Don't Let Go
Manhattan Transfer Lyrics


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Hear that whistle, it's ten o'clock (Don't let go, don't let go)
Come on baby, it's time to rock (Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so happy I got you here (Don't let go, don't let go)
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear (Don't let go, don't let go)

Oooh wee
Mmm, this feelin's killin' me
Aw shucks
Well, I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so
Just hold me tight and don't let go

Thunder, lightnin', wind and rain (Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is poundin' inside my brain, oh baby (Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so eager I'm nearly dyin' (Don't let go, don't let go)
You been keepin' your lips from mine (Don't let go, don't let go)

Oooh wee
Oh, this feelin's killin' me
Aw shucks
Well, you know I wouldn't stop it for a million bucks
I love you so
Just hold me tight and don't let go

Hound dog walkin' upside the hill (yeah) (Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is draggin him through the mill, oh baby (Don't let go, don't let go)
If it wasn't for havin' you (Don't let go, don't let go)
I'd be bitin' and barkin' too (Don't let go, don't let go)

Hey yeah --
Oooh wee
OOH! This feelin's killin' me
Aw shucks


You know I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so
Just hold me tight and don't let go

One day baby you'll quit me yet (Don't let go, don't let go)
Hey, hey I'd be cryin and soakin wet (oh baby) (Don't let go, don't let go)
(Oh don't you know)
Baddest thing in the whole wide world (yeah) (Don't let go, don't let go)
If your lips kiss another girl (Don't let go, don't let go)

Hey, hey yeah --
Oooh wee
Oh, this feelin's killin' me
Aw shucks
You know I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so
Just hold me tight
Hey baby, just hold me tight (Don't let go, don't let go) Repeat until end
Baby baby just hold me tight
Well-a wella-a hold me tight
Yeah hold me tight
Hey hold me tight and don't let go
Hold me tight
Wont you baby just hold me tight
Hey baby won't ya hold me tight
Hey hold me tight and don't let go
Don't let go, oh don't let go
Don't let go, oh, don't let go
Hey, hey don't let go





(Fade out to end)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Manhattan Transfer's "Don't Let Go" express a deep sense of love and passion that is so strong that it feels as though the world around the couple is shaking. The song is about two people who are completely wrapped up in each other, and who are so in love that nothing else matters. The lyrics are filled with metaphors that are meant to convey the intensity of the love that the couple shares. The constant repetition of the phrase "Don't let go" serves as a reminder to both parties to hold on tight to what they have, as they never want to lose it.


The first stanza sets the tone for the entire song, with the singer urging their partner to "rock" with them and reminding them not to "let go" of the love that they share. The second stanza introduces a few more metaphors, such as thunder, lightning, wind, and rain to represent the overwhelming emotions that are coursing through the couple. The third and final stanza becomes more introspective, with the singer acknowledging that their love may not last forever, but that they are willing to hold on as tightly as they can for as long as they can.


Overall, "Don't Let Go" is a powerful love song that captures the intensity of true love. With a strong melody and catchy lyrics, it's a song that is sure to resonate with audiences for many years to come.


Line by Line Meaning

Hear that whistle, it's ten o'clock (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer reminds his partner of time and urges them not to let go while invoking a feeling of urgency.


Come on baby, it's time to rock (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer urges his partner to join in on the fun and lively atmosphere and not let go of the excitement.


I'm so happy I got you here (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer is grateful for having his partner with him and urges them not to let go of each other's company.


Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear (Don't let go, don't let go)
The artist is thoroughly enjoying their partner's company and exhorts them to keep the bonding going by not letting go.


Thunder, lightnin', wind and rain (Don't let go, don't let go)
Using a poetic device, the artist describes the emotional turmoil he feels inside while urging his partner not to let go even in times of distress.


Love is poundin' inside my brain, oh baby (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer feels so much affection for his partner that he feels it pounding inside his brain, and, therefore, urges them not to let go.


You been keepin' your lips from mine (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer has been yearning for his partner's lips and urges them not to let go without giving him what he desires.


Hound dog walkin' upside the hill (yeah) (Don't let go, don't let go)
The artist uses an analogy of a hound dog to emphasize that love can make anyone desperate, urging his partner not to let go despite the difficulties.


Love is draggin him through the mill, oh baby (Don't let go, don't let go)
Continuing the analogy of the hound dog, the artist implies that love can be challenging, but his partner should not give up and let go.


If it wasn't for havin' you (Don't let go, don't let go)
The artist acknowledges his partner's value in his life and urges them not to let go of the relationship.


I'd be bitin' and barkin' too (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer would be aggressive and angry without his partner, highlighting the significance of the relationship and the importance of not letting go.


One day baby you'll quit me yet (Don't let go, don't let go)
The artist acknowledges the pitfalls of any relationship and assures his partner that he wants them to stay despite everything, urging them not to let go and leave.


Hey, hey I'd be cryin and soakin wet (oh baby) (Don't let go, don't let go)
Using a hyperbolic language, the singer emphasizes his feelings by saying he would be soaking wet with tears if his partner were to let go of him.


Baddest thing in the whole wide world (yeah) (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer emphasizes the adverse effect of having his partner kiss someone else and urges them not to let go, emphasizing his commitment to their relationship.


If your lips kiss another girl (Don't let go, don't let go)
The singer warns his partner against being unfaithful and advises them to stay in the relationship by not letting go.


Baby baby just hold me tight Well-a wella-a hold me tight Yeah hold me tight Hey hold me tight and don't let go
The artist continuously urges his partner to hold him tight and not to let go to keep the relationship going.




Writer(s): JESSE STONE

Contributed by Jordyn L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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