A Sin to Hold Onto

This song strikes me as strange because of the possible implications of the lyrics.

When I saw you walking by, I could not believe my eyes. Underneath the city lights, reflecting all your curves just right. Can I have your attention for a moment? I just need to say something. If you've got the time then I've got the reason for the sin. If you've got the time then I've got the reason for the sin.

The first verse seems like a proposition to a curvy woman in the city. That makes me think prostitute. Well, she could also just be an acquaintance he happens to see in the city. Clubbing maybe? Whatever the case may be, he's motivated to sin with her.

Have you been looking out? Have you been watching my back? My patience is running out and I can't seem to stay on the right track.

He talks about his patience running out and being unable to stay on the right track. So, it sounds like he's repeating some sort of sin, probably sexual if my interpretation of the first verse is accurate at all. He also asks if "you" [Who I assume to be the woman since the song is modeled like a one sided conversation] is watching his back and looking out. It sounds like discovery would get him into trouble.

Your wanting eyes keep me coming back for more and more each time. Let's get this right cause there is no second chance after tonight. No chance after tonight.

This stanza has a certain finality to it. He wants to get something right because the chance to do so won't be presented later. This makes me think he wants to leave. It seems like her eyes will still be there, so he must be the one motivated to change the situation. Maybe he wants to make amends for their sins.

I know you've got it in you, won't you let it out? Dig a little deeper and I know you'll find strength inside. If we can be the ones to hold on, to stay strong. Then maybe we can make a difference in somebody's life. In somebody...

This sounds like he's pleading with her to find some sort of inner strength. Maybe she's grown dependent upon their sin. It might be an addiction of some sort if not sexual, though the "reflecting all your curves" line would seem out of place if that were the case. It sounds like he wants both of them to decide to walk away from their sin and stay strong so they could possibly make a difference in the lives of others. Maybe the others are future love interests. If their sin is a sexual affair, then that would make sense. They wouldn't be able to have healthy relationships with others if they continued in their sin.

I won't be part of the riot. I won't be part of the revolution. They think they are keeping us quiet. We aren't the problem. But we are the solution.

Sorry, I've got nothing here. I don't really get this stanza. Is "they" the members of the riot/revolution? What riot is he talking about? And, if he and she are part of the solution instead of the problem, what is the problem?

first to comment whoo hoo! I LOVE THIS SONG! One of my favorites off the new album

Same here - one of my favorites :)

yeah it has a realy cool sound to it, but so so alot of there songs. i love this band

When I listened to this the first time, I sort of got a "Winston to Julia" vibe from 1984... but when I looked at the lyrics closely, I wasn't too sure. Maybe because Winston was never really that optimistic, heh. I don't know, it's just an idea.

That said, if it's possible to interpret the word "sin" in a social context instead of a moral context, it may be talking about two people who are doing something that society would look down on, but they don't care because it's a "sin to hold on to."

I also agree with the Darkninja on the revolution/solution lines, when I say I have no idea what to make of that.

It seems to me like the first part it about a girl who gives her body to guys all the time, but won't ever let them actually have a relationship with her. "your wanting eyes keep me coming back for more and more" "i know you've got it in you so let it out"- he knows she has the ability to have a real relationship, but she refuses to let herself.

the whole verse about the riot..

• i think he is commenting on the fact that so many people have fucked up relationships. he is saying that if she lets him in, then he will make sure its right. they won't just be another statistic adding to the # of horror story-relationships out there, they will be one of those that people look up to.

interesting song.. optimistic as usual!

Keeping in mind that Emery is Christian I would like to propose this interpretation

When I saw you walking by, I could not believe my eyes. Underneath the city lights, reflecting all your curves just right. Can I have your attention for a moment? I just need to say something. If you've got the time then I've got the reason for the sin. If you've got the time then I've got the reason for the sin.

The start of the relationship was based on physical attraction and sexual desire taking over.

Have you been looking out? Have you been watching my back? My patience is running out and I can't seem to stay on the right track.

The struggle to remain "good" with the temptations of lust, the narrators partner is being reached out to to help them get back on track

Your wanting eyes keep me coming back for more and more each time. Let's get this right cause there is no second chance after tonight. No chance after tonight.

The ultimatum, we either stop the (I'm just going to assume) premarital sexual relations and be good, or we are over for good.

I know you've got it in you, won't you let it out? Dig a little deeper and I know you'll find strength inside. If we can be the ones to hold on, to stay strong. Then maybe we can make a difference in somebody's life. In somebody...

Encouraging their partner, referencing becoming role models for others.

I won't be part of the riot. I won't be part of the revolution. They think they are keeping us quiet. We aren't the problem. But we are the solution.

the riot and revolution are referencing societies now lax opinions on premarital relations. They are the solution, they stopped and went back and are now "good"

Let's get this right, 'cause there are no second chances.

saying that they cannot slip up.

I know you got it in you, won't you let it out? (let it out) Dig a little deeper and I know you'll find strength inside. If we can be the ones to hold on, to stay strong. Then maybe we can make a difference in somebody's life. I know you got it in you, won't you let it out? (let it out) Dig a little deeper and I know you'll find strength inside. If we can be the ones to hold on, to stay strong. Then maybe we can make a difference in somebody's life.

The continued strength needed, and motivation to remain "pure"