[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1: Mavis Staples]
How many times have you walked away
Leaving me on bended knees
Pleading: "Darling, won't you stay"
And each time you leave you come back again
If I take you back this time
Will you stay until the end?

[Chorus: Mavis Staples, William Bell]
Hold on
Hold on this time
Hold on
Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)
Hold on
Hold on this time
Hold on
(Just hold on girl and don't let go)

[Verse 2: William Bell]
You been patient, girl, that's plain to see
Your place is here by my side
One day I hope I'll make you see
Those other girls, they can't match your love
I only want them for a day
The love they give can't take your place
[Chorus: William Bell, Mavis Staples]
So hold on
Hold on this time
Hold on
Just hold on girl and don't let go
Hold on, hold on this time
Hold on (Hold on)
Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)
Hold on, hold on this time
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, baby

[Verse 3: Mavis Staples, William Bell]
Too many times I stood in line
I watched you play your little games
Wind up losing every time
Forgive me girl, I'll settle down
Say you'll wait, it ain't too late
Say your love is still around

[Chorus: Mavis Staples, William Bell]
Hold on
Hold on this time
Hold on (Hold on)
Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)
Hold on
Hold on this time
Hold on baby (Hold on)
To the one that loves ya (Just hold on girl and don't let go)
[Outro: Mavis Staples, William Bell]
Hold to the one that needs ya
Hold on, girl, to the one that wants you by his side
Hold on, baby (Hold on)
Hold on (Hold on)
Hold on, darling, hold on
Don't let go
Hold, hold, hold, hold on baby
Hold on, don't let go
Hold it, hold it, baby hold it
Hold on, don't let go