Your grandfather seems to have an exceptional grasp of music. ALL of his choices are top notch. It is commendable that you honour your elders the way you do. You have a very loving family. They are very blessed to have a grandson like you. And, yes, this song "cuts to your heart". Cheers from Canada
I think he’s taking about holding onto hope that things can get better as your life advances. Looks like his childhood was difficult, he wasted all those years and all those tears hoping that his situation would get better but stuck in a place that is kinda at a standstill - where, as he says, “nothing had the chance to be good cause nothing ever would” Meaning, had he stayed there he would have been stuck in that life without any options to grow, that’s a depressing prospect and a big reason why poverty is such a vicious cycle. It’s that feeling of being trapped without hope, and it’s passed down generation to generation for far too many people. But leaving and experiencing new things, it opened up his life to a bigger world, so he’ll keep holding onto that hope that there is better out there, as he leaves his past behind. I think it’s something we all kinda go through as we mature, I know I did. My small neighborhood on NYC I thought was how all the world worked, boy was I wrong. When we’re young and our worlds are small, we tend to think our surroundings, circumstances and situation are all there is to life, but then we get to branch out as we get a little older and more adventurous, and it changes our perspective on the big wide world. This song is really deep.
His childhood was tough to say the least. His mom abandoned him when he was only 3 years old and grew up with his father and no siblings. His father could sometimes be abusive. Mick Hucknall, the singer, wrote this when he was 16.
You are a breath of fresh air to so many of us, and yes at 69 years old and a grandpa, I hold back the years that I cherish, with my kids, and grandkids. Thank you George, for your honesty. And this was why I scribed to your channel.
Hi, I've heard you talk about your Grandfather so many times, that I'd like to request an on-screen meeting with this inspirational person. Think about it won't you? George
Great song. He was abandoned by his mother and his father was stern I believe so he had a rough childhood. He has such a soulful voice. Loved your reaction.
Nobody wants to feel smothered but definately be thankful for parents who love you.. some of us grew up without that and long for that type of closeness.. God Bless..
Just heard Mick talking about this song on the radio the other day! He said he wrote it when he was 17, before he left home, in a kind of trance - he didn't really understand what he was writing. He came back to it in his early 20s and realised it was about his fears of letting his childhood go and moving on into adulthood.
What an amazing singer/band. His voice is impeccable!! You can't blame a good mom. Now, I get to be Grandma. Never take it for granted. Both my sets of grandparents are gone now!!
Iam 65 and love this song as much as the first time all thoes years ago. I respect how you cherish your grandfather keep him close. He has impeccable tast in music. I like him and dont know him.
I was very young when my grandparents on my mother's side passed away and I was never that close to my grandparents on my father's side so this song makes me wish I knew them better.
We don't only hold on to childhood memories, we sometimes hold onto the pain that went with them. As hard as it is, we all need to try to cherish good memories, but let go of old sadness. Heaven knows we've all got enough sadness to endure right now. Posted with love!
Yes, you’re right....I can’t let go of the past and wishing I could go back and fix so many of those wasted/hurtful years 😪 makes it hard to sleep at night
Beautiful song and lovely English countryside in this video. Filmed,i believe,in the north of England.But this takes me back to my youth and i love it. You just do not get music like this anymore!! What an atmospheric track and the fantastic singing voice of Mick Hucknall.Please bring the 80s back.It was a great time to be in your late teens in London.
Beautiful reaction, James. Find your own special path through life, or repeat the same old story without thinking , what if....? Until it's too late to try, change something, control anything in your life? Always keep what you love and value, and just leave the rest behind.
My favourite band , No one can compare Mick Hucknall 's voice touches your soul , Respect to your grandad he obviously has great taste in music 😘❤💙, UK
"Hold on to them forever.." Do that. Hold on to the good memories. Because not everyone has Grandparents that are close to them like you do. Or parents. GOD Bless you and Everyone.
I just want to once again applaud your great range when picking 70's, 80's and 90's music, you really pick the ones that mean so much to us! Love your work and passion! Now I'm going to be a bit sneaky and request something entirely different to this song, but I really feel like you'd appreciate Rainbow - Stargazer. Insane vocals and storytelling that have you hooked to the very end, you're spellbound and in awe at Dio's way to tell a great story.
I love this song. I'm 72 years old and as I listen to the song, watch your face, listen to your reactions, tears flow for the loss of humanity and the rise of hatred. Peace to you Brother....
The Lyrics "Strangled by the wishes of Pater" refers to his father and "Hoping for the arms of Mater" refers to his mother leaving him with his father when Mick was only 3 years old....He named his band "Simply red" after his hair color, his politics and his favorite soccer team Manchester United, which is where he is from.
Howard Jones. No One Ever is To Blame. From this era i think of this song and it. But i never see anyone react to No One Ever is To Blame. When someone does everyone will
There is absolutely nothing like the treasure of having wonderful grandparents JB. Sounds like you got lucky like me in that regard. This is such a soulful tune. Love your comments throughout this song. Fresh and honest all we can ask for.
I get your interpretation, but I think he’s more taking about being haunted by his childhood, and crippled by his inability to let it go and see hope beyond it. One of the easiest ways to distinguish depression from sadness is that when someone is depressed it feels like a forever thing, I have always felt this way and will always feel this way, whereas sadness though painful feels somewhat ephemeral. So here he is in effect saying that his domineering father and absent mother cast shadows on his outlook that still darken his skies to this day, and he feels they always will. Ironically, it’s a very interesting song for a person as young as he was at the time to write, it’s more the angst of an older person in some ways. But it’s an incredibly beautiful song,
Simply Red merely recorded a cover of "If You Don't Know Me by Now" in 1989. The original was released in 1972 by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes. The lead singer was Teddy Pendergrass. "Holding Back the Years" was exactly about what you said it was about. It was written by Simply Red singer Mick Hucknail about being abandoned by his mother at age 3 and holding out hope that she would return to his life someday. She never did.
You are so right about not taking for granted those in your life you love and care about. Time flies by so quickly and all those we have close to our hearts are simply a gift from God in that short time. Never miss a moment and enjoy every single one! God bless and keep you safe!
I love your honesty about your music....doesn't matter if it's opera or rock and soul..... Keep up the good work...your grandparents must be so loved by you...🙂
Cherish your time with your Grandfather. You may be close with your parents, but your relationship with your grandparents can be truly special. A relationship that will transcend all others.
Mick wrote this song about his mum she left him and his dad when he was 3 he never had a mum love his dad never remarried .he said altho he's dad lived him he was kinda cut and dry as in telling mick just get over it get on with live he didn't know how to be kind I guess to mick I think he was being hard so mick wouldn't get hurt so easily in life. Mick wrote a song to his dad in his last album about a good dad taking care of his son all by myself.
When Simply Red were first gigging, Mick Hucknall Phoned the venue to double-check the gig..... when asked the name of the band, he said " Red..." " Red what...? ".... " just simply Red....".... And hence, Simply Red was named.....
His voice is one of a kind. I don't like any of their songs but the two I like are the best you last the ages ( this one and if you don't know me by now)
Your Grandfather sounds like a wise and loving man, you are so lucky to have him in your life. It's not such a bad thing to have a mom that wants to hold on. When you are truly grown you won't have to tell her anymore.
"Strangled by the wishes of pater" (don't we all worry about whether or not Dad is proud of us?)"Hoping for the arms of mater" (don't we all worry about whether Mom really loves us?) As you get older, yes, you think a lot about your past while you are stuck in your present and pondering your future, hoping things will get better and you will finally be able to get to all the things you once dreamed. 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
Mick Hucknell wrote this at either 15 or 17, his mother left him at a very young age....he writes wonderful songs and his voice is so unique...sounds same live...u should do more! 🙏💞
The video was shot in a small fishing town called Whitby in North Yorkshire, UK. And the churchyard shown is where Dracula was rumoured to be buried. Its only about 50 miles from where I live. Also, side note, whitby has a fish and chip shop that was one of the best, if not the best in the country at one time.
And to think Mick was only 17 years old when he co-wrote this beautiful song? What maturity, what a voice - he's been one of my favorite singers ever since.
Beautiful, timeless song here! Some people “hear” a song, the lucky ones “feel and experience” a song. You are one of them. You have a beautiful soul, clear to see. Peace, love and prayers for our earth ☮️❤️🙏🏻🌎🌏🌍
Great analysis. We not only want to hold onto our own youth, but others (like our parents) want to hold onto our youth as well. Each affects us throughout life...
Once a Man, twice a Child, but you will always be your Mother, Father's child. Same goes for your Grandparents. That's the way it is King.. Best Regards
Wow JB you are years ahead of your peer group for sure. Grandparents are the greatest as you stated. My English grandparents guidance led a poor humble kid to, TWO retirements before age 53 and earning over a million net retirement money in less than 8 1/2 years after retiring for the second time. That was ALL grandparents wisdom and guidance. Keep Grandparents close and you will go far! Also keep that spirit of yours the way it is and keep posting these fantastic reviews!
It's hard!! My sons will always be my babies. You know the older kids get the harder it is, because we just have to sit back and watch. Be there when you need us, but can't tell you what you can and do . ❤❤✌
Love listening to you. You and I are cultures apart, yet enjoy the same great music - thank you for not playing the race card. I feel your pain, it matches my own. Keep up your work, it has great value and we enjoy it and benefit from what you have to say.....
You are so right JB that parents always look at their children as kids even when they’re grown. I didn’t believe that when I was younger but I do now. Please react to Then They Do by Trace Adkins because he sings about exactly that.
JB forgot about this one - Simply Red - Heaven (Live In Montreux Jazz Festival Concert, 1986) in addition to the other ones I previously mentioned 💥 You'll be stunned my friend! 💫😲
Dude check him out on YT interviews!🥰💖 Gets his inspiration from Motown Jazz Soul-sings from the bottom of his Heart & Soul! That song is about his mom leaving him & his dad when Mick was 3 years old. Devastated him. but he never gave up. Check him out: 'Angel' with Quincy Jones (or separately)', his concert vids from 90s to the present. 'Drowning in my own Tears' 'Grandma's Hands'. Loved your expression when he got to the best part 💞 IMO - THE MOST PHENOMENAL VOICE ON THE PLANET!!! He's also known as the Blue Eyed Soul Singer. YES- you don't want the song to end - THAT VOICE!!! 💘💟💖
