Exploring Deep-Lyric Tracks: Toto's 'Hold the Line' and Michael Jackson's Classics

About Toto's 'Hold the Line'

Have you ever wondered about a song with lyrics like this:

Its not in the way that you hold men
Its not in the way you say you care
Its not in the way youve been treating my friends
Its not in the way that you stayed till the end
Its not in the way you look or the things that you say that youll do

This timeless classic is none other than Toto's 'Hold the Line'. Written and composed by David Paich, Hold the Line is a poignant and thought-provoking song that addresses the complexities of love and relationships. The song, released in 1982, has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners decades later.

Origins and Release of 'Hold the Line'

'Hold the Line' was part of Toto's third studio album titled 3, which was released in 1982. The album marked a significant shift in the band's sound, blending pop and rock influences with lush orchestration and keyboard-driven melodies. Hold the Line quickly became a hit, topping the charts in several countries and solidifying Toto's status as a major force in 1980s pop music.

Lyrics and Themes

The song's lyrics are a series of negations, expressing frustration and unease in a relationship. David Paich, often credited as a master of pop songwriting, masterfully crafted a message that is both simple and profound. Here are some key lines that capture the essence of the song:

“Its not in the way that you hold men” “Its not in the way you say you care” “Its not in the way youve been treating my friends” “Its not in the way that you stayed till the end” “Its not in the way that you look or the things that you say that youll do”

These lines suggest that the essence of a relationship is more than just surface-level actions. The song encourages listeners to dig deeper and question the true nature of their relationships.

Michael Jackson's Influence

Before diving into the more complex themes of 'Hold the Line', let's also look at a similar and equally impactful song by Michael Jackson. The song you referred to is The Way You Make Me Feel, a duet with George Benson released in 1987. While not as explicitly focused on relationship issues, this track speaks to the emotional impact someone has on you.

Lyrics of 'The Way You Make Me Feel'

The song has lyrics like:

The way you make me feel, baby
The way you make me feel, when I’m with you
The way you make me feel, baby
Makes all the bad times, disappear
The way you make me feel, baby
Makes even the little thing, to be so dear

These lyrics capture the idea that it's the positive emotions and good times that define a relationship, rather than the negatives. This is a stark contrast to the 'Hold the Line', which focuses on what the relationship lacks.

Backstory and Performance

Back in the early 80s, I played a band called Gulliver's People at Tiffany's Piccadilly Circus. At that time, bands would often perform covers or popular songs of the era. Although we were not a household name, we found joy in performing songs that resonated with our audience. 'Hold the Line' was one such song that tore apart the facade of simplicity and delved into the complexity of emotional bonds.

David Paich, the composer of Hold the Line, is known for his sophisticated writing style. He often deals with themes of transcendence and emotional depth, which makes 'Hold the Line' a standout in his repertoire. The song's message about holding on and loving someone, regardless of flaws, is a timeless one. It serves as a reminder that our relationships are more than just a collection of surface-level actions, and the depth of our feelings truly matters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Toto's 'Hold the Line' and Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel' are powerful songs that explore the complexities of relationships. While 'Hold the Line' delves into the negatives, 'The Way You Make Me Feel' focuses on the positives. Whether you find yourself more drawn to the emotional resilience of Hold the Line or the joyous, uplifting nature of The Way You Make Me Feel, both songs are worth revisiting and reflecting on.

So, the next time you're faced with a challenging relationship, remember the lessons taught by these iconic songs. And if you're feeling the joy and love in a relationship, take a moment to appreciate the depth and complexity of those emotions too. Happy listening!