Meaning of "Hold Back the River" by James Bay

"Hold Back the River" is a song that speaks to the universal experience of trying to maintain a close relationship while dealing with the distractions and responsibilities of life. The first verse suggests that the speaker has made efforts to keep their loved one close, but the challenges of life have created distance between them. The lyrics "Tried to square not being there, but think that I should have been" highlight the regret and longing felt by the speaker. They feel the weight of their absence and ponder if things would have been different had they been more present.

The chorus, with its repetition of "Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes," conveys the speaker's yearning for a moment of pause and intimacy. They desire the opportunity to reconnect with their loved one, to take a break from the fast pace of life and truly see where the other person is hiding. The river symbolizes the relentless current, representing the passing of time and the challenges that constantly push them apart.

In the second verse, the lyrics introduce the concept of a "different life" where the speaker and their loved one once shared carefree moments, riding bikes into the sky. However, as time went on, they found themselves going against the tide and losing touch with those joyful days. This highlights the nostalgic longing for the past and the bitter realization that time stops for no one.

The bridge of the song introduces the metaphor of "lonely water." Here, it symbolizes the impediments and obstacles that stand in the way of the speaker and their loved one being together. They plead with the metaphorical water, asking it to let them wander and hold each other, seeking a respite from their separation.

Overall, "Hold Back the River" captures the struggle to maintain a deep connection in the face of life's demands. It explores the regrets and longings that can arise when time and circumstances pull people apart. The song speaks to the universal desire for moments of intimacy, reflection, and reconnection amidst the fast-paced nature of life.