Hold On
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics

Lovers!
Addressing the audience, indicating that love is the theme of the song.

Ooo la la!
Exclamation of excitement and anticipation, similar to 'wow!'

Welcome, my friends, to Paris!
A cordial invitation to the listeners to come to Paris.

Here, have a flower on me.
Offering the audience a gift, symbolizing the hospitality of Parisians.

Forget where you're from, you're in France, children come!
Encouraging the audience to let go of their past and enjoy the experience of being in France without worries.

I'll show you that French joie de vie.
Promising the listeners a taste of the French joy of living.

Paris holds the key to your heart
Paris has the ability to open one's heart to love and romance.

and all of Paris plays a part.
The entire city contributes to the romantic atmosphere of Paris.

You'll stroll two by two down we call la rue!
The audience will walk romantically down the streets of Paris, known as 'la rue'.

And soon all Paris will be singing to you.
The whole city will sing a love song to the listeners.

Paris holds the key to l'amour,
Paris is the perfect place to find love.

And not even Freud knows the cure!
The love in Paris is so strong that even Freud cannot explain or solve it.

There's love in the air at the Folies Bergere!
The Folies Bergere theater is a famous romantic destination in Paris with a romantic atmosphere.

The French have it down to an art!
The French are skilled and experienced in the art of romance.

When you're feeling blue come to les moulins.
Les moulins is a cabaret in Paris where one can feel better when feeling sad.

When your heart says "Don't!", the French say "Do!".
The French culture encourages people to follow their heart and be adventurous in love.

When you think you can't you'll find you can can.
When one feels discouraged, they will find that they have the ability to do the unexpected.

Everyone can can can, you can can can too!
The can-can dance symbolizes the fact that everyone can find joy and happiness in Paris.

Paris holds the key to her past,
Paris has the ability to take one back to the historical past of the city.

yes, princess I've found you at last.
Addressing a princess who has finally discovered what Paris has to offer her.

No more pretend, you'll be gone. that's the end.
There is no more need to pretend or hide one's true feelings in the city of love.

Paris holds the key to her heart,
Paris has the ability to open up the heart of a princess to love and romance.

you'll be tres jolie and so smart!
The listener will be extremely beautiful and intelligent once they have experienced love in Paris.

Come dance through the night, and forget all your woes!
The audience is invited to dance their heart out and forget any troubles they may have.

In the city of lights where a rose is a rose!
Paris is known as the city of lights and romance, and a rose symbolizes love.

And one never knows what will start!
Paris has the mysterious power to start unexpected miracles of love.

Paris holds the key...
Emphasizing the importance of the role that Paris plays in the creation of love and romance.

...to her....
Referring to the heart of the listener who has fallen in love with Paris.

Heart!!!
Final emphasis on the power and importance of one's heart in the magical city of love.

Ooo la la! Ooo la la! Ooo la la!
Repetition of the initial exclamation of excitement, indicating the sense of awe and wonder that Paris inspires.