love all their music and this one especially.

DEBRA ROWLANDS

7/12/2021 05:45:22 pm

He's definitely still got it. One of my very favs.

Joanne

7/12/2021 05:51:16 pm

This song holds a very special place in my heart

Jennifer Mullen

7/12/2021 10:25:25 pm

Knowing the difference between obligations and love is a hard lesson. But worth knowing. May your Dad know happiness and pride and peace. And may your Mom find it on her own dime. ❤️

Karen M Banks

7/13/2021 11:58:49 am

I Love this song 🎵❤

Denise Thiam

7/13/2021 04:36:02 pm

I have loved your music this song for all the years of my life. Your music has touched my soul!I am stopped cold whenever I hear you performing. This is my truth. Peace be with you!

Nadir Benchallal

7/14/2021 12:43:51 pm

a wonderful song, one of the best I ever heard .... it touches me so deeply that it happens to me to listen to it continuously .....

Sean link

7/14/2021 02:08:08 pm

This song was the first time I had moved from where I grew up it still hits me every time I hear it keep singing mick, simply the best!

Behind the song: ''Holding Back the Years'' by Simply Red

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