Hold On

Phillip Phillips' song 'Hold On' delves into the struggles and existential crises that many people face in their lives. The opening lines, 'I fall into a sacred rage to escape / The hells of the world made of puppets and fake,' suggest a deep frustration with the superficiality and inauthenticity of the world. This 'sacred rage' can be interpreted as a powerful, almost divine anger that propels the narrator to seek something more meaningful. The mention of 'death' and 'seeds in my heart start to awake' indicates a transformative process, where the narrator is beginning to realize deeper truths about life and his purpose.

The chorus, 'Hold on to your life by love and / Then you'll find what's in and out of line / Just hold on,' serves as a guiding mantra. It emphasizes the importance of love as a stabilizing force in life. By holding on to love, one can navigate the complexities and uncertainties of existence. This message is both comforting and empowering, suggesting that love can provide clarity and direction when life feels chaotic.

In the second verse, Phillips touches on the theme of self-discovery with the lines, 'They say you'll find yourself one of these days / As if they know I'm lost and could never be saved.' This reflects the common societal pressure to 'find oneself,' often implying that one is currently lost. The narrator's willingness to 'gamble' and 'trade ashes for gold' signifies a readiness to take risks in the pursuit of a more fulfilling life. The phrase 'Life is too short to stop and stare at the blank page that tells your way' encourages proactive living, urging listeners to take control of their destinies rather than passively waiting for life to happen.

Overall, 'Hold On' is a song about resilience, love, and the journey of self-discovery. It encourages listeners to hold on to the things that truly matter and to find strength in love and faith as they navigate the challenges of life.