Beresford Hammond (b.August 28,1955 Annotto Bay,St.Mary, Jamaica) has only … Read Full Bio ↴Beresford Hammond (b.August 28,1955 Annotto Bay,St.Mary, Jamaica) has only really risen to become popular in the 'digital' age of Reggae, although his career stretches back to the 1970's. Considered by many to be one of Jamaica's finest contemporary vocalists, his best work has generally been captured on the 'Penthouse' and 'Xterminator' labels as well as his own 'Harmony House' imprint. The singer with his distictive 'Bourbon on the rocks' vocal style remains active today both recording and producing.

Hold On
Beres Hammond Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hold on
Hold on

Been up
been down
been in
been out
I thought I knew all about life

all about life
then I realized
life never promised you
no bag of roses
love never promised you
no benz and roses
the more you live the more you learn
not to leave yourself open
try not to talk til it's your turn
when you think that your certain, ya

Hold on
don't let another man push you off your senses
Hold on
nah bother front if you know you can't dis this
Hold on
stand up firm and never get weak just
Hold on
Oh gosh

Now if your not quick to learn
then your going to be a come around
Even your bretherens will
take you for a run around
the less you know
it won't hurt
these are things to remember
life is free you give the word
January to December

Hold on
don't let another man push you off your senses
Hold on
nah bother front if you know you can't dis this
Hold on
stand up firm and never get weak just
Hold on

I've been up
been down
been in
been out
I thought I knew all about life
all about life
then I realized
life never promised you
no bag of roses
love never promised you
no benz and roses
the more you live the more you learn
not to leave yourself open
try not to talk til it's your turn
when you think that your certain, you

Hold on
oh yes
gotta do is
Hold on

Hold on
just you hold on

Overall Meaning

In the song "Hold On" by Beres Hammond, the artist reflects on his life experiences and offers advice to listeners hoping to navigate the challenges of life. The opening lines acknowledge the ups and downs of life and the realization that it doesn't come with a guarantee of happiness or ease. Hammond speaks to the ways in which love and life can be unpredictable and unstable, likening them to a lack of promised "bags of roses" or "benz and roses". Despite the disappointment and unpredictability that life can bring, the chorus speaks to the importance of holding on and maintaining one's self-respect and resilience.

In the second verse, Hammond offers the warning that failing to learn can lead to being taken advantage of by others who will "take you for a run around". He encourages listeners to stay informed and to remember that "life is free you give the word" and that each moment offers the opportunity to learn about oneself and the world. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and standing firm, rather than allowing oneself to be pushed around by others.

Line by Line Meaning

Hold on
Stay strong and persevere

Hold on
Reinforce to stay strong

Been up
Experienced success

been down
Experienced failure

been in
Experienced confinement

been out
Experienced liberation

I thought I knew all about life
Believed to understand everything about life

all about life
Every aspect of life

then I realized
Became aware that

life never promised you
Life doesn't guarantee

no bag of roses
A life of pure happiness

love never promised you
Love doesn't guarantee

no benz and roses
A glamorous lifestyle

the more you live the more you learn
Learning comes with experience

not to leave yourself open
To be careful and guard oneself

try not to talk til it's your turn
To be mindful and patient

when you think that your certain, ya
When you believe that you understand, you realize you don't

don't let another man push you off your senses
Don't let someone else control your thoughts and emotions

nah bother front if you know you can't dis this
Don't pretend to be something you're not

stand up firm and never get weak just
Be strong and don't falter

Oh gosh
An exclamation often used to express intensity of feeling

Now if your not quick to learn
If you are not open to learning quickly

then your going to be a come around
You will become a follower

Even your bretherens will
Even those close to you

take you for a run around
Will deceive you and lead you astray

the less you know
When you have little knowledge

it won't hurt
It's not harmful

these are things to remember
Important things to keep in mind

life is free you give the word
You have control of your own life

January to December
Throughout the entire year

oh yes
An expression of affirmation

gotta do is
All you need to do is

just you hold on
Simply remain strong and endure

Hold on
Encouragement to remain strong

Writer(s): Beresford Hugh Hammond, Beres Hammond, H. Hammond Copyright: Stb Music Inc., Xtm Sounds Publishing

Contributed by Emily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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