Hold Back The River

Tried to keep you close to me But life got in between Tried to square not being there But it's there that I should've 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're caught against the tide Those distant days all 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 Oh, oho, oho, oho, oho 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 Hold back the river Hold back 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?

Composer: Iain Archer, James Bay

In-depth Analysis of 'Hold Back The River' by LyricLens AI

'Hold Back The River' by James Bay is a soulful ballad that delves into profound themes of longing, regret, and the relentless passage of time. It's a poignant reflection on a past connection, highlighting the pain of separation and the yearning to recapture lost moments. The song’s raw emotion and evocative imagery resonate deeply, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has wished to pause life’s current to revisit cherished memories.

Central Themes Explored:

Nostalgia and Regret: The opening lines, "Tried to keep you close to me / But life got in between," immediately set a tone of past opportunities missed and a desire to undo the actions that led to separation. The "different life" where they "rode our bikes into the sky" emphasizes a golden, irretrievable past.
The Relentless Flow of Time: The river serves as a powerful metaphor for time and life's unstoppable progression. The plea to "Hold back the river" is a desperate cry to halt this flow, to create a moment where reconnection is possible, free from the currents that pull people apart.
Desire for Reconnection: The repeated chorus, "let me look in your eyes" and "be by your side," underscores a deep yearning for intimacy, understanding, and reconciliation. The speaker wishes to truly see and understand the other person again, suggesting a distance that has grown beyond physical separation.

The repeated "lonely water" adds another layer of isolation, emphasizing the individual's solitary struggle against these overwhelming forces. Ultimately, the song is a bittersweet acknowledgment of what was lost, coupled with a fervent, almost futile, wish to reclaim a moment of genuine connection.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Hold Back The River' by James Bay

What is the main theme of 'Hold Back The River'?

'Hold Back The River' primarily explores themes of regret, nostalgia, and the desire to pause time to reconnect with a lost loved one or a cherished past. It speaks to the pain of life pulling people apart.

What does the "river" symbolize in the song?

The "river" is a powerful metaphor for the unstoppable flow of time, life's relentless progression, and the current of events that can drive people apart. The plea to "hold back the river" signifies a desperate wish to halt this flow and reclaim lost moments or connections.

What does "lonely water" mean in the lyrics?

"Lonely water" reinforces the feeling of isolation and solitude experienced by the narrator. It suggests a journey or a state of being where the natural course of life (the water) feels desolate and disconnected, hindering the ability for people to stay close or "hold each other."

Fun Facts:

'Hold Back The River' was a breakthrough hit for James Bay, released in 2014 and featured on his acclaimed debut album, Chaos And The Calm.
The song gained significant commercial success, reaching the top of charts in several countries and earning James Bay a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
James Bay often performs this song with just an acoustic guitar, showcasing the raw emotion and vocal prowess that made it so popular.