Holding On

The War On Drugs' song 'Holding On' delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their past, trying to make sense of their experiences and emotions. The opening lines, 'Once I was alive and I could feel / I was holding on to you,' suggest a time when the protagonist felt deeply connected to someone, but this connection has since been lost. The phrase 'I redefined the way I learn to talk, it's only human' hints at the personal growth and changes that come with life's challenges.

The song's narrative takes us down a 'crooked highway,' symbolizing the unpredictable and often difficult journey of life. The protagonist admits to feeling 'rejected' and 'out of time,' indicating a sense of urgency and despair. The recurring theme of 'hiding in the seams' and 'riding on my line' reflects the struggle to move past old wounds and the determination to keep going despite the pain. The lyrics 'Once we were apart and I could see red / Never trying to turn back time' reveal a moment of clarity and acceptance of the past, even though it brought pain.

As the song progresses, the protagonist contemplates the possibility of walking a 'different road' with someone by their side, questioning whether old memories are just another way of saying goodbye. The lines 'When you talk about the past / What are we talking of?' and 'Did I let go too fast? / Was I holding on too long?' highlight the internal conflict and the difficulty of finding closure. The song concludes with a sense of resilience and adaptability, as the protagonist resolves to 'keep moving with these changes,' embracing the uncertainties of life while holding on to their sense of self.