Girl take a seat, rest your weary bones
Your secrets safe in my hands
Tell me about the years and
Let me buy an hour
Maybe help me to understand
Ooh ain't nobody callin'
Ain't nobody home
What a lovely day to be lonely

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love
You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love

Light another cigarette
Burning in the cold
Waiting on the street for your man
You're trying not to look so
Young and miserable
You gotta get your kicks while you can
In the lighted corner, sitting on your own
What a lovely day to be lonely

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love
You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love

Well you might belong to another time
Still you have to carry on here
No where else to go and you never know
What to hide and what to show, no

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love
You're holding on for life
Holding on for life (oh)
Holding on for love

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Russell Mercer, Brian Joseph Burton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Babab Studio

5y↑98

Girl, take a seat
Rest your weary bones
Your secret's safe
In my hands

Tell me about the years and
Let me buy an hour
Maybe help me to understand

Oh, ain't nobody calling
Ain't nobody home
What a lovely day to be lonely

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

Light another cigarette
Burning in the cold
Waiting on the street
For your man

You're trying not to look so
Young and miserable
You gotta get your kicks
While you can

And in the Latin quarter
Sitting on your own
What a lovely day to be lonely

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

Well,
you
might belong
to another time
Still you have to carry on, yeah

No
where
else to go
and you never know
what to hide and what to show, no

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

You're holding on for life
Holding on for life, love
Holding on for love

(Actually doing this for myself but comments are public :p)

Chiara Castagnoli

3y↑3

Ragazza, siediti
Riposa le tue ossa stanche
Il tuo segreto è al sicuro
Nelle mie mani

Parlami degli anni e
Fammi comprare un'ora
Forse aiutami a capire

Oh, non c'è nessuno che chiama
Non c'è nessuno a casa
Che bella giornata in solitudine

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amore
Resisti per amore

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amore
Resisti per amore

Accendi un'altra sigaretta
Brucia al freddo
Aspettando la strada
Per il tuo uomo

Stai cercando di non sembrare così
Giovane e miserabile
Devi prendere i tuoi calci
Mentre puoi

E nel quartiere latino
Seduto da solo
Che bella giornata in solitudine

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amore
Resisti per amore

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amore
Resisti per amore

Bene,
voi
potrebbe appartenere
a un'altra volta
Devi ancora andare avanti, sì

No
dove
altro andare
e non lo sai mai
cosa nascondere e cosa mostrare, no

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amore
Resisti per amore

Stai resistendo per la vita
Resisti per la vita, amorere.
Resisti per amore.

All comments from YouTube:

OGshmo

5y↑189

I think the message behind the video/song is: You find love. You get interested in other things, you leave love behind. You then realize that you want that love back, and go looking for it - often, in other places rather than with the person that made you feel that way originally(our first love). Meanwhile, your entire life passes you by, you realize you're old.. but you're still holding onto that first love. You hold on for life.

Boba Fett

4w↑3

Some deep shit in this thread

Mort Gnome

1y↑9

@E D Exactly, it goes both ways. And I think that is also the point.

E D

1y↑11

Yeah...but...on the other hand she made no effort to join in/explore/expand until it was too late for her too so she also missed out - hung around waiting and expecting rather than doing or trying anything...🤷‍♀️

Ozzers Oz

2y↑8

Couldn't have said it any better

Александр Еремеев

7y↑4

it can listen and watch forever! Terrific!

Reynaldo Urueta Restrepo

3y↑3

Desde Colombia un saludo para ustedes, son los mejores, amo su música. Abrazos.///Greetings from Colombia to you, you are the best, I love your music. Hugs.

IFoX TD7

5y↑3

que brutal esta banda de verdad....

dvdmike007

6y↑3

Kate Mara makes everything better

JYNXYA

6y↑90

I spent such a long time trying to find this song again after hearing it on the radio years ago and after a while I just gave up looking, but tonight I have the pleasure of listening to the song again! I feel so happy

Erik gasga Naranjo

21w

I understand that feeling hahaha

Konz Player Juegos Retro

2y↑1

This funny because my experience was pretty similar. Iheart the song from a blog on the internet. Then I spend around three years looking for the song.

moto2016

Wish they played stuff like this on the radio around here!

David Berenson

7y↑3

RIP Mister Chekov.Your flight is over....

Mar Wilson

1y↑2

🔥💯👍🏼😎

BASSic - Bass Boosted Music

6y↑2

Is that Zoey from House of Cards?

opti-mus

6y↑1

yea

Aldo Raine

9y↑210

For everyone saying that this song has a big nostalgic feel similar to the Bee Gees, you're right on point. If you didn't know, Broken Bells is a collab group made of Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins. They really let their experimental side come out with Broken Bells, hitting the music archetypes they both grew up on. Together, it's awesome. They both actually make a cameo in this video as the door guards at 1:40 and on. Pretty cool dudes.

KosmicMarxman

2y↑1

I had a feeling those guys must have been band members. They just seem to fit the bill.

Jason Fane

Looks like they also got him high later in the video https://youtu.be/uhBewKu80Mg?list=RDMMuhBewKu80Mg&t=166

CSN

Bro, I think it is safe to say that everything Danger Mouse does is experimental.

Freggitt Legamint

4y↑2

Well that explains why I keep hearing James Mercer, jeez.

Christopher Roth

9y↑2

It really an impressive throwback to the Bee Gees and I'm loving every replay!

2 More Replies...

Просто Петя

46w↑1

RIP Anton Yelchin Hope you found Peace . Жаль тебя малый , надеюсь ты в лучшем мире сейчас

S U N F L O W E R

2y↑1

thanks reddit

Jeslyn Tweedie

2y↑1

who's here in 2020??

Hart Warg

2y↑1

Kate Mara was not the imposter

Jeremiah

25w↑22

RIP Anton Yelchin. Such a talented actor gone far too soon.

ocsrc

4y↑1

Wow! Who did this video ? Who thought up the idea ?

This is amazing

Wow

They should be making movies

Simply awesome

Kristi McGowan/ Darko’s Cellar Door

5y↑1

I can't believe I didn't hear this when it came out! Fantastic song!

Kriswixx

5y↑1

GOOSEBUMPS and watery eyes, every time. so moving.

M. Allen

5y↑1

There should be common sense jeep Cherokee laws.

Old World Vampire

26w↑17

One of the beautiful things about art is that it is open to interpretation. As a woman getting out of a relationship, I interpret this from my own perspective. From the woman's perspective, she falls in love with him, but either he's not what he seems, or he takes her love for granted. So she tries to "find him", but she's broken because the version of him that she fell in love with was not who he really was- or perhaps he took it for granted for so long- and made the mistake of choosing someone else- but I get the sense from this that he regrets how he treated her/saw her- and she's hurt in the end because it went on for so long. For me, it's a very sad and destructive music video, but it's so symbolic, that it's beautiful.

Proph3t3N

8w↑1

I just wanted to add my thoughts from my experience, as someone who got out of long term relationship - for me this song is also about fooling yourself and pretending everything is still ok. Despite knowing that you both grew apart, be it because you both grown apart and changed, or you both got fed up with each others quirks and behaviour. She or he is not the same person you met... just looks like the person you fell in love with. Especially with last paragraph, about having no where else to go and hide - both parties know damn well, how they feel and it's obvious, that the other side is usually feeling the same.. but sometimes it's easier to pretend and keep on going, than to face the hard truth and stop running from inevitable, till one person snaps and starts talking. Just my two cents, I hope you are getting through your breakup. It get's better with every day, little by little.

Laplagaable

5y↑1

Can we please focus on how staggeringly beautiful Kate Mara is...

Creepy Crawley

6y↑1

such a good 1

TASI Channel

7y↑1

Lol, sounds like the EU's anthem post-Brexit.

Anita Chow

7y↑3

RIP Anton Yelchin. You will be missed. Great actor. I be sure to watch Star trek.

Missy Richmond

8y↑36

This song is so addictive. I can't get enough of it. I like their other stuff, but I love this.

MosesPray

5y↑14

Another outstanding song and mini-movie from Broken Bells. They captured the haunting sadness of 70's Sci-Fi movies like Silent Running and Zardoz. Anton and Kate were perfect.

Adrienne Jenkins

9y↑24

the beat is awesome, his voice is perfect for the song. Im glad my local stations still play good underground music. LOVE THIS SONG!!

alien jess

2y↑18

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this video! Love everything about it!

Elaine Marx

6y↑5

eu amo essa música , i love this song

Deplorable Dani

5y↑7

I found this by accident and so glad I did! I really love the 80's influences this artist incorporates into their modern sound. The video I found very entertaining and well made. Really cool stuff my friends! EDIT: Oh, I also wanted to mention that I felt the actors in this really showed emotion perfectly. The reactions and emotion in their faces were really powerful! ♥

Mauricio Fernández

5y↑5

Amo profundamente esta canción.

Rodrigo Cristaldo

19w

Too🥹

Marius Knox

5y↑3

Incredible rif. Always been a big Shins fan, and this just cranks things up a notch. A little Melancholy, but I dig it.

Aaron Debellotte

37w↑5

This song hits a certain way for the lonesome. Who among all odds found a soul to bond to, in the most sincere and intimate ways. Truly, what a lovely day to be lonely.

Antonis Minardos

6y↑8

Even if I listen it 1000 times, I just can't get enough of it...!!! Brilliant and with a class from the glorious past when music had meaning...

Danial Howe

3y↑276

CLOSE YOUR EYES. LISTEN TO THAT CHORUS and image how easily this could have been a bee gees hit back in the day

hey

Boogie woogie

joecoool100

It was.....in the alternative universe you and I will never see.

Leah & Declan

I was just telling my lady they sound lig bee gees

Gautam Krishnan

Completely agree

Amy Ann

2y↑1

You're so right.

2 More Replies...

discojack

9y↑23

loving the 80's vibe!

Tim Maloney

7y↑2

great tune...obvious Bee Gees influence...beautifully written song..great harmonies..

PrinceAvenue

47w↑7

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 HERE I'AM ALL OF THESE YEARS LATER AND THIS SONG STILL GIVES ME THE SAME FEELS I HAD WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Justme Mallen

1y↑11

Freaking awesome song.

burton926

45w↑11

Your songs, your videos, and all of your energy resonate so hard.
I really hope you go on tour again and I can experience it in person.
2022 is ready for Broken Bells to come back...

Viva Rdvt

28w↑1

Hope you know they posted a video a few weeks ago!!

Omid G.

9y↑24

This song is a tale of a person in despair, encouraging them to stay strong and carry on. I love it.

theniceneighbor

9y↑1

@Omid Gharipour Yes, and I find myself mad at the fool that disappointed her as he fell victim to his own vulnerability. I get something new from it everytime I watch the video. its very moving.

savory ovary

4y↑8

This is possibly the only music video I like more than the song (and I love the song).

To me, it just speaks of lost opportunities that are never gotten over. It gets me every time.

Gibrin

4y↑1

Agree, I keep being drawn back to the song and the video

The HERO Family

6y↑3

love this song. it just gets me in a smooth mood. the lyrics. the way he sings em and the music. its an amazing song.

John Mangee

30w↑1

You know, the cool thing about Holding On for Life is that it sounds like a modern day Bee Gees track. If The Bee Gees were still making music in the 2010s, this is exactly what they would sound like. Plus, Holding On for Life sounds a lot like Nights on Broadway…which, incidentally, is my all-time favorite Bee Gees song.

Imperialhsu

2y↑10

Discovering this at the tail end of 2020 and seeing Anton really left me with warmth. Great video for a stellar track!

Gift Horse

5y↑2

This is an awesome mix! Like all the songs. Thanks for introducing some new music to me!

Babab Studio

5y↑98

Gianni Santoscoy

2y↑1

Who made the dress of Kate Mara's character?

Gianni Santoscoy

2y↑1

Merci. Grazia. Thanks again.

Chiara Castagnoli

3y↑3

thompson J

48w↑1

omg!!!…i just discovered this song last year and heard it again this year decided to google it…this is the JAM. I had no idea…so yes rest 🕊

f0rumrr

6y↑33

Anton will always live on in my mind because he did this. This song is a classic and I will love it forever.

sKiiTs8

9y↑12

Amazing song. Can't wait for the album!

lauritabein

7y↑3

great video and song.. Love it

Mike Parker

22w

😥

Frank Götzmann

26w

👍

Katie King

27w

Kate Mara is a dream

Cillana

Had The Ghost Inside stuck in my head and thought maybe I'll check out the music video. Result: 😢
Someone in the comments suggests watching this video. Video starts, I see Anton Yelchin. Result: 😭

Robert Allen

ON LOVE!!

Dekker95

Remember kids, drugs and faster than light travel don't mix. 💚

Biden's mind

Where did they find the lost wardrobe from Logan's Run?
No one knows what that is, I know

Joe Montayna

RIP

manystar

you live forever Anton

JD

I love this song. BUT he like talks her into taking off that helmet like no time flat. With no science to back up this action.

Gustav Gnöttgen

Ah, that's what they produced in that vampire movie.

Michael G

Damn, I’m gonna miss getting high and watching music vids with you Joei

M.E. Valdez

Wow. He's. Dead.

Дарья Кузнецова

2019?

Brian Phoffz

one word- beegees

Kris Kamwah

Why he dressed like Black Goku?

Michael Lewis

Woah, cool, the BeeGee's put out an emo song!

MoonShine GodIs

Yo I love this song.. Here and now last episode brought me here!!!

Derek Brown

"Holding on for life"

Jakub Święcki

8y↑7

Świetny kawałek !!

Данил Иванов

Жаль Антоху, хороший он был парняга.

jarretpaul

So this is what the crystalline entity does for fun.

Jmehix

Work

andrew saunders

i still think the strangest thing about this video is the TV remote with 7 buttons total.

Mountain Prairie West

Kate Mara is my girl crush :D

LON3RSTON3R9

sounds like eagles meets the bee gees

Kilobak

the most sad music video ever.. :(

Miss O.P.

who's the chick?

boop the snoot

Anton :'(

yourfriendfrom

I totally forgot he was in this video until I started typing Holding on for life out. Shit dude, i'm tearing up. Rest in peace Anton.

Rebekka Grace

Oh man how ironic. I just really wanted to hear the song. Had no idea he was in this video. So sad.

freeman239

Like a DXM trip.

liz cefalu

9y↑5

Love his voice, sweet upper range.

Chantel O'Farrell

7y↑2.5K

Rest in peace Anton Yelchin. Oh my God, so tragic. ♥

Donovan Norcross

16w

Tragic. He was great in Startrek

luis ochoa

19w

Wait, what? Wtf? What? !!

Cody Barry

34w

Love Him.....such a loss. Rest Easy Anton! 💜❤💫💔

Rob K

35w↑2

I worked at a Jeep dealership for a short period during a transition/relocation. Obviously we're driving the cars we sell now and then. I thought that Jeep Grand Cherokee shifter was "odd". Couldn't tell what gear you were in, pull it back, thought you were in Drive, nope it's still in Reverse, etc. It was like a video game joystick from the 80s, flopped around. I didn't know who this guy was but read the article back then. ....an SUV rolled over him. Wondered if it could have been a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was. Those vehicles were recalled and the following years Grand Cherokee's reverted to the old traditional style shifter. The Feds ruled that new style shifter as "not intuitive". It wasn't, it was weird. This was not user error.

Wesley Van Hoof

46w↑1

Still not over his absence 😔

79 More Replies...

farcebook

4y↑1

I love this song! 😎

IV exe

5y↑2

I love this song so much ❤️

Johanna Delfin

13w↑1

Que hermosa canción 💗 la adoro 💖😍

Tennessee Warminster

1y↑2

I adore this song 💙💜

Nestor Russi

Great Song and lyrics!! Thanks for sharing...!!

Frank Gould

5y↑1

one of the most beautifull songs ever produced I swear

jerrud johnson

5y↑1

One of my top favorites , of this decade.

Ben Palmer

7y↑3

This song never gets old! Awesome song!

Katherine Hancocks

3y↑2

I have been holding on for life for 15 years.

AWESOME SONG

RCam

33w↑2

Love this song 🎵 ❤️

tom Martins

3y↑1

Nossa, muito bom esse som... faltava algo assim para meus ouvidos e alma.
How did Youtube not tell me this before? I lose my faith in YouTube more and more!