She stated that “'Holding On For Life' is a bit more of a philosophical one for me. It’s more about being with someone, and it being kind of now or never, and it’s a matter of life or death. And you feel like there’s still a lot of life left in you and the other person, but you’re just trying to hold on to it, and hold on to what you’ve got.”
Holding on for Life
Ellie Goulding Lyrics
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Part of you, bittersweet
But now you tell me lies
Up and down, cold and hot
Swear to God, got to stop
'Cause I can't sleep at night
If you wanted love like this
Should've known better
'Cause you find yourself alone
Chilling you right to the bone
No, should've known better
You and me just
Running towards the light
Giving up the fight
Hoping we survive
You and me just
Strangers in the night
Giving up the fight
Waiting to ignite
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Lost in you, lost in me
Afraid of love, in too deep
So we just run and hide
Lightning fast, felt the crash
Scared to lose, fear attacks
We only know goodbye
You and me just
Running towards the light
Giving up the fight
Hoping we survive
You and me just
Strangers in the night
Giving up the fight
Waiting to ignite
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
If you wanted love like this
Blowing up with every kiss
Should've known better
You find yourself alone
Chilling you right to the bone
No, should've known better
Hopelessly holding on
To all those perfect nights
Let's pretend it's not gone
And say we'll never die
You and me just
Running towards the light
Giving up the fight
Hoping we survive
You and me just
Strangers in the night
Giving up the fight
Waiting to ignite
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Holding on for life
Hopelessly holding on
To all those perfect nights
Let's pretend it's not gone
And say we'll never die
Say we'll never die
The lyrics to Ellie Goulding's song "Holding on for Life" convey a sense of desperation and longing in a relationship that is not fulfilling. The song speaks of a love that has turned bitter and dishonest, where lies have replaced trust and uncertainty has replaced security. The singer reflects on how things have gone wrong, realizing that they should have known better. Despite the dissatisfaction and pain, they continue to hold on, hoping for a change, even though deep down, they know it may never come.
The lyrics also touch on the fear of love and being vulnerable, as the singer feels lost and deep in fear. They are caught in a cycle of running away and hiding from love, afraid to lose and experience the pain that comes with it. The repetition of "holding on" throughout the song signifies a desperate clinging to the hope that things will get better, even when it seems futile.
Line by Line Meaning
Enemy, used to be
Once a close companion, now a source of conflict and pain
Part of you, bittersweet
A significant part of your past that brings both happiness and sorrow
But now you tell me lies
But now you deceive me with false words
Up and down, cold and hot
Inconsistent and fluctuating emotions, alternating between indifference and intensity
Swear to God, got to stop
Promise to end the cycle of emotional turmoil
'Cause I can't sleep at night
Because I am haunted by thoughts and unable to find peace in sleep
If you wanted love like this
If you desired a passionate and explosive love like ours
Blowing up with every kiss
Becoming more intense and overwhelming with each kiss
Should've known better
Should have been wiser and more discerning
'Cause you find yourself alone
Because you now face loneliness and solitude
Chilling you right to the bone
Sending shivers of apprehension and fear through your entire being
No, should've known better
No, you should have been more aware and knowledgeable
You and me just
Just the two of us
Running towards the light
Moving towards an optimistic and hopeful future
Giving up the fight
Abandoning the struggle and resistance
Hoping we survive
Wishing for our perseverance and endurance
Strangers in the night
Unfamiliar and distant from each other, even in the dark
Waiting to ignite
Waiting for the spark of passion and excitement to ignite
Holding on for life
Holding onto the relationship with all our strength and determination
Lost in you, lost in me
Completely absorbed in each other, losing our individual identities
Afraid of love, in too deep
Fearing the vulnerability and intensity of love, already too emotionally invested
So we just run and hide
Therefore, we resort to escaping and concealing our true emotions
Lightning fast, felt the crash
A sudden and intense impact felt immediately
Scared to lose, fear attacks
Terrified of losing each other, anxiety takes hold
We only know goodbye
Our only familiarity is in parting ways
Hopelessly holding on
Desperately clinging onto what remains
To all those perfect nights
To the memories of flawless and magical evenings
Let's pretend it's not gone
Let's imagine that it still exists, despite its absence
And say we'll never die
And declare that our love will never cease to exist
Say we'll never die
Affirming that we will always endure and live on
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ELLIE GOULDING, GREG KURSTIN, MAUREEN MCDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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