Jessie Reyez returns with the raw, confessional track “WHEN YOU HOLD HER” from her latest album A LITTLE VENGEANCE (is more human than no vengeance at all). Known for her unapologetic lyricism and soulful delivery, Reyez pushes the emotional envelope on this new release.
The song delves into the tangled feelings of a love triangle, questioning honesty, desire, and the lingering pain of being the “other woman.” Reyez paints a vivid picture of inner conflict, betrayal, and the desperate need for validation.
When you hold her, do you wish that she fit in your arms like I did?
Are you honest ’bout your feelings or do you hide ’em?
Do you fight it, fight it, fight it what you feel inside?
Do you fight it, fight it, fight it the way you light up with me?
You make me act hella out of character
Never loved enough to be the other woman
Bad enough movin’ like an amateur
Hate that I’m attached to you kamikaze passenger
Deleted all the pics but then you opened up the aperture
Why the **** you callin’ for? Wanna see me fallin’ more?
Wanna see me on the floor? Beggin’ for what you can’t provide
But men like you lie till they die so when you hold her
Do you wish that she fit in your arms like I did?
Are you honest ’bout your feelings or do you hide ’em?
Do you fight it, fight it, fight it what you feel inside?
Do you hide it, hide it, hide it the way you light up with me?
I couldn’t even cry up on my mama’s shoulder
I’ve been so embarrassed and most of my friends don’t even know
That I’ve been stuck in these emotions story pose doin’ the most
Hopin’ you see, put on a show
Blockin’ you would serve me more, but I can’t seem to close the door
Then you go and call again, babe, I’ll never be your friend
But you don’t want this shit to end well, I’m gonna need more than a night
But men like you lie till they die, so when you hold her
Do you wish that she fit in your arms like I did?
Are you honest ’bout your feelings or do you hide ’em?
Do you fight it, fight it, fight it what you feel inside?
Do you hide it, hide it, hide it the way you light up with me?
Every time we say goodbye I know that’s a lie ’cause I’ll see you later
Every time we say the last night I know that’s a lie ’cause
I’ll see you later, later, later when you hold her
Do you wish that she fit in your arms like I did?
Are you honest ’bout your feelings or do you hide ’em?
Do you fight it, fight it, fight it what you feel inside?
Do you hide it, hide it, hide it the way you light up with me?
La, la-la, la-la
Da-da, da-da
Da-da, da-da
Oh-oh
Listeners have praised Reyez’s unfiltered storytelling and the track’s haunting production, noting that “WHEN YOU HOLD HER” quickly became a fan‑favorite for its brutal honesty and melodic intensity.
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