Lydia Laird - keep holding on Lyrics
Lyrics
Hanging on by a thread
Feels like it's gonna break
And You're tired of trying
To self medicate
Yeah, You've been here before
It's so hard to explain
There's a pain in your chest
That just won't go away
I can see it in your eyes
You don't have the will to fight
But even in the dead of night
There's a guiding light
Just keep holdin' on
I know that you feel alone
But hope will never let you go
Even though your strength is gone
Oh the light will come
Just keep holdin' on
You've been prayin' for healin'
But the hurt still remains
And you wonder how God
Could just leave you this way
Don't you know that He loves you
He will never forsake
Oh, He weeps when you weep
And He breaks when you break
Yes, He weeps when you weep
And He breaks when you break
I can see it in your eyes
You don't have the will to fight
But even in the dead of night
There's a guiding light
Just keep holdin' on
I know that you feel alone
But hope will never let you go
Even though your strength is gone
Oh the light will come
Just keep holdin' on
Take it breath by breath
When there's nothing left
Take his hand and rest
Just Keep holding on
Take it breath by breath
When there's nothing left
Take his hand and rest
Just Keep holding on
I can see it in your eyes
You don't have the will to fight
But even in the dead of night
There's a guiding light
Just keep holdin' on
I know that you feel alone
But hope will never let you go
Even though your strength is gone
Oh the light will come
Video
keep holding on
Meaning & Inspiration
Lydia Laird’s "Keep Holding On," released on October 4, 2024, as part of her album *The Heavy. The Healing. The Holding.*, emerges as a profound message of hope for weary souls. This song dives deep into the raw human experience of pain, questioning, and the struggle to persevere, ultimately anchoring its listeners in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It's a lyrical embrace for anyone who has found themselves teetering on the edge, feeling that life is "hanging on by a thread," exhausted by the futile attempts to self-medicate the deep aches that refuse to subside. The narrative acknowledges the cyclical nature of despair, recognizing that many have "been here before," wrestling with an inexplicable pain that seems to have taken root, leaving one without the will to fight.
The song’s core message quickly shifts from acknowledging distress to illuminating a divine truth. Even in the bleakest moments, "in the dead of night," a "guiding light" persists. This light is not a fleeting spark but the enduring presence of God, a theme echoed throughout Scripture where God is often portrayed as the source of light and truth amidst darkness (Psalm 119:105, John 8:12, 1 John 1:5). Laird reassures that despite feeling utterly alone, "hope will never let you go." This resonates deeply with biblical promises of God’s constant companionship, even through the valleys of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), and the ever-present comfort of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). The declaration that "the light will come" serves as a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive power and His commitment to bring renewal and joy after sorrow, much like the weeping that may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of "Keep Holding On" is its compassionate address to those whose faith is faltering amidst prolonged suffering. The lyrics bravely tackle the doubt that arises when one has been "prayin' for healin' / But the hurt still remains," leading to the agonizing question of "how God could just leave you this way." This vulnerability is met with an emphatic, comforting truth: "Don't you know that He loves you / He will never forsake." This affirmation is a direct echo of God's covenant promises throughout the Bible, assuring His children that He will never leave them nor abandon them (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). The song then paints a truly empathetic picture of the Divine: "Oh, He weeps when you weep / And He breaks when you break." This portrays a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in our pain, a concept vividly illustrated by Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb (John 11:35) and the scriptural assertion that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Isaiah 63:9 further elaborates on God’s shared suffering, stating, "In all their distress he too was distressed."
The song’s repeated encouragement to "Just keep holdin' on" culminates in a gentle, yet firm, directive for surrender and rest. The advice to "Take it breath by breath / When there's nothing left / Take his hand and rest" beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian endurance and trust. This is not a call to grit one's teeth through sheer willpower, but an invitation to relinquish control and lean into the divine strength when one's own has completely dissipated. It mirrors Jesus's invitation to "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This rest is not passive idleness but an active decision to trust God’s provision and care, knowing that His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The song stands as a powerful testament to enduring faith, a reminder that hope, anchored in God’s unfailing love and empathy, will sustain us through even the darkest nights until the light ultimately breaks through.