I’m Pulling Through
Billie Holiday Lyrics


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I'm pulling through and it's because of you!
When I was stranded came your helping hand
Lonely, hurt I had not known which way to turn
'Til you said, "Try smiles, not tears, just laugh and learn"

I'm pulling trough and it's because of you!
You made me see how lovely life could be
Lifted up my heart and made me count the cost
To find I'd gained, not lost!

When I thought that hope was really gone
You showed me I was wrong
And you taught me how to carry on
Thanks for the lift in time and thanks for this song!

I'm pulling trough and it's because of you!
I'd do the same for you if your turn came
Hope it never will
For I've been though the mill




I won't get this debt
I'm pulling trough

Overall Meaning

In Billie Holiday's song "I’m Pulling Through," the lyricist talks about being in a difficult situation, feeling stranded, hurt and lost, not knowing which way to turn until a helping hand reaches out. The singer credits this person for lifting up her heart and showing her how lovely life could be. The person advised her to try smiling instead of tears, to laugh and learn from the experience. The song then talks about how the singer had almost lost hope until this person came around and showed her how to carry on, for which she is immensely grateful. The song ends with the singer saying that she has learned a valuable lesson from this experience and that she would do the same for this person if their turn ever came.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm pulling through and it's because of you!
I am recovering and it's all thanks to you!


When I was stranded came your helping hand
In a state of hopeless isolation, you came to my rescue


Lonely, hurt I had not known which way to turn
Feeling isolated and wounded, I was confused and unsure of my next steps


'Til you said, "Try smiles, not tears, just laugh and learn"
Until you advised me to look on the bright side, I was consumed by sadness and despair


You made me see how lovely life could be
You helped me realize the beauty and joy that life has to offer


Lifted up my heart and made me count the cost
You lifted my spirits and made me appreciate the value of life


To find I'd gained, not lost!
I discovered that I had gained more from the experience than I had lost


When I thought that hope was really gone
I believed that there was no hope left for me


You showed me I was wrong
You proved to me that I was mistaken in my hopelessness


And you taught me how to carry on
You taught me how to persevere in the face of adversity


Thanks for the lift in time and thanks for this song!
Thank you for coming to my aid when I needed it most and for this song that expresses my gratitude


I'd do the same for you if your turn came
I would extend the same help to you if you were in my position


Hope it never will
I hope you never have to experience the same pain and hardship that I did


For I've been though the mill
I have already faced my fair share of challenges and difficulties


I won't get this debt
I cannot repay you for everything you have done for me, but I will always be grateful


I'm pulling through
I am making progress and moving forward




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Comments from YouTube:

Amardo Strachan

Love this soooooo much!

jazzloves

Monique- Originally it was probably on a 78 rpm. Today any number of re-issues of her work can be found on Columbia among other labels. One of the best is the Columbia re-issues from 1933- to the end of her contract with the record label; entitled "The Essential Billie Holiday 1933- ". A discography and commentary are included. Check her "official" web site for other offerings. Be blessed.

Calvin Staley

This song reminds me of the time when someone I love broke up with and didn't have the heart to tell it to me personally.

Vicky Marie

<3

Monique Laidlaw

What album was this song on?

direfranchement

Originally, it wasn't. It was released on 78. Albums didn't really become popular until the 1950's. I got this particular recording from a cd box set. It was never part of a proper "album" however like "Lady In Satin"..

Monique Laidlaw

cool thank you for that info, I found it on Amazon.

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