Holding Back The Years

by Simply Red

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Lyrics

Hold ing back the (G9)years,

think ing of the (G9)fear I’ve had so long.

tight.

When some bod y hears,

’cause lis ten to the fear that’s gone.

I’ve Stran gled by the wish es of pa ter,

hop ing for the arms years.

of ma ter,

get to meet her (G9)soon er or lat er,

oh.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

Hold ing back the (G9)years,

chance for me es (G9)cape from all I’ve known.

tight.

Hold ing back the tears

’cause noth ing here has grown.

that’s gone.

I’ve wast ed all my tears, es of pa ter,

wast ed all those arms years.

of ma ter,

Noth ing had the (G9)soon er or lat er,

oh.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

(G9)chance to be good.

Noth ing ev er (G9)could, yeah,

oh.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on.

I’ll keep

(G)hold ing on.

I’ll keep

(G9)hold ing on

so (G9)hold ing on,

hold ing, hold ing, hold ing.

Ah,

la, la, la, la, la, la.

I said

ooh,

yeah.

That’s all I have to (G9)pay.

It’s all I have to (G9)say.

Holding Back The Years by Simply Red — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Holding Back The Years” by Simply Red in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 88 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Holding Back The Years" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Holding Back The Years"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.