When NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear and Bo Rinehart set out to write the songs that appear on the band’s new album, The Reckoning, they felt something bigger awaited them. It wasn’t just commercial success either. The band’s last album The Outsiders hit No. 9 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart, went Top 20 on the Top 200, saw the band sell out venues such as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Chicago’s House of Blues, and score an impressive number of placements in blockbuster films and numerous prime time television-shows.
With their reputation as a must-see live act built from non-stop touring, the Rinehart brothers, pastor’s sons who hail from the rural South Carolina town of Possum Kingdom, along with drummer Joe Stillwell and bass player Seth Bolt, were determined to create a statement-making album that truly captured the magic behind this genuinely appealing rock band.
Lyrically, all roads lead from the album’s title, which Bear says has several different meanings, one of them being the justification of accounts. “I like the idea that you put in all this work and at some point it comes to a peak -- that’s the reckoning time.”
What the band emerged with is a timeless-sounding album rooted in classic American rock and roll, unafraid to veer off into unexpected directions. Songs such as “Maybe They’re On To Us” address the paranoia of wondering whether people know too much about the band. “It also asks, ‘Are we still driven in the same way?’ We’re always questioning ourselves,” Bear says. Even the songs that may sound light-hearted on the surface, like “White Fences,” “Slumber,” and “Drive All Night,” explore serious themes. “’White Fences’ is about the American dream of growing up in a big house with a white picket fence, but when the dream is broken and things don’t pan out the way you planned, asking who’s going to fix it,” Bo says. “’Slumber’ is meant to be about how beauty is all around you but you just can’t see it because of the funk you’re in,” Bear says. “It speaks to something that we really care about which is giving yourself a chance.” And there’s “Drive All Night,” a galloping barnstormer that Bear sees as a statement on the false idea that one can run away from one’s problems.
With their intriguing melodies and bright choruses, the songs on The Reckoning are certain to translate in the live setting, something that is crucial to the band. “The worst thing that could happen is you get done playing and people don’t think about you again. We’ll do whatever it takes to force people to make a decision about our band, whether they love us or not. It makes for more passionate fans.”
Hang On
NEEDTOBREATHE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sun's going down, schools out, stars are coming on
You can′t rewind it, but you can't ever feel like you do tonight
Make a movie in your mind but don't rush it
Boy, you′re about to see the light
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
Oh, you won't be a fool for so long
So hang on
If you listen to the voices inside, they will do you wrong
You can look back over your shoulder, yeah, but don′t look too long
It takes time to realize that your life's gonna pass you by
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
So hang on to the small town you love but you′re leaving
'Cause you won′t be a fool for so long (hey!)
These things they take time
All these things take time, these things they take time
All these things I've learned, it's never a straight line
′Cause all these things take time, these things they take time
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
′Cause all these things take time, these things they take time
And all these things I've learned, it′s never a straight line
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
So hang on to your love drunk original reason
So hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
Oh, you won′t be a fool for so long
So hang on
(These things they take time)
Hang on
(These things they take time)
Hang on
(All these things take time, these things they take time)
Hang on
(These things they take time)
The lyrics to NEEDTOBREATHE's song Hang On convey a message of cherishing the present moment and remaining true to oneself. The song describes a scene of summer romance and the fleeting nature of youth. The first verse sets the stage, describing a beautiful summer evening with the singer and their love interest. The sense of nostalgia is emphasized as they can't rewind time but are encouraged to fully embrace the enchanting experience they're living. The mention of making a "movie in your mind but don't rush it" suggests the importance of savoring the moment rather than trying to control or fast-forward through it. The chorus serves as a reminder to hold onto the light in their eyes, the original reason why they fell in love, and the cherished memories of their small town before they leave it behind. It encourages them to avoid being foolish by clinging to the past, but instead to embrace the present and the lessons that time teaches us.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of time and the importance of not dwelling on the past. The voices referred to here represent the doubts and negative influences that can deter us from pursuing our dreams. The lyrics caution against looking back for too long, as it can hinder personal progress and growth. The verse acknowledges that it takes time to realize that life is passing by, underscoring the importance of living in the present and not letting opportunities slip away.
The bridge of the song reiterates the message that all these things, such as love, dreams, and personal growth, take time to develop. It acknowledges that life's journey is rarely a straight line and that lessons are learned along the way. This serves as a reminder to hang on to hope, faith, and perseverance, despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks that may arise.
At its core, "Hang On" is a song about embracing the present, remaining true to oneself, and learning from life's experiences. It encourages listeners to hold onto the light within them, the love that drives them, and the memories that shape them, while acknowledging the importance of growth and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
First touch of summer, she's got your t-shirt on
The feeling of the first warm days of summer when you see the person you're attracted to wearing your t-shirt
Sun's going down, schools out, stars are coming on
The end of the day, the freedom of being out of school, and the beauty of the night sky beginning to appear
You can't rewind it, but you can't ever feel like you do tonight
You can't go back to the past, but the joy and intensity of tonight's emotions will always be unique
Make a movie in your mind but don't rush it
Imagining a perfect scenario in your mind, but not wanting to hurry the experience
Boy, you're about to see the light
You're about to understand something important or have a revelation
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hold on to the spark of hope and happiness in your eyes, and the intense emotion you're experiencing
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
Hold on to the initial reason or motivation that made you fall in love or feel passionate
Hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
Treasure the familiarity and love you have for your hometown, even if you're moving away
Oh, you won't be a fool for so long
You won't continue making the same mistakes or being naive for much longer
If you listen to the voices inside, they will do you wrong
If you give in to your inner doubts or negative thoughts, they will lead you astray
You can look back over your shoulder, yeah, but don't look too long
Reflect on the past, but don't dwell on it for too long as it can hinder your progress
It takes time to realize that your life's gonna pass you by
It takes time to comprehend that if you don't live in the present and pursue your dreams, life will pass you by
These things they take time
Certain aspects of life require patience and cannot be rushed
All these things take time, these things they take time
Many important things in life require time and cannot be achieved quickly
All these things I've learned, it's never a straight line
Throughout life's experiences, I've learned that the path to success or fulfillment is never linear or straightforward
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hold on to the hope and positivity reflected in your eyes, as well as the intense emotion you're experiencing
And all these things I've learned, it's never a straight line
Through various life experiences, I've come to understand that the journey to success or fulfillment is never a direct, predictable path
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Continue to embrace the optimism and positivity that shines through your eyes, as well as the intense emotion you're feeling
So hang on to your love drunk original reason
Hold tight to the initial reason or motive that made you fall in love or feel passionate
So hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
Treasure the affection and attachment you have for your beloved hometown, even if you're embarking on a new journey
Oh, you won't be a fool for so long
You won't continue making the same mistakes or being naive for an extended period
Hang on
Persist and hold on
Hang on
Persist and hold on
Hang on
Persist and hold on
Hang on
Persist and hold on
Writer(s): Daniel Tashian, William Rinehart, Nathaniel Rinehart, Ian Fitchuk
Contributed by Lila D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nicoli Reis
First touch of summer, she's got your t-shirt on
Sun's going down, schools out, stars are coming on
You can't rewind it, but you can't ever feel like you do tonight
Make a movie in your mind but don't rush it
Boy, you're about to see the light
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
Hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
Oh, you won't be a fool for so long
So hang on
If you listen to the voices inside, they will do you wrong
You can look back over your shoulder, yeah, but don't look too long
It takes time to realize that your life's gonna pass you by
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
So hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
'Cause you won't be a fool for so long (hey!)
These things they take time
All these things take time, these things they take time
All these things I've learned, it's never a straight line
'Cause all these things take time, these things they take time
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
Hang on to your love drunk original reason
'Cause all these things take time, these things they take time
And all these things I've learned, it's never a straight line
So hang on to the light in your eyes and the feeling
So hang on to your love drunk original reason
So hang on to the small town you love but you're leaving
Oh, you won't be a fool for so long
So hang on
Hang on
(These things they take time)
Hang on
(All these things take time, these things they take time)
Hang on
(These things they take time)
Chantelle Theunissen
In my opinion the most underrated band in the world!!!!!
God bless.
Best Praise Worship
I am a Christian but for years I lost my faith and lately I find myself suicidal. Today I woke up with hope again, and this song is helping me calm my heart. I realized that only Jesus can heal me. Thank you Jesus. The light in the darkness, that is who you are. ❤️
Jonathan Gordon
The world's a better place with you in it. God will use you for good things. All you have to do is be patient, keep fighting without compromise, and trust Him to make it happen.
Emmanuel Thomas
This just inspired me, thank you for sharing this, you don't know how much I needed this.
Steve G.
Hello, I don't know you but I know what you're going through. I had a bout of severe depression about a year ago. Contemplated suicide more than a few times. My life is a non stop battle with good and bad things. For some reason my soul connects with this music on a scale I cannot describe. For me what convinced me in the end was that I was not going to allow life to get the better of me. I will not give up, I will not surrender. Do not let life dictate your future, you give life a kick in the ass.
Jade Fang
I feel like “Keep you eyes open” also speaks strongly to this, Amen!
Mastewal Tesfaye
I love this song. Goosebumps every single time. Much love from Ethiopia.
Bereket Berhanu
I am from Ethiopia too. Nice to see people admiring them from my country!! They are an amazing band.
Andrew Poirier
The most underrated band of all time. Amazing band and songs
Allykattz D.
SOOOOOOO TRUE!!