When I Hold You In My Arms
Neil Young · Are You Passionate? [2002]
it's a breath of fresh air,
when I hold you in my arms
I forget what's out there,
All those people with their faces
walkin' up the street,
They don't have to say a thing
just look around and you see.
New buildings going up,
old buildings coming down,
New signs going up,
old signs coming down,
You gotta hold onto something in this life.
Well the older generation
they got something to say,
But they better say it fast
or get outta the way.
All those gangsters with their crimes
they make it look so good,
We've been blowing up the planet
just like the old neighbourhood.
New buildings going up,
old buildings coming down,
New signs going up,
old signs coming down,
You gotta hold onto something in this life.
If I only had a heart
it would beat all night for you,
If I only had a heart
I would cry the whole day through,
When I hold you in my arms
it's like a breath of fresh air,
when I hold you in my arms
I forget what's out there.
Old heart's going up,
old heart's coming down,
My feelings going up,
my feelings coming down,
You gotta hold onto someone in this life.
When I hold you in my arms
it's a breath of fresh air.
When I hold you in my arms
I forget what's out there.
When I Hold You In My Arms
Neil Young's "When I Hold You In My Arms" appears on the 2002 compilation album *Are You Passionate?*, serving as a poignant addition to his extensive catalogue of acoustic and electric folk-rock. The track exemplifies Young's signature ability to blend raw emotional vulnerability with intricate guitar work, characteristic of his career spanning decades. While the song lacks the overt political commentary often found in his earlier work, it remains deeply personal, focusing on themes of intimacy and connection. Recorded during a period where Young frequently revisited classic songwriting structures, the piece reflects his continued mastery of the acoustic guitar and his commitment to storytelling through music. It stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the folk-rock genre, offering listeners a moment of quiet reflection amidst his broader discography.