Hold on
Hold on to yourself
For this is gonna hurt like hell

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
You know that only time will tell

What is it in me that refuses to believe
This isn't easier than the real thing

My love
You know that you're my best friend
You know that I'd do anything for you
And my love
Let nothing come between us
My love for you is strong and true

Am I in heaven here or
Am I
At the crossroads I am standing

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
That you'll be strong tomorrow
And will see another day
And we will praise it
And love the light that brings a smile
Across your face

Oh God
If you're out there won't you hear me
I know we're never talked before

And oh God
The man I love is leaving
Won't you take him when he comes to your door

Am I in heaven here or
Am I in hell
At the crossroads I am standing

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
That you'll be strong tomorrow
And we will see another day
And we will praise it
And love the light that brings a smile

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
That you'll be strong tomorrow
And we will see another day
And we will praise it
And love the light that brings a smile
Across your face

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
For this is gonna hurt like hell

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sarah McLachlan's song "Hold On" offer a poignant message of hope and perseverance during times of difficulty. The opening lines "Hold on, hold on to yourself, for this is gonna hurt like hell" set the tone for the rest of the song, where the singer encourages the listener to be strong and keep going through tough times.

Throughout the song, McLachlan touches on themes of love and friendship, imploring the listener to hold onto those important relationships even in the face of adversity. The line "And my love, let nothing come between us, my love for you is strong and true" particularly underscores the importance of maintaining meaningful connections.

The song's chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the message of resilience and the need to hold on to oneself during difficult moments. Towards the end of the song, McLachlan includes a prayer to God, asking for strength and guidance. Overall, "Hold On" is a song that speaks to the human experience of struggle and encourages listeners to remain steadfast despite the challenges they may face.

Line by Line Meaning

Hold on
Stay strong and don't give up

Hold on to yourself
Stay true to yourself and your values

For this is gonna hurt like hell
The situation you're in will be very difficult and painful to endure

You know that only time will tell
The future is uncertain and only time will reveal the outcome

What is it in me that refuses to believe
I can't come to terms with the fact that this is more difficult than I thought it would be

This isn't easier than the real thing
This is more difficult than I thought it would be

My love
A term of endearment for someone dear to them

You know that you're my best friend
You are the closest person in my life

You know that I'd do anything for you
I am willing to do anything to support you

And my love
Continuation of a term of endearment

Let nothing come between us
Don't let any obstacle or challenge affect our relationship

My love for you is strong and true
I love you deeply and sincerely

Am I in heaven here or
Is this so good that it feels like heaven

Am I
Continuation of the previous line

At the crossroads I am standing
I am at a turning point in my life and don't know which way to go

So now you're sleeping peaceful
You are resting peacefully

I lie awake and pray
I am unable to sleep and am praying for strength

That you'll be strong tomorrow
I hope you will have the strength to face tomorrow's challenges

And will see another day
I hope you will live to see another day

And we will praise it
We will be grateful for another day of life

And love the light that brings a smile
We will appreciate the joy and happiness in life

Across your face
Visible on your facial expression

Oh God
An appeal to a higher power for help

If you're out there won't you hear me
If God exists, please listen to my prayer

I know we're never talked before
I haven't prayed to God before

The man I love is leaving
Someone I love deeply is departing from my life

Won't you take him when he comes to your door
Please protect him and take him into heaven when he dies

Am I in hell
Is this so bad that it feels like hell

So now you're sleeping peaceful
You are resting peacefully

I lie awake and pray
I am unable to sleep and am praying for strength

That you'll be strong tomorrow
I hope you will have the strength to face tomorrow's challenges

And we will see another day
I hope we can live to see another day

And we will praise it
We will be grateful for another day of life

And love the light that brings a smile
We will appreciate the joy and happiness in life

Across your face
Visible on your facial expression

Hold on
Stay strong and don't give up

Hold on to yourself
Stay true to yourself and your values

For this is gonna hurt like hell
The situation you're in will be very difficult and painful to endure

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sarah McLachlan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Lady_Deadpool

7y↑14

"Hold On" Lyrics

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
you know that only time will tell

What is it in me that refuses to believe
this isn't easier than the real thing

My love
you know that you're my best friend
you know I'd do anything for you
my love
let nothing come between us
my love for you is strong and true

Am I in heaven here or am I...
at the crossroads I am standing

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll
see another day and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face

Oh god if you're out there won't you hear me
I know that we've never talked before
oh god the man I love is leaving
won't you take him when he comes to your door

Am I in heaven here or am I in hell
at the crossroads I am standing

Now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll
see another day and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face...

Hold on
hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell

@mrbear1302

4y↑4

All comments from YouTube:

@francescakatz2884

2y↑32

This whole album is perfection.Still don't quite understand how such talent and beauty exist. To be able to write&sing on a different level of consciousness, wow

@user-on8sz4yr6u

24w↑1

Words to live by..

@user-on8sz4yr6u

24w↑1

Pure emotion pouring out ..

@foxysten92203

4y↑53

This has always been my go-to for heartbreak. I never thought I’d need to hear this song again, my husband and I have been together 15 years. Just celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. He started drinking again... again.. and I have to walk away to protect my own sobriety. Once again, I seek out the comfort of this song while my heart begins the final phase and allows acceptance to set in. So if this too is your go-to heartbreak song... know that with acceptance comes peace

@davidbrooks5968

3y↑2

God bless you

@delilasloan8914

3y↑3

Feel the same...13 years and 4 kids and he chooses meth and friends... realize today I'm tired of being blamed, depressed and last priority.

@roxannecardenas1539

2y↑2

Good for you. This song sounds like your back to reality and true emotions

@dayinlifeofbeg6107

1y↑2

Blessings to you both and yalls!!! I hope things have worked out for the best for all involved by now (I'm sorry, I didn't see when you're comment was posted) !!!!! One song that TRULY HAS helped me also in the wrong connections/ships.....things just line out in Trisha Yearwood's song NEAREST DISTANT SHORE and its not applicable just for "ships" (friendships, partnerships, spouseships, etc)

@gianmurrieta2148

2y↑27

Personally speaking , the best female voice in the history of music.

@carolsanders3979

1y↑2

I agree brings me back to the 90s my twenties then could not stop listening to her music I remember buying her CD employment endlessly.

@beckyscarlett9052

1y↑1

Joni Mitchell but I love Sarah.

@stereomois

12w

Beth Gibbons but I love Sarah

@Peggyevans55

7y↑144

This song I listened to while my husband lay in ICU clinging to life. He passed away but this song expressed everything I was feeling.

@neccowaif9

4y↑7

I'm sorry for your loss, Peggy. What a perfect song for that moment. I believe she wrote this for a friend who's husband had a terminal illness.

@trsidn

4y↑3

@mppetrikas4919

4y↑5

Hopefully this song brought you peace and strength. Your husband is watching over you.

@josephprice6696

4y↑1

I'm so srry..

@danielevans5518

4y↑2

May the lord bless and keep you

21 More Replies...

@JudyinAL

5y↑49

This song was my therapy when my daughter was battling cancer at age 13. I'd put in the CD & have a good cry.

@thehal991

4y↑3

Judy Bou ❤️

@cindywuollet1

2y↑3

Is she still alive? My son died in my arms heart failure at 35. This is the only song I could think of that expressed my feelings at the time at 2am after the ME took him aay

@JudyinAL

2y↑1

@@cindywuollet1 I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine. Yes, my daughter is still alive & was diagnosed 2 more times. The radiation from the original cancer caused her to have breast & thyroid cancer. She had to undergo a double mastectomy & removal of her thyroid, but thank you God she’s still here.

@cindywuollet1

1y↑1

I hope she beat the cancer

@JudyinAL

1y↑1

@@cindywuollet1 She did. She’s been diagnosed 2 more times - a side effect from the radiation- with breast & thyroid- had a double mastectomy & her thyroid removed, but she’s here, healthy, happy & is now pregnant with my first grandchild! We were told that was nearly impossible, but here she is! Thank you for your concern.

@OldCodgerCoA

2y↑18

“This is going to hurt like hell”

I first heard this song when my father was dying of cancer. The lyrics express my feelings at the time, not wanting him to suffer but praying I could have just one more day with him. It is a lot easier to listen to it now, a couple of decades later. It still brings up the emotions but the pain is less.

@cindywuollet1

Yes the words express everything that comes into your mind when well… my son died in my arms a year ago Sunday at 35. This is the first song that came to my mind. And if you look up this song she wrote for a woman who was losing her husband

@dieselnuts7241

6y↑13

This woman is beyond words! She has a voice that sends chills thru my soul. Absolutely amazing! This is music at it's finest...

@jeogle4657

2y↑8

I listened to this song and album while my brother was passing away and I was going through a divorce. It gave me great comfort, but still makes me cry when I hear it.

@cindywuollet1

Of course it does. My son died in my arms a year ago Sunday June 12. This is the song that I thought of played over and over at 2 am after the ME took him away in a black bag

@allanmarwood5887

7y↑66

this has got to be the most gut wrenching song I've ever heard. it is never gets old.

@wanderlingd7047

the other version she does of this is even more heartbreaking

@cindywuollet1

My son died in my arms from heart failure at 35 this is the one song that came to me in my utmost time of pain

@arsalmonar

4y↑10

I'm pretty sure there's no other vocalist I would rather stare at while listening to her music than Sarah. That face, those eyes, the raw emotion and soulful expressions. Woman... You've made me melt since I discovered you in 1993

@aguijohn1321

2y↑3

Per Wiki: 'McLachlan was inspired to write "Hold On" after watching a Canadian documentary titled A Promise Kept.[1] Speaking to the Huffington Post in 2014, she said: "I saw a documentary on a woman whose husband contracted the HIV virus and it was a great and tragic love story. She took care of him up until he died and her passion, empathy and strength was inspirational." Love is not what is said. Love is what is shown.

@dane9093

2y↑2

i played this song continuously while my brother was dying from brain tumor. it helped me so much

@ThePixiePi

10y↑45

This hits home so hard right now, only pain and fear could inspire this beautiful song. The video is fantastic! it's two people trying to hold each up with their strength against the pain and fear

@elaisagrace5232

Eirena Llewellyn-Crow

Hi Eirena: Pain? Yes fear? No! "Walk Ye in Glory, with Your Head held high, and fear NO EVIL!" Blessings and Love, Iya

@friendofjesusclosetogod9960

10y↑17

Thank SARAH McLACHLAN for your positive energy, and your unfailing heart. Michael. through your song Hold On, i have been able to deal with the lose of my twin brother JOE McSWAIN. THANK YOU for your Love, kindness and knowing all will be better the next day.

@friendofjesusclosetogod9960

10y↑1

I love you Joe. Almost two years now, I know

@friendofjesusclosetogod9960

9y↑1

Shiobhan Smith, I may not know your story but because you liked my post, I Michael will pray JESUS brings peace to where there is emotional pain, and comfort to a long hard day. May the JOY of the Lord be with you tonight and forever more, with great love and joy!!! Michael

@susanLeonard66

3y↑11

My big brother died at 57. This song is perfect in it’s definition. Nothing prepared me for the pain of his loss. I keep holding on for the release.

@philepling2470

1y↑1

This is my Hang On song!
Love and Goodness will win and hold us safe .
This is what our Maker and Lover of our Soul has done.

@stillwanttowander6819

11w

Played this CD nonstop back in the day. Still love it , and Sarah, to this day.

@Dorsolateral1

11y↑4

She really is something...Just got better with time...The live version on Afterglow Live is just fantastic...Raw and live yet much more refined and natural feeling...an almost perfect country tune really...really sweet! We as listeners and distant viewers never really know, but she seems like a really genuinely sweet hard working naturally compassionate woman and a real creative angel......One in a billion voice ....

@tmseh

5y↑3

Little kid with the wrist rocket is a badass.
He's a protecting angel.

@michaelsmuse

13y↑2

Sarah M. is another one of those rare exceptions of true art in today's lose description [and I mean 'lose'] of the word (art). She doesn't need a painted face, high-tech gear, back ground vocalists, dancers, ect. to prove that she is a talented person. Not only is she so; she and her gift are unique. Sarah, Alanis Morrissette, Bon Jovi, Jewel, Goo Dolls, Train, Lifehouse, Nickleback, Dave Matthews Band, Hinder, ...I'm going off the top of my head can't get em all in here, help.... all rock!!!

@amadousyfaye8138

13w

Shania Twain aussi

@amadousyfaye8138

13w

Pas comme Aya nakamura par exemple

@gelusmoon1

35w↑1

My fiance has cancer. She's fighting as hard as she can. The other night as she drifted asleep all I could hear ringing in my head was this song. Hadn't listened to it in years but there it was, waiting for me to find it again. Right when I needed it most. Thank you Sarah.

@Rvilla360

1y↑1

The version on MIRRORBALL is GORGEOUS!

@needafraser

11y↑2

she has been my hero for many years now.

@debbiegonzales4704

9y↑12

she sings like an angel.

@mr_selfdestrukt

Angel's often do.

@ironbutcher2421

You're absolutely right!

@michaelmcswain1773

11y

She is my angel from above, my twin brother just died in October and since then Sarah McLachlan has helped me heal from the inside and out. Her voice calms my soul and helps me remember how precious our lives really are. There has been a hole in my heart since he died, but sarah" song Hold On has been filling it back up with the love that just pours out of her just like the light of GOD that you see in her eyes. Thank You Sarah McLachlan. Michael McSwain

@392azk1112

14y↑1

This song reminds me of my lost marriage.... it had its major lows.. I would pray to just see him smile. Its been over for 3 years and it still hurts as bad the day he walked out.

@user-tt6pq8tg1k

10w

My niece sent me this when I went through the first cancer

@joecee2108

9y↑12

the lyrics to this song are brilliant...... glad I found her music whenI WAS younger ....!!!!!!!

@primroseburrows

9y↑2

Joe Cee Me, too. I've loved her for over 20 years. <3

@lecoeur1231

me three!

@tmseh

4y↑2

This hurts like hell. Damn.

@user-hx1mk3zg1s

35w

Sarah McLachlan was a beautiful lady back then 😍 Not to mention her angelic vocals 🎤

@dboggs175

4y↑5

It's as if Sarah wrote this for me because it fits my life perfectly word for word

@gbinafegha

11y↑5

I love this album

@LakeLifeGirl

Still listening to this in 2023... legendary song!

@81kikyo

7y↑3

I know it hurts like hell losing Chester Bennington. RIP Chester.

@user-vv7og1gt7t

Hold on to yourself, this is going to hurt like hell… you were my best friend, the crossroads to heaven
I loved the life that brings a smile..
Sarah McLaughlin has a wonderful voice and a message in her songs

@MrPDJ123

9y↑13

Amazing. Such power and emotion

@mitchlee4349

7y↑1

Too personal to share why I like your Song ( Hold On ) looking up the year it was released, I discovered that we are born on the same day. So Sarah if you read this on January 28 happy birthday to us both and your song (hold on) Yeah it seems I should share something ..To me it represents A single night a moment of great choice.( Hold On ) playing in the background.ThankU So much Sarah M

@cindysnow802

5y↑22

Anybody just put on the Sarah Mr Laughlan music when you want to cry and eat a bucket of ice cream??

@Fakan

Is there any other way to listen? ;)

@prairiedog2482

A bucket of Smirnoffs...to each their own.

@chinanuokoli12

6y↑6

This version seems to have more instrumentation than the album version (particularly at the “oooh God, the man I love is leaving”)

@tmoverbeck

12y↑3

If I had to pick a favorite Sara-Mac song, this would be it.

@kyliesanders6013

6y↑1

Her songs remind where I was in a dark place of heartbreak and her words gave a teenager like me such strength.

@JoyfulSong111

3y↑1

Finding solace today in this song, COVID has been a game changer for sure but we're almost there now... I'm thankful to be holding on ❤

@kirkwatson1442

13w

God...she is kind❤

@prairiedog2482

Factoring in her incredible songwriting, vocal, and marketing talents...adding her beauty only convinces me we have Fae in our midst. And that pleases me to no end.

@erikadamico9524

7y↑9

I think this song was done because of two people she knew, a couple, the husband was fighting for his life against cancer. Don't quote me but I think I heard this at one of her concerts. She's an inspiration, I could never get sick of these songs.

@mariapalladino2473

6y↑1

Erika Damico it was AIDS. I don't know the whole story but the song was written about losing someone to AIDS.

@andywerner838

Could be about both .sad song

@snoogans81

5y↑2

It came from a documentary Sarah watched called A Promise Kept. About a husband dying from HIV and his wife caring for him. That is what Sarah herself says it is from.

@cindywuollet1

Yes you’re absolutely correct about her writing it for a couple she did t know but read something about them. But she nailed it! My son died in my arms last year at 35 and after the ME took him away in a black bag I put this song on

@dorahenry7228

2y↑1

Beautiful! So real! ❤️🙏💕

@ghostgrabber

14y↑1

she is SO beautiful!

@nickfallaw5714

5y↑1

Her songs are so captivating

@kevingowdythatwouldhavebea1122

7y↑1

her voice is so beautiful

@Lady_Deadpool

7y↑14

@SilentBob731

6y↑2

One of the greatest songs by possibly the greatest singer of all time.
If I believed in Gods & Goddesses, she would be one of them...
;-)

@ireegame

6y↑3

2018 now, how I didn't discover her before? Great Singer!

@tmseh

5y↑2

It hurts like hell sometimes.

@michaelsmorrison

13y↑5

Love: A sharing of the self Don't get swept away in the mind games of the heart Tomorrow is another day learn to love yourself What is love anyway but a sharing of the self... M.S. Morrison

@cindywuollet1

1y↑2

I hope you know the back story of what inspired Sara to write this song. But she nailed it!!! For so many people who have had and have to lose a loved one. It puts into words what an individual thinks and feels when they experience the loss. She is definitely a song writer that gets it! I always liked Sara but it wasn’t until my 35yo son and best friend died in my arms a year ago. We always were into music. He was a musician and also served as an army combat we Owned a radio station for awhile. When the EMTs said the worst words I could have heard … I’m sorry. I got a bottle of vodka and this song 1:48 immediately popped into my head. I have such a library of music in my head. I just remembered the lyrics … what applied to my immediate situation…hold on to yourself for this is gonna hurt like hell. My only kid. It’s not supposed to be like this. I go first. This Friday he would have been 37.

@Trai71starr

8y↑7

so <3 this song means alot to me

@keithcurry9968

5y↑1

Beautiful on so many levels.

@F4evrsoon

5y↑4

Whoa, I just got to S15:E11 of Grey’s Anatomy where there’s a remake of this song, and I just bawled cuz this song pulls on every nerve, same today as it did 20 years ago. Oh man, I N T E N S E. 💗

@maryanderson611

3y↑1

"Randomly" popped in my mind so listening.

@sherrytennyson3879

Most appropriate the Legendary Song

@rammmin1

13y↑1

she truly deliver angle voice

@peppermoore756

3y↑1

Beautiful song. Thanks for making music. 🙏🏾💛💙

@FerrickOxhide

4y↑1

Forgot how amazing the bass line is.

@toddeidson7520

5y↑1

I pray everyday but I pray for something real 🙏 and yes I feel but 💔 and I'm not letting anyone put up me I'm praying for my friend and it's pretty much everything that can be.on my mind

@daniduke09

3y↑1

Such a powerful song.

@MsPinky1964

9y↑2

this is it thx to everyone yes lord can i get a amen

@kirkwatson1442

1y↑1

Across the greatest divide

@ddubfan

I loved Sarah back in the day but I couldn't relate to her but loved her. Still.

@DahvieVanityInsanity

12y↑13

when your partner is dying. loving someone so much, and trying to be there for them. but slowly watching them die.

@angelsarms04

13y

THIS IS MY FAV SONG BY SARAH, i have been listening to her since i can remember in high school her music got me through so many trials and tribulations, she has all my respect... SARAH IS THE BEST,,,

@ReikiTabi

Try her song Fear

@jumpfart666

One of those tunes that makes your heart flutter......

@debbieallport7019

10y↑3

For all my Friends Hold on

@brucepeppinck9988

48w↑1

So Beautiful songs 🎧🎧🎧🎧❤️

@alilpumpkin4680

Omg rt...my son lost his stepmom best friend and another friend this yr ....hugs prayers to all

@khaza1wolfgurl

14y↑1

I wish my voice was half as beautiful as hers <3

@chinanuokoli12

This song is beautiful in every way possible

@kirkwatson1442

13w

Vancouver is cold

@YourWealthCome

Better times are coming. Hold on.

@mikensca1

11y↑1

awesome album

@kirkwatson1442

1y↑1

It gets better

@donaldvititoe4760

Sarah, Miss Amazing,Love ya 👌💕🦄🥰

@lighthouse91132

12y

my fuel that helps me believe is sadly running out. Though my love is strong and true... the mistakes (not cheating) will never be erased... so I too hope God hears me. As it isn't just about my love but my life as well.

@mysticlightwarrior30

At the crossroads I am standing 💗

@forevergone5

13y

she's a beautiful artist

@joesimpleton7227

Went and got lost in the world. Had quite completely forgotten how cool this record is.

@Ciangirl

This is the song I used to make myself stronger. No one loved me that much. And yes. I did hurt like hell

@soniaaguiar3107

YOUR VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING MUSICS

@georgelobuonoAuthor

8y↑7

She's nothing but mystic beautiful, delicately feminine and eager to please (starving, sick, unloved) children in numerous parts of the world w. donations, i.e. using her funds she built 12 medical clinic's in Africa's densest housing location (800,000 living in shanties, mud shacks in Kibera, Kenya which is only as big as Manhattan island). She's cosmic/mystic/divine feminine of the sweetest sort. Sings her heart out about every slightest breath of love, sometimes hurt by men, it seems. I've never been hurt by a woman yet, having never left a serious (weeks even) relationship (only had one - ended in marriage) myself... was always the one who left - for further, more personally liberating locations on the Pacific Rim. Now I'm merely one of those Sarah-like aspiring universal types,, too, albeit doing African global music and also a Lila Downs-meets-an-E. African duo of singers (Tsedenia Gebremarkos and Gigi, both of Ethiopia), at the moment (plus some Sarah-like water bass/water-worlds of love type music now, which is how I describe all the music I write. In the universe of all minds, first comes all encompassing feminine (universal mothers, sweethearts), then native, then all else, no?

@pennym1195

11y

...thank you eternally

@mrbear1302

4y↑4

@dpcealla

12y

Lovely church reverb!

@nerobinson2806

12y↑1

to my aunt andy :) luv you..

@forevergone5

11y

this is such a beautiful song!!!

@andreapatane4204

2y↑1

Sarah McLachlan seems to share the same song title as Irish Pop group, B*Witched. 👍🏻if you noticed it onscreen.

@centuryof66

11y↑1

I just love her <3

@nerobinson2806

12y

For Sandy! I luv you!~

@theedge8343

Perfect .....in every way !!!

@cindyjones8232

5y↑4

Hold on

@GrahamNificent

13y↑3

This isn't the same mix that's on the album. Does anyone know where I can get a high quality file of this version? I love this video, and Sarah is amazing.