Holding On To You

Adam French's 'Holding On To You' is a poignant exploration of grief and the emotional turmoil that accompanies the loss of a loved one. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the pain and sorrow experienced when someone close passes away. The opening lines, 'We all watch the pain die slowly / Relieving your stone cold body, still,' set a somber tone, indicating the slow and painful process of watching someone succumb to their fate. The repetition of 'I was only ever holding on to you' underscores the deep emotional attachment and the difficulty of letting go.

The song delves into the inevitability of death and the unpreparedness that often accompanies it. Despite knowing that 'this day would come so soon,' the narrator grapples with the reality of the loss. The lyrics, 'I know that you love me / So this cannot finish our story,' reflect a desperate hope that love can transcend death, keeping the connection alive even after the physical departure. This sentiment is further emphasized by the imagery of the loved one being 'the head of our tall tree,' symbolizing their integral role in the narrator's life and the profound impact of their absence.

French's use of vivid dreams and hearing the loved one's voice in the dark highlights the lingering presence of the deceased in the narrator's life. The line 'I miss you to death / As you take your last breath' captures the intense longing and the finality of the moment. The recurring phrase 'so soon' echoes the shock and disbelief that often accompany sudden loss, making the song a powerful expression of mourning and the struggle to move forward. Through 'Holding On To You,' Adam French offers a raw and heartfelt portrayal of the enduring pain of losing someone dear.