Holding On

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of admiration for someone's unwavering resolve, even amidst external pressures and the temptation to compromise. The narrator acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining such purity, noting that "so few who feel the same." This suggests a world where integrity is rare and hard-won, making the subject's steadfastness all the more remarkable. The initial lines, "I've thought it through & I think you're right," establish a tone of earned respect, moving beyond simple agreement to a deeper understanding of the subject's choices. There's a clear tension between the subject's internal strength and the external world's demands. The narrator observes that "so many choices and the pressure / We all bring to bear," implying a constant battle against external influences that could derail the subject's path. The phrase "Your strength works miracles" elevates this resolve beyond mere stubbornness, suggesting a profound, almost spiritual quality that impacts those around them. The narrator clearly sees this strength as a guiding light, stating, "Your resolve is inspiration in my life." The most striking aspect is the narrator's complex position relative to the subject. While deeply admiring, there's a poignant admission of distance: "And I wish that I could be the one / But it's not me I'll never set you free." This isn't about romantic longing, but rather an acknowledgment that the narrator cannot fully embody or share the subject's specific brand of difficult integrity. The repeated "Finding it hard" phrases highlight the narrator's own struggle to comprehend or replicate this level of commitment, particularly the difficulty in letting go of the past or understanding another's similar feelings. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their portrayal of a quiet, internal struggle mirrored by external observation. The narrator isn't just describing someone else's strength; they are articulating their own grappling with what that strength means. The concluding plea, "Hold on because you've got alot to believe in," serves as both encouragement to the subject and a final testament to the profound impact of their unwavering stance on the narrator.