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I've Been Holding On

from The Songman & Me, vol 1 by Joe Craig

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    Jimmy Coates: Blackout
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about

How did I get involved, tied up in the world, when all I said was ‘yes’?
Now I’m staring at screens, now stifling screams while I clear up their mess.

That’s the crux of this song, really. The fear of ending up working for someone else, staring at a computer screen... that’s what keeps a lot of people like me ‘holding on’ to a life of creative pursuits. If you want to keep making music, writing stories, painting, acting, dancing... whatever it is you do – it’s sometimes hard to hold on to that life. I’ve seen a lot of brilliant people give up along the way.

This song is the reality of the self-employed, creative life: the excitement, panic, doubt, frustration, responsibility and freedom.

lyrics

I'VE BEEN HOLDING ON
Joe Craig

Got to make that call, got to fix that tap before I catch that train
Got hit that button, got to make the grade, I can't be late again
I have to meet the expectations that are put in me

I've been holding on to what I've got I know it's not enough
But I've been holding not breaking down while all around I see my friends have given in while I've been holding on

It doesn't matter why it doesn't matter what I managed yesterday
But it doesn't let up it's upsetting but tough because there's bills to pay
I need to merit all the trust that you have put in me

CHORUS

Time is a beast that has me in its claws
How does it know how to tear at my flaws?

How did I get involved, tied up in the world when all I said was 'yes'?
Now I'm staring at screens, now stifling screams while I clear up their mess
I can't say 'no' but even Superman needs Sundays...

CHORUS

credits

from The Songman & Me, vol 1, released December 15, 2010

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about

Joe Craig Islington, UK

"The Songman & Me, vol. 1 is a collection of beautifully crafted songs in the classic tradition of Billy Joel, Randy Newman, Jimmy Webb and James Taylor. At the keyboard and with his intimate vocals, Joe Craig performs with a raw emotion that cuts to the heart of the characters and stories in the songs. He may be a virtuoso storyteller, but on this evidence, he's very much a gifted songman too." ... more

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