The lyrics of "Holding Back the Years" speak of the singer's struggle with fear and the feeling of being stuck in a place where nothing has grown or improved. The song reflects on wasted time and tears, with a sense of holding onto something despite the lack of progress.

Meaning of "Holding Back the Years" by Gretchen Parlato

"Holding Back the Years" conveys deep emotions of regret, fear, and stagnation. The lyrics suggest a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of holding back emotions and not allowing oneself to move forward. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for holding back from fully experiencing life due to fear or past traumas. The repetition of "I'll keep holding on" seems to emphasize the persistence in holding onto the past, even if it has been detrimental. The realization that nothing has grown or improved reflects the singer's awareness of missed opportunities and the need to break free from the emotional barriers that have been holding them back. Overall, the song conveys a poignant message about the consequences of not facing one's fears and allowing emotions to be fully expressed.