Hang Onto Yourself
David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars Lyrics


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Never had a good thing going
And, you know, never had a thing on
My baby got out last Monday
And me, I'm on a radio show

So come on
Come on
We really got a good thing going
(Well) Come on
(Well) Come on
If you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself

Never had a good thing going
And, you know, never had a thing on
My baby got out last Monday
And me, I'm on a radio show

So come on
Come on
We really got a good thing going
(Well) Come on
(Well) Come on
If you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself

So come on
Come on
We really got a good thing going
(Well) Come on
(Well) Come on
If you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself

So come on
Come on
We really got a good thing going
(Well) Come on
(Well) Come on
If you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself

Oh
Alright
Alright
Come on
Ha
Ha
Ha
Come on
Ha




Ha
Ha

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to David Bowie's song "Hang Onto Yourself" seem to express a sense of urgency and determination in the face of an uncertain future. The singer acknowledges that they have never had much going for them, but that their current situation feels particularly precarious. Their partner has left them, and they are left to fend for themselves on a radio show. Despite these setbacks, the singer remains confident and even defiant, urging the listener to "hang on to yourself" if they want to make it through.


The repetition of the refrain "come on" throughout the song reinforces this sense of urgency, and the pulsing, driving beat of the music serves to underscore the lyrics' message. The tone of the song is one of determination and even desperation, as the singer seems to be fighting against the odds to make something of their life.


Overall, "Hang Onto Yourself" seems to be a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their own destiny and persevere through difficult times. The lyrics, although somewhat opaque, leave an impression of resilience and a refusal to give up in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Never had a good thing going
I have never really had anything that is really good in my life.


And, you know, never had a thing on
I have never been in possession of anything significant or of value.


My baby got out last Monday
My significant other left me only recently.


And me, I'm on a radio show
Despite my personal life issues, I am still appearing on a radio show.


So come on
Let's keep moving forward.


Come on
We can't stop now.


We really got a good thing going
We are doing quite well.


(Well) Come on
We really need to keep pushing forward.


(Well) Come on
Don't give up yet.


If you think we're gonna make it
If you have any hope that things will turn out alright.


You better hang on to yourself
Then you need to stay strong and not let yourself give up hope.


Oh
An expression of emotion, possibly frustration or disappointment.


Alright
An expression of agreement, acknowledging that things are not perfect but they will be okay.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter or excitement.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter or excitement.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter or excitement.


Come on
Keep moving forward and don't give up hope.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter or excitement.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter or excitement.


Ha
An expression of joy, laughter, or excitement.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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