Hold On
Elliot Root Lyrics


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Cold summer night
Sweet smell of wine
Watching you tiptoe through the flowers
And watching your drunk and withered power

Deep in your chest
Far past the test
Of the day the world turned to devour
In the heart of a people talk to power
Oh

Hold on to what you have
'Cause it may not last
Hold on to what you have
'Cause it might not last
Reach out through the glass
There's gift tying you to the past

Straighten your spine
Stand in the line
Don't you forget where you have come from
Don't you forget what you have not done

Words of the weary
Words of the fearing
Losing the game or always mending
So don't play a game that's never ending
Oh

Hold on to what you have
'Cause it may not last
Hold on to what you have
'Cause it might not last
Hold on to what you have

Reach out through the glass
There's gift tying you to the past





Hold on to what you have
'Cause it may not last

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the lyrics paint a picture of a cold summer night and the intoxicating scent of wine. The singer observes someone, possibly a loved one, delicately stepping through the flowers. However, they also notice the person's intoxicated state and their fading strength and influence. This juxtaposition suggests that despite their current state, this person once wielded power.


Moving into the chorus, the lyrics convey a message of holding on to what one has because it may not endure. It encourages the listener to cherish and appreciate their current situation as it might not last. The line "reach out through the glass, there's gift tying you to the past" implies that there is something valuable that connects the person to their memories and experiences. It suggests that by holding on to this connection, they can find strength and comfort.


In the second verse, the lyrics emphasize the importance of staying true to one's roots and not forgetting where they come from. The words "words of the weary, words of the fearing" suggest that the singer is confronted with people who may be tired or scared, but they warn against losing oneself in a never-ending game. This could refer to the pressure to conform or compete in society.


Reiterating the chorus, the lyrics once again urge the listener to hold on to what they have because it may not last. The repetition reinforces the significance of this message. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and encourages the listener to value and protect what they currently possess.


Overall, these lyrics speak to the fragility of power, the importance of cherishing the present moment, and the need to stay grounded in one's identity and values. They offer words of encouragement and a reminder to appreciate and preserve what is dear to us.


Line by Line Meaning

Cold summer night
A night with a chilly atmosphere, symbolizing a sense of emptiness or detachment


Sweet smell of wine
The intoxicating and alluring nature of indulgence or escapism


Watching you tiptoe through the flowers
Observing someone cautiously navigating through delicate and beautiful situations


And watching your drunk and withered power
Witnessing the decline and weakness of someone's influence or control while they are under the influence


Deep in your chest
Within the core of your being


Far past the test
Beyond the challenges and trials that have been faced


Of the day the world turned to devour
Referring to a significant moment when the world became overwhelming or threatening


In the heart of a people talk to power
Exploring the connection between the desires, concerns, or values of a collective group and their attempts to communicate with authority figures


Hold on to what you have
Maintain a firm grip on the things that bring you joy, stability, or fulfillment


'Cause it may not last
Because those desirable aspects of life might be temporary or fleeting


Reach out through the glass
Extend yourself beyond barriers or boundaries that separate you from something meaningful


There's gift tying you to the past
Recognizing a valuable connection or bond with past experiences or memories


Straighten your spine
Assume a confident and strong posture, symbolizing resilience and determination


Stand in the line
Be prepared to face challenges or obstacles along with others


Don't you forget where you have come from
Remember and appreciate your roots, acknowledging the journey that has led you to the present


Don't you forget what you have not done
Remain aware of the unfinished goals or aspirations, pushing yourself forward in pursuit of further accomplishments


Words of the weary
The expressions or sentiments of those who are exhausted or burdened


Words of the fearing
The words spoken by those who are afraid or anxious


Losing the game or always mending
Experiencing repeated defeats or constantly trying to fix and repair a situation


So don't play a game that's never ending
Avoid engaging in a cycle of unending struggles or challenges




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Scott Krueger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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