Hold On (feat. Tom Waits)

Emily Kinney's song "Hold On (feat. Tom Waits)" is a poignant narrative about resilience, love, and the struggle to keep going despite life's hardships. The song tells the story of a woman who leaves her small town, Monte Rio, in search of a better life in California. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her departure, likening it to a bullet leaving a gun, and describe her as having "charcoal eyes and Monroe hips," suggesting a blend of mystery and allure. Her journey is marked by a sense of determination and a refusal to look back, as she urges her companion, Jim, to join her in moving forward.

The chorus, "Hold on, hold on, you got to hold on," serves as a mantra for perseverance. It emphasizes the importance of staying strong and supporting each other through difficult times. The imagery of taking someone's hand and standing right there with them reinforces the theme of solidarity and mutual support. The song also touches on themes of love and loss, as seen in the lines about the dimestore watch and the ring made from a spoon, symbolizing humble but meaningful gestures of affection. The mention of calling the cops and not meeting nice girls in coffee shops adds a layer of realism, acknowledging the imperfections and challenges in relationships.

The song's bridge reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The reference to St. Louis and the "broken-china voice" evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for what once was. The lyrics, "You build it up, you wreck it down," highlight the cyclical nature of life and the constant process of creation and destruction. The final verse, set by the Riverside motel, captures a moment of introspection and the difficulty of finding joy when circumstances are bleak. Yet, even in the cold and silence, the internal record playing the song "Hold on" serves as a reminder to keep going, no matter how tough things get.