The song "Hold That Thought" by EXES tells the story of a past relationship that has ended and the feelings of longing and uncertainty that follow. The lyrics suggest that the narrator used to visit a place called Silver Lake, where they would often encounter people who reminded them of their former partner. However, the narrator confesses that they are now too afraid to return to Silver Lake and confront those memories. There is also a mention of the Bowery potentially closing down, which could symbolize a loss or change in the familiar surroundings associated with the relationship. The narrator reflects on how their ex-partner mentioned that they were seeking to find themselves and no longer had the same feelings for the narrator. This led to the definitive end of their relationship, marked by the ex-partner slamming the door and being certain of their decision. The narrator questions why their ex-partner decided to call them, expressing their desire to move on and not look back. They acknowledge that there may have been some attraction to the idea of reconnecting, but they made a promise to themselves not to backtrack. However, despite this determination, the narrator is still waiting for their ex-partner. There is a sense of confusion and uncertainty throughout the song. The narrator acknowledges the similarities between themselves and their ex-partner, stating that they are not so different after all. The mention of sounding older could imply that time has passed since their breakup, but the narrator is unsure if these changes are genuine or simply the result of the ex-partner's habits, like smoking cigarettes. The repeated line "I know you're the only reason I hold my heart, so you can't leave with it" suggests that the narrator still has strong feelings for their ex-partner and is unwilling to fully let go. They contemplate whether it's worth giving the relationship another chance and express a desire for their ex-partner to believe in them. Overall, "Hold That Thought" explores the conflicting emotions of wanting to move on but still being drawn to the past. It delves into the complexities of a failed relationship and the longing for closure or reconciliation.
