Other arrangements of Holding Back The Years
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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 — Simple Sheet Music
4 people have learned this song
"Holding Back The Years" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 88 BPM.
Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.
Try other practice modes:
About “Holding Back The Years”
- How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Holding Back The Years"?
- Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
- What key is "Holding Back The Years" by Simply Red played in?
- Holding Back The Years is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "Holding Back The Years"?
- The arrangement plays at 88 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "Holding Back The Years" easy to play on piano?
- Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
- Can I download sheet music for "Holding Back The Years"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "Holding Back The Years"?
- "Holding Back The Years" was originally performed by Simply Red. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "Holding Back The Years"?
- This arrangement uses 4 chords: Dm9, G, G9, Gdom. Only a handful of chords — beginner-friendly.
- What other songs by Simply Red can I play here?
- Try "IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW", "Holding Back The Years", "If You Don't Know Me By Now". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
- Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Holding Back The Years". Key of C, 88 BPM.
- What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
- Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.
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