Ryan plays guitar, piano, harmonica, and sings. At the young age of 14, in 2007, Ryan began to gig across Long Island. After 2.5 years he had played over 200 performances and completed a Florida tour, as well as two New England tours, titled "The Love Around the World Tour." Cassata performed at the world's biggest gay music festival, Pridefest Milwaukee, with other great musicians like Salt N' Pepa, Chris Crocker & LeAnne Rimes.
Ryan Cassata is the founder of Artemendous Records, LLC. and Artemendous Radio Station as he conducts broadcasts worldwide to help the local music scene grow stronger.
Ryan Cassata is the composer of the soundtrack for Loop Planes, an award-winning independent film that screened in the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & Music Festival (2010), the Tribeca Film Festival (2010), the International Israel Women's Film Festival (with The Runaways) (2010), and 15 other film festivals.
Ryan Cassata appeared on The Larry King Live Show (2009) and the Tyra Banks Show (2010) for being transgender himself. Aside from being a musician, Cassata is a strong advocate for the transgender community. He travels the states speaking at high schools, colleges, and conferences, sharing his story with a mission to stop ignorance and bring peace to the world. Cassata appeared in Hamptons Bay Magazine (2008), Go Magazine (2008), and Closer Magazine (2011) for his hard work and advocacy. He also appeared in Bay Shore High School's "Maroon Echo" three times for his advocacy along with his musical achievements. In 2011, Ryan Cassata won the first Harvey Milk Memorial Award for the new path of equality he had created at his high school.
Ryan Cassata writes very passionate lyrics. His words are positive and inspirational to today's generation. Cassata hopes to spread this positivity across the country and around the world in hopes to make people smile and catch on to kindness.
Ryan Cassata is doing much more than the average teen. He demands change, he demands revolution, and...he demands PEACE.
Recently, Ryan Cassata was selected to be one of the keynote speakers for the biggest transgender conference in the United States, the Philadelphia Trans-Health conference. Ryan is the youngest speaker the conference has ever had.
HOLD ON YOU BELONG
Ryan Cassata Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't wear your hair short
You're just a little child
And you're too young to know yourself
When you grow up, you'll want something else
Don't let your thoughts run wild
They told me to stay pretty faced
Don't you change what God creates
Don't you pick a new name
That's not what your mama gave
Or you'll be by yourself
Hold on, hold on
I don't belong, I don't belong
I'm so scared, and I'm so blue
And I'm holding on so tightly, I'll tell them off politely
And the going gets more rough the longer I stay true
Sometimes you just gotta put through
I guess it's something to get used to
They said share your story
Come on, say one thing
That you wish you knew
The wisdom from your now days
From the marches and the pride parades
But have you seen the news?
How did you make it?
How'd you stay so patient?
When the laws attack?
And what about this legislation?
Will my family embrace it?
Or will they have my back?
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
And I held on so tightly
I told them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It's just something people like us get used to
It's just something you're gonna have to get used to
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
So hold on so tightly
Tell them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It's just something people like us get used to
It's just something you're gonna have to get used to
It's just something people like us get used to
It's just something you're gonna have to get used to
Hold on, Hold on
You belong, you belong
Hold on, you belong
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on
The lyrics of "Hold On You Belong" by Ryan Cassata convey a powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of societal expectations and discrimination. The opening lines address the pressures imposed on individuals to conform to societal norms and stereotypes. The singer, who is likely struggling with their gender identity or sexual orientation, is told to remove their hat and maintain a certain appearance. They are belittled as a "little child" who doesn't know themselves, with the implication that their feelings and identity are invalid. The lyrics highlight the importance of staying true to oneself, even when others try to dictate who we should be.
The second verse challenges the notion of conformity further, as the singer is urged to share their story and wisdom. However, they express frustration at the lack of acceptance and understanding shown toward LGBTQ+ individuals. They question how they managed to persevere and remain patient in the face of discriminatory laws and ask whether their family will support them. The chorus serves as a reassurance to both the singer and listeners, emphasizing that they do belong and that holding on and pushing through the challenges will ultimately lead to a more accepting and fulfilling life.
Overall, the song's message is one of strength and encouragement for those who feel rejected or ostracized due to their identity. It urges individuals to hold on to their authenticity, defy societal expectations, and find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
They said take that hat off
They criticized and discouraged me for expressing my identity.
You can't wear your hair short
They disapproved of my unconventional appearance.
You're just a little child
They underestimated and dismissed my capabilities because of my age.
And you're too young to know yourself
They believed I couldn't possibly understand my own identity and desires at such a young age.
When you grow up, you'll want something else
They assumed that my preferences and aspirations would change as I matured.
Don't let your thoughts run wild
They advised me to suppress my individuality and conform to societal norms.
They told me to stay pretty faced
They imposed unrealistic beauty standards on me, insisting that I should prioritize my appearance.
Don't you change what God creates
They discouraged any modifications to my inherent nature, using religious beliefs as an argument.
You're our Sarah Belle
They expected me to conform to their predetermined ideas of who I should be.
Don't you pick a new name
They opposed my desire to choose a name that aligns with my true identity.
That's not what your mama gave
They insisted that I should stick with the name given to me by my parents.
Or you'll be by yourself
They warned me that if I didn't comply with their expectations, I would be isolated and alone.
Hold on, hold on
Have strength and persevere.
I don't belong, I don't belong
I feel like I don't fit in or belong to the societal norms imposed on me.
I'm so scared, and I'm so blue
I am afraid and feeling down because of the pressure and discrimination I face.
And I'm holding on so tightly, I'll tell them off politely
I'm clinging to my true self and asserting my identity despite the challenges, expressing my dissent respectfully.
And the going gets more rough the longer I stay true
As I continue to embrace my authentic self, I encounter more difficulties and resistance from others.
Sometimes you just gotta put through
Sometimes you have to endure and persist despite the hardships.
I guess it's something to get used to
I have come to accept that facing adversity is a recurring aspect of my life.
They said share your story
They encouraged me to speak up and share my experiences.
Come on, say one thing
Urge me to voice at least one aspect of my journey.
That you wish you knew
Share insights and lessons gained from my personal experiences.
The wisdom from your now days
The knowledge and understanding acquired from my current experiences and perspectives.
From the marches and the pride parades
Resulting from my participation in social activism and celebrating LGBTQ+ pride.
But have you seen the news?
Although my personal experiences provide wisdom, I acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
How did you make it?
Curiosity about the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles.
How'd you stay so patient?
Inquiry into the ability to remain calm and persistent in the face of adversity.
When the laws attack?
When legislation or legal actions pose threats or discrimination to the LGBTQ+ community.
And what about this legislation?
Questioning the possible impact of specific laws or regulations on LGBTQ+ individuals.
Will my family embrace it?
Concern about whether my family will accept and support my identity and rights.
Or will they have my back?
Questioning whether my family will provide me with unconditional love and support.
Hold on, hold on
Maintain resilience and perseverance.
You belong, you belong
Affirming that I have a place and a right to exist, despite the challenges and doubts.
I once was scared like you
Acknowledging that I, too, experienced fear and uncertainty in the past.
So hold on so tightly
Hold onto your true self and your dreams with determination.
Tell them off politely
Stand up for yourself and assert your identity respectfully in the face of opposition.
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
As you persist and face challenges, navigating your authentic path becomes more manageable.
It's just something people like us get used to
It is a common experience for individuals like us to encounter and overcome adversity.
It's just something you're gonna have to get used to
Accepting that facing challenges is an inevitable part of our lives.
Hold on, hold on
Maintain resilience and perseverance.
You belong, you belong
Reaffirming that you have a place and a right to exist, despite the challenges and doubts.
Hold on, you belong
Continue holding on tightly to your identity and dreams, for you deserve to belong.
Hold on, hold on
Maintain resilience and perseverance.
You belong, you belong
Reaffirming that you have a place and a right to exist, despite the challenges and doubts.
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Emphasizing the importance of persisting and not giving up.
Hold on
Continue holding on tightly to your true self and your dreams, for you belong.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: RYAN CASSATA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryan Cassata
Lyrics: They said take that hat off
You can’t wear your hair short
You’re just a little child
And you’re too young to know yourself
When you grow up, you’ll want something else
Don’t let your thoughts run wild
They told me to stay pretty faced
Don’t you change what God creates
You’re our Sarah Belle
Don’t you pick a new name,
That’s not what your mama gave
Or you’ll be by yourself
Hold on, hold on
I don’t belong, I don’t belong
I’m so scared, and I’m so blue
And I’m holding on so tightly, I’ll tell them off politely
And the going gets more rough the longer I stay true
Sometimes you just gotta put through
I guess it’s something to get used to
They said share your story
Come on, say one thing
That you wish you knew
The wisdom from your now days
From the marches and the pride parades
But have you seen the news?
How did you make it?
How’d you stay so patient?
When the laws attack?
And what about this legislation?
Will my family embrace it?
Or will they have my back?
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
And I held on so tightly
I told them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
So hold on so tightly
Tell them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
Hold on, Hold on
You belong, you belong
Hold on, you belong
Hold on, hold on,
You belong, you belong
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on
Ryan Cassata
Lyrics: They said take that hat off
You can’t wear your hair short
You’re just a little child
And you’re too young to know yourself
When you grow up, you’ll want something else
Don’t let your thoughts run wild
They told me to stay pretty faced
Don’t you change what God creates
You’re our Sarah Belle
Don’t you pick a new name,
That’s not what your mama gave
Or you’ll be by yourself
Hold on, hold on
I don’t belong, I don’t belong
I’m so scared, and I’m so blue
And I’m holding on so tightly, I’ll tell them off politely
And the going gets more rough the longer I stay true
Sometimes you just gotta put through
I guess it’s something to get used to
They said share your story
Come on, say one thing
That you wish you knew
The wisdom from your now days
From the marches and the pride parades
But have you seen the news?
How did you make it?
How’d you stay so patient?
When the laws attack?
And what about this legislation?
Will my family embrace it?
Or will they have my back?
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
And I held on so tightly
I told them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
Hold on, hold on
You belong, you belong
I once was scared like you
So hold on so tightly
Tell them off politely
And the going, it gets easier the longer you push through
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
It’s just something people like us get used to
It’s just something you’re gonna have to get used to
Hold on, Hold on
You belong, you belong
Hold on, you belong
Hold on, hold on,
You belong, you belong
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on
Hello Noon
So honored to have been able to collaborate on this track with you Ryan <3
Ryan Cassata
Couldn't have done this with any one else :)
Miss Naomi 613
Between the beautiful song and the comments I've read so far... I just want to scoop up all the trans younglings (I'm 50, most people are kids to me) into a giant hug...😭 Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your talent with the world. Blessed Pride to you and yours! 🙏
💙💗🤍💗💙❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Ryan Cassata
aww thank you for this comment!
Trans Spirit Indigo
This song makes me wanna hug my inner child 🙏🥰✨
Ryan Cassata
awww
Shad Garrett
This song is so beautiful, It hits right at home. I started crying. This song is very relatable to my experiences with family members who don’t support me being trans. I can’t wait to hear more of your music. 💙👏
Ryan Cassata
I hope they come around soon. Thanks for sharing that with me. Another song will be out on 6/13!
Shad Garrett
@Ryan Cassata thank you so much, I hope so too. I can’t wait to hear your new song tomorrow! 👏