Holdin Out
The Lumineers Lyrics


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Singing to myself
Singing for the neighbours
Holdin' on for work
Holdin' on to paper

I was on the left
You were only fading
I was on my own
Starin' at the ceiling

Hold, holdin' out

Read it on a map
Never how I planned it
Holdin' on for work
Taking it for granted

I was looking up
I was being blinded
Holdin' on for work
Hopin' that I'd find it

I was looking up
Holding on to patience
Counting up the days
Days that I'd been waiting

You can take your time
I'll be on the front porch
Keepin' on the light
You can see it if you look for it

I would lie awake at night
Hopin' that one day I'd arrive
I had waited all my life

Yeah I was holdin'
Holding you
Yeah I was holdin'




Waited for you
Waited for

Overall Meaning

The Lumineers's song "Holdin' Out" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of life, and how we all hold on to hope and patience in the face of uncertainty. The song's narrator seems to be singing to himself and his neighbors, as he reflects on his struggles and the challenges he has faced in trying to make a living. He speaks of holding on for work, and holding on to paper, suggesting that he is trying to make ends meet and stay afloat in difficult economic times.


The singer also seems to be struggling with a sense of loss and longing, as he speaks of someone who is fading away and staring at the ceiling. He talks about reading it on a map, and how things never turned out the way he planned. Despite these challenges, however, he remains steadfast in his commitment to holding out and waiting for something better.


The song's chorus repeats the phrase "holdin' out", which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, patience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The singer acknowledges that he has been waiting a long time for something to happen, but he remains determined to keep holding on until that moment arrives.


Overall, "Holdin' Out" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged song that captures the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. It speaks to our shared experience of navigating difficult times, and reminds us that even when things seem bleak, there is always hope to be found if we keep holding on.


Line by Line Meaning

Singing to myself
I was singing for myself, not for anyone else


Singing for the neighbours
I was singing loudly enough for my neighbours to hear me


Holdin' on for work
I was struggling to find or keep a job


Holdin' on to paper
I was holding onto money, as it was scarce


I was on the left
I was in a difficult or disadvantaged position


You were only fading
You were beginning to disappear or become less visible in my life


I was on my own
I was alone and struggling to cope


Starin' at the ceiling
I was lying in bed, unable to sleep


Hold, holdin' out
I was determined to hold on and keep going, despite the challenges


Read it on a map
I had planned my life out, but it hadn't turned out the way I expected


Never how I planned it
My life had taken unexpected turns and I was struggling to cope


Taking it for granted
I wasn't appreciating the things I had, like my job and financial security


I was looking up
I was hoping for something better or brighter


I was being blinded
My hopes and dreams were making me see things unrealistically


Hopin' that I'd find it
I was hoping to find a better life for myself


Holding on to patience
I was trying to remain patient, despite my struggles


Counting up the days
I was keeping track of how long I had been waiting for things to get better


Days that I'd been waiting
I had been patiently waiting for a better future


You can take your time
You can spend as much time as needed, I'll be here waiting


I'll be on the front porch
I'll be waiting for you to come home


Keepin' on the light
I'll leave the light on so you can see your way back


You can see it if you look for it
You can find your way back by following the light


I would lie awake at night
I couldn't sleep because I was worrying about the future


Hopin' that one day I'd arrive
I was hoping that someday I would find success and happiness


I had waited all my life
I had been waiting for a long time for things to get better


Yeah I was holdin'
I was trying to remain strong and hold on despite my struggles


Holding you
I was holding onto hope for a better future


Waited for you
I was waiting for a better future and a brighter tomorrow




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeremiah Fraites, Wesley Schultz

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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