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Tom Waits — Hold On
Album: Mule Variations
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4599









Released: 1999
Length: 5:29
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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They hung a sign up in our town
"If you live it up, you won't live it down"
So she left Monte Rio, son
Just like a bullet leaves a gun
With her charcoal eyes and Monroe hips
She went and took that California trip
Oh, the moon was gold, her hair like wind
Said, 'Don't look back, just come on, Jim'

Oh, you got to hold on, hold on
You gotta hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

Well, he gave her a dimestore watch
And a ring made from a spoon
Everyone's looking for someone to blame

When you share my bed, you share my name
Well, go ahead and call the cops
You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops
She said, 'Baby, I still love you'
Sometimes there's nothin' left to do

Oh, but you got to hold on, hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
And take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

Well, God bless your crooked little heart
St. Louis got the best of me
I miss your broken China voice
How I wish you were still here with me
Oh, you build it up, you wreck it down
Then you burn your mansion to the ground
Oh, there's nothing left to keep you here
But when you're falling behind in this big blue world

Oh, you've got to hold on, hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

Down by the Riverside motel
It's 10 below and falling
By a 99 cent store
She closed her eyes and started swaying
But it's so hard to dance that way
When it's cold and there's no music
Oh, your old hometown's so far away
But inside your head there's a record that's playing

A song called 'Hold On', hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right there
You gotta hold on

You gotta hold on, hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right there
You gotta hold on

You gotta hold on, hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
And take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

You gotta hold on, hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
And take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

You gotta hold on
You gotta hold on
You gotta hold on
You gotta hold on
You gotta hold on, baby
You gotta hold on, girl
You gotta hold on
You gotta hold on
Comments (338)add comment
In my opinion, Tom Waits is one of THE GREATEST ARTISTs on earth! 
Posted 2 months ago by Gugelhopf007    [ Reply ]
A masterpiece.
Posted 2 months ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Sometimes, I wish I could bump a song to 11....
(That happens a LOT with Tom!)
Posted 5 months ago by tuttle99    [ Reply ]
This song actually works - it helped me get through 2 Chemo  cycles- not many songs can say that .
Posted 5 months ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
I still remember his final appearance on Letterman when Dave was handcuffed to George Clooney. Hilarious. Tom was a riot and performed a pretty great song for Dave.
Posted 8 months ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
 belegato wrote:

His singing voice is phony and so is his Bowery bum shtick if he's still using it.


then go listen to iheartradio then
Posted 9 months ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 belegato wrote:

His singing voice is phony and so is his Bowery bum shtick if he's still using it.



Yes, you're right. No other musical artist in the history of time has used vocal affectations or creative personas. Good catch. :/
Posted 10 months ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
 belegato wrote:

His singing voice is phony and so is his Bowery bum shtick if he's still using it.




Nobody's singing voice is "phony", unless they're not actually singing. 

The Tom Waits haters are inexplicable.  I think Leonard Cohen sucks horribly, but his music is thoughtful and original and not very commercial, so I get it, and I'm not trolling the comments under his songs.  Just for example.  

How does this not apply to Tom?  What's up your ass?



Posted 10 months ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
"You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops"
Aw c'mon Tom, sure you can!   ; ) 
Posted 11 months ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
His singing voice is phony and so is his Bowery bum shtick if he's still using it.
Posted 11 months ago by belegato    [ Reply ]
 jarad.petroske176 wrote:

Tom Waits is awful. This is the worst stuff RP plays.



Condolences, you poor lost soul.  Repent, there is light ahead if you seek it ...
Posted 1 year ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
Tom Waits writing this song:
 
"When you share my bed, you share my name
Well, go ahead and call the cops
I ate up the last of your Corn Pops."
 
"No, that doesn't work... hmmm...  I just got a call from your pops... no... you don't meet nice girls holding mops... no... shops, yes coffee shops, nice girls in coffee shops...." (scribble scribble)
 
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Tom Waits is awful. This is the worst stuff RP plays.
Posted 1 year ago by jarad.petroske176    [ Reply ]
The pacing, the vocal (yes, the vocal), and production are perfect on this song. They all fit the lyrics perfectly.
Posted 1 year ago by everettwa    [ Reply ]
 naturalman wrote:

Bumping this from an 8 to a 9. Not sure why I was being such a Grinch. 



But you finally saw the light our friend.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 RazzCat wrote:


Close your eyes, wipe your mind and listen to those lyrics...

It's a 12....

Or a 15 tom is such a talent 
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 nevar23 wrote:

True dat. It took me a long time to accept Tom Waits as my personal savior but once I did, boy howdy.


Chocolate Jesus?
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Bumping this from an 8 to a 9. Not sure why I was being such a Grinch. 
Posted 1 year ago by naturalman    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:

My son thinks this is the most popular song about an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister. If you listen to the lyrics from this perspective, the lyrics can be construed that way. Who knew?




Well, there's nothing to indicate that this is the case, and most songs about love could be construed that way when the characters aren't described specifically.
Posted 1 year ago by fncll    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

I'm sure ace-marc was NOT joking....singing doesn't always have to be 'beautiful' to be great....there's a lot of passion and feeling in his vocals that is enjoyable to many including me.  I'm at an 8 on this gem, nearly a 9.....Long Live RP!!

His voice is perfect for his music.  This song will always be a 10 for me. 
Posted 1 year ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
The voice The words The music
Posted 1 year ago by tapis23    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:
 
 I have it at 8 so I don’t care what you think



Close your eyes, wipe your mind and listen to those lyrics...

It's a 12....
Posted 2 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
Tom Waits is an acquired taste. I didn't get it for years, but now do. A fantastic songwriter!
Posted 2 years ago by dfphillips1    [ Reply ]
My son thinks this is the most popular song about an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister. If you listen to the lyrics from this perspective, the lyrics can be construed that way. Who knew?
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
OK I think I need to get this album.  Yes it's taken me 23 years to figure this out.
Posted 2 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.


I see what you did there...
Posted 2 years ago by GChevy410    [ Reply ]
 McBuggins wrote:


Don't forget his portrayal of the Mr Nick, the devil, in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus....I bet he loved playing that role!








Fisher King as well. 
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
Geez Louise!
These lyrics here
are wigglin' my kneez!

Songsmithing at its finest...
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 rbrise wrote:


he's also great in Licorice Pizza...Hell he's great in everything he does...Ironweed...Down By Law...


Don't forget his portrayal of the Mr Nick, the devil, in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus....I bet he loved playing that role!





Posted 2 years ago by McBuggins    [ Reply ]
I can't find the PSD button. Help!
Posted 2 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.


he's also great in Licorice Pizza...Hell he's great in everything he does...Ironweed...Down By Law...
Posted 2 years ago by rbrise    [ Reply ]
from a 7>10. I was really listening to this today. No distractions, with headphones. I'm not a huge Tom Waits fan but this is brilliant!
Posted 2 years ago by everettwa    [ Reply ]
subito pensavo che fosse Leo Cohen incredibile voce - Bravo 
Posted 2 years ago by mario_1954    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.


Perfectly said, and so funny.  Thanks for the morning laugh.
Posted 2 years ago by Windsprite    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.


Time Waits for no human!
Posted 2 years ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.


hahahaha...thank you
Posted 2 years ago by Yiungdrac    [ Reply ]
 bkrans9 wrote:

The official song of 2020



And 2021. . . and looks like it will be the anthem for 2022 as well.  
Maybe, just maybe, it's a song for the ages!
Posted 2 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
I love Tom Waits and yet this one does nothing for me. Lyrics I mean. They seem so cliche for some reason. Like and AI version of his lyrics. Music lovely.
Posted 3 years ago by milleymeister    [ Reply ]
 richjohnsonarts326 wrote:


His role in Bram Stoker's Dracula as Renfield was amazing too!

he was in Wristcutters, A Love Story, and did a fine job, highly recommended if you like quirky movies, and hey, it has Tom Waits.
Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
Imagery in this is stunning. My favorite Tom song, so understated.
Posted 3 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
Thanks for this.
Posted 3 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Unlike Dylan or Neal Young, I really LIKE Tom Waits' voice. Sure, it's as gravely as you get, but I think it adds texture. Strangely, I find it soothing. It does hurt that I think the words and tune are stellar. 
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
 dmcanany wrote:

I got this song as a CD single at a music sale for a community radio station in Boulder, CO in about 1997. It was a random purchase at the time, but it made an indelible impression on me and always reminds me of that bright time in my life, free in the mountains in my early 20s. 



2 years before it was released uh?
Posted 3 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.


His role in Bram Stoker's Dracula as Renfield was amazing too!
Posted 3 years ago by richjohnsonarts326    [ Reply ]
Hands down my favorite Tom Waits song, especially during these Covid Flood hard times.
Posted 3 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Maybe it's the broccoli, but this is the first time I've really heard this song.
Might also be the fine over-ear headphones cranked up.
Singing along, reading the lyrics, with feeling.
Never realised just how good this is.
Definite 10+ ...
:)
Posted 3 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
I got this song as a CD single at a music sale for a community radio station in Boulder, CO in about 1997. It was a random purchase at the time, but it made an indelible impression on me and always reminds me of that bright time in my life, free in the mountains in my early 20s. 
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
Sometimes his voice is very similar to Bruce Springsteen, at least to my ear.
Posted 3 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.


Good night, Mr. Pocket!  Tom was incredible.  I felt sorry for the fields he dug up though.  A must see!
Posted 3 years ago by msbostick    [ Reply ]
I bet he's interesting to talk with. 
Posted 3 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
This man can do no wrong. Outstanding. Every one of his songs is a movie waiting to be made. 
Posted 3 years ago by paulprior61    [ Reply ]
B e. A u. T. If. U. L!!
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
A genius IMHO...
Posted 3 years ago by Rozsa    [ Reply ]
Simple loveliness.
Thanks B & R.
Posted 3 years ago by BuellRider    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
 

An excellent role for him in a remarkable version of Jack London's short story. 
Posted 3 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

I'm sure ace-marc was NOT joking....singing doesn't always have to be 'beautiful' to be great....there's a lot of passion and feeling in his vocals that is enjoyable to many including me.  I'm at an 8 on this gem, nearly a 9.....Long Live RP!!
 
+1 to 9 today. LLRP!!
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.
  Great comment...

Posted 4 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
There are a lot of comments about Tom's voice. While it is unmistakably rough, I find it beautiful, unlike Dylan or Neil Young. That's a personal opinion, not a professional one. It has a richness and a warmth, especially on this song.   And he lives in my town too, so call me biased.
Posted 4 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
I really discover this album by RP and find it greater i listen to it ! I should check the entire composition... Means probably a story line by songs one after one.
Posted 4 years ago by DustWings5    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
 
Yup! dang tootin'!
Posted 4 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
The official song of 2020
Posted 4 years ago by bkrans9    [ Reply ]
 cely wrote:
Changed from a 9 to a 10 when I realized this is one of Tom's greatest songs. Therefore obviously a 10.
 

Posted 4 years ago by Rozsa    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
 

Lookin' like Nick Nolte's long lost brother.  ; )
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Please let me rate this song a 10 again.
Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
 

I love that! It's my favorite story of the movie and it turns out its played by one of my favorite artists.
Posted 4 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
Yet again another dreadful TW track. I fail to see what anyone see in this awful dirge. Make Bob Dylan  sound like an opera singer.
 
 
oh man...........
Posted 4 years ago by yippee    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:

If you want Luther Vandross, you might be in the wrong place.{#Confused}
 

Posted 4 years ago by yippee    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:

If you want Luther Vandross, you might be in the wrong place.{#Confused}
 

Posted 4 years ago by yippee    [ Reply ]
Changed from a 9 to a 10 when I realized this is one of Tom's greatest songs. Therefore obviously a 10.
Posted 5 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Agreed......to add.....one of the finest tunes...

 mach-hog wrote:
One of his very fine tunes.
 

Posted 5 years ago by awightman1    [ Reply ]
 steeler wrote:
The art of songwriting on full display.

Heck, the art of writing, period.  


 

Heck, art, period. 
Posted 5 years ago by surfool    [ Reply ]
One of his very fine tunes.
Posted 5 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
Have a good cough mate.
Posted 5 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
She's got the milk of human kindness 
and the fat of the land
she's got skin like a baby
but she drives like a man

She lives in Natchez
and she operates a crane
she's like a wrecking ball... 
that's no longer connected to the chain!

Always Keep A Diamond In Your Mind
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 mbolch30307 wrote:
Song is wearing me down. Just changed from a 1 to a 4. In another 20 years, maybe it'll go to a 6--but I doubt it.
 I have it at 8 so I don’t care what you think

Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Song is wearing me down. Just changed from a 1 to a 4. In another 20 years, maybe it'll go to a 6--but I doubt it.
Posted 5 years ago by mbolch30307    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

This is a joke, right? He sounds like he just finished smoking his 100th pack of cigarettes for the day...
 
I'm sure ace-marc was NOT joking....singing doesn't always have to be 'beautiful' to be great....there's a lot of passion and feeling in his vocals that is enjoyable to many including me.  I'm at an 8 on this gem, nearly a 9.....Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 ace-marc wrote:
Man can he sing.
This is absolutely beautiful!
 
This is a joke, right? He sounds like he just finished smoking his 100th pack of cigarettes for the day...
Posted 5 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
 

and Renfield!
Posted 5 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Man can he sing.
This is absolutely beautiful!
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
If only he could sing.  I don't know who told him he could but they are seriously mistaken - as he is.
This is awful!
Posted 5 years ago by kangarouge    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:
The song before this I wrote that artist just doesn't do it for me.  This guy really does it for me.
 
I'm sure the legendary Tom Waits would appreciate your vote of confidence.
Posted 5 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]


Tom did a great job as the miner in Buster Scruggs.
Posted 5 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Thanks to Buster Scruggs, he'll now always be the prospector talking to Mister Pocket.  
Posted 5 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
The song before this I wrote that artist just doesn't do it for me.  This guy really does it for me.
Posted 5 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
A girl I knew in Ann Arbor turned me on to Tom Waits. I think about her every time this comes on. 
Posted 5 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
This track is simply awesome. Tom Waits has been one of my favorite artist since the early 80's 
Posted 5 years ago by jbl1975    [ Reply ]
Following Down By The River with this, more samey than segue.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 SchoepTone wrote:
Just saw Tom Waits in the Coen brother's Buster Scruggs movie. Perfect casting! Oh, and this song is amazing too!
 SAW THE SAME FLICK LAST NIGHT. HE WAS GREAT.

Posted 6 years ago by unklefurry    [ Reply ]
Just saw Tom Waits in the Coen brother's Buster Scruggs movie. Perfect casting! Oh, and this song is amazing too!
Posted 6 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
"You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops"

Genius!
Posted 6 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
Now this I can stomach. As I have always said, Waits is a phenomenal song writer. Just loose the schtick voice and I can actually appreciate his talent!!!
Posted 6 years ago by pigtail    [ Reply ]
Waits makes me want
to hit rock bottom
just so I can call this song
my own
Posted 6 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
 {#Notworthy}On_The_Beach wrote:

bump

 

Posted 6 years ago by bistibadlands    [ Reply ]
 nevar23 wrote:

True dat. It took me a long time to accept Tom Waits as my personal savior but once I did, boy howdy.

 
"boy howdy", indeed.  Bill, pray add "Waitslike" above 10 on the rating scale.  
Posted 6 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
Especially true for cryptocoiners today.
Posted 6 years ago by latrippa    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.
 
bump
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:

If you want Luther Vandross, you might be in the wrong place.{#Confused}

 
???
Posted 7 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
          

Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
This song is beautiful in so many ways.
Posted 7 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:

If you want Luther Vandross, you might be in the wrong place.{#Confused}

 
Luther who?
Posted 7 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
Most excellent. And better — new to me.
Posted 7 years ago by javelipix    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
Yet again another dreadful TW track. I fail to see what anyone see in this awful dirge. Make Bob Dylan  sound like an opera singer.
 

 
If you want Luther Vandross, you might be in the wrong place.{#Confused}
Posted 7 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
For some reason i get a Springsteen feel on how the lyrics flow.............
Posted 7 years ago by ai63    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.

 
WWTWD
Posted 7 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.

 
True dat. It took me a long time to accept Tom Waits as my personal savior but once I did, boy howdy.
Posted 7 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
Yet again another dreadful TW track. I fail to see what anyone see in this awful dirge. Make Bob Dylan  sound like an opera singer.
 

 
I'll admit, he takes some getting used to. But once you do, there's brilliance there, imho.
Posted 8 years ago by boysent    [ Reply ]
Yet again another dreadful TW track. I fail to see what anyone see in this awful dirge. Make Bob Dylan  sound like an opera singer.
 
Posted 8 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]

Posted 9 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
gotta have more Cow Bell and MORE Tom Waits!
Posted 9 years ago by j1sey    [ Reply ]
Ok, 10 form me too
Posted 9 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
Why no backround girls around?
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.

 
yup yup yup
Posted 9 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
Jeebus, this is fine. 10.
Posted 9 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 lasker98 wrote:

Possibly the best comment I've ever read (and true).

 
Nice! (I laughed.)
Posted 9 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
When the 'art' of songwriting and performing was born, "Hold On" was what they had in mind.
Posted 10 years ago by TigerSoul    [ Reply ]
The art of songwriting on full display.

Heck, the art of writing, period.  


Posted 10 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 vishisingh wrote:
One of those amazing "time and place" songs - very evocative and beautifully sung. 
 
So true,

Down by the Riverside motel
It's 10 below and falling
By a 99 cent store
She closed her eyes and started swaying
But it's so hard to dance that way
When it's cold and there's no music
Oh, your old hometown's so far away
But inside your head there's a record that's playing

A song called 'Hold On', hold on
Babe, you gotta hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right there
You gotta hold on


Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
One of those amazing "time and place" songs - very evocative and beautifully sung. 
Posted 10 years ago by vishisingh    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
I hate it when people compare Tom Waits to God. I mean, sure he's great, but he's no Tom Waits.

 
Possibly the best comment I've ever read (and true).
Posted 10 years ago by lasker98    [ Reply ]