Don't Let Go
Tomás Doncker Lyrics

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I let go
Of the things I was told to hold on to
now I know
That holding on
Is not what it seems to be
It's all about what you see
Not necessarily what you need
So I just let go

Times were hard in '29
Well times are hard right now
Work all day to make ends meet
Still I don't know how
Grateful that I have a job
But trust me, it don't pay
A living wage to have a place
To stay -So I just let go

I am without a home
I am without a country
these streets aren't paved with gold
And I am oh so hungry
Oh so hungry...

'Walk these streets
Searching for a place to lay my head
So don't let go-keep holding on
Could be you instead
Don't let go

You'll be without a home
You'll be without a country
these streets aren't paved with gold
And You'll be oh so hungry
Oh so hungry...

So don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go

Don't let go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tomás Doncker's song "Don't Let Go" paint a poignant picture of struggle and perseverance in the face of hardship. The opening verse reflects the singer's realization that sometimes letting go of expectations and societal pressures is necessary for personal growth and fulfillment. By questioning the conventional wisdom of holding on to certain things, the singer acknowledges that true happiness may lie in letting go of societal norms and expectations that don't align with their true desires and needs.

The mention of the difficult times in '29 alludes to the Great Depression, evoking a sense of historical hardship that parallels the challenges faced in the present day. The lyrics convey the frustration of working tirelessly just to make ends meet, highlighting the prevalence of economic inequality and the struggle to afford basic necessities. Despite being grateful for having a job, the singer recognizes that it doesn't provide a living wage, making it difficult to secure a stable place to call home. This realization leads to the decision to let go of material attachments and societal expectations that may not lead to true fulfillment.

The imagery of being without a home and a country emphasizes the theme of displacement and the feeling of not belonging, echoing the experiences of many individuals who face homelessness and lack of stability. The mention of hunger symbolizes not only physical deprivation but also a deeper longing for security, stability, and belonging. The repetition of "oh so hungry" underscores the emotional and physical hunger experienced by those who are struggling to survive in challenging circumstances.

The chorus serves as a universal plea for empathy and solidarity, urging listeners not to let go of their compassion and humanity in the face of others' struggles. By emphasizing the shared humanity and vulnerability of all individuals, the song encourages empathy and understanding towards those experiencing hardship. The repeated refrain of "Don't let go" reinforces the importance of holding on to compassion, hope, and connection in times of adversity, reminding us of the power of empathy and solidarity in overcoming challenges together.

Line by Line Meaning

I let go
I released my grip on the expectations imposed on me

Of the things I was told to hold on to
Of the societal norms and pressures that I was expected to adhere to

now I know
Now I understand

That holding on
That clinging to these expectations

Is not what it seems to be
Does not bring the fulfillment it promises

It's all about what you see
It's about perception and perspective

Not necessarily what you need
Not necessarily what truly fulfills you

So I just let go
So I simply released my attachment to these societal norms

Times were hard in '29
Times were difficult during the Great Depression in 1929

Well times are hard right now
And times are challenging in the present

Work all day to make ends meet
Work tirelessly to cover basic expenses

Still I don't know how
Yet it remains a struggle to make ends meet

Grateful that I have a job
Appreciative for the employment I have

But trust me, it don't pay
However, it does not provide sufficient financial compensation

A living wage to have a place
A wage that allows for a stable living situation

To stay -So I just let go
To have a suitable home - so I chose to release my attachment to material possessions

I am without a home
I am homeless

I am without a country
I am displaced from my homeland

these streets aren't paved with gold
The reality is harsh and lacks the promised prosperity

And I am oh so hungry
And I am experiencing severe hunger

'Walk these streets
Walking along these difficult paths

Searching for a place to lay my head
Seeking a safe place to rest

So don't let go-keep holding on
So don't release your grip - continue to persevere

Could be you instead
You could be in this position instead

Don't let go
Do not release your grip

You'll be without a home
You will be deprived of a home

You'll be without a country
You will be devoid of a country

these streets aren't paved with gold
These streets do not offer wealth or prosperity

And You'll be oh so hungry
And you will experience intense hunger

So don't let go
Therefore, do not relinquish your hold

Don't let go
Do not let go

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ivan A. Matias, Andrea Martin, Marqueze M. Ethridge, Rico Renard Wade, Patrick Gerard Brown, Raymon Murray

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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