Why, why, why won't you sympathize
And tell me where you're coming from?
My, my, my, don't you realize
We're not lovin' when there's something wrong?
Come here mama, let me make it right,

I know that we can work it out;
But no sense talkin' 'bout a love gone bad,

(Chorus:)
You got to hold on, hold on baby;
Hold on, hold on babe;
You got to hold on, hold on babe;
You got to hold on.

Why, why is it always something new?
Baby, I'm just dyin' to please.
Cry, cry, cry when you're singin' the blues;
I'm just bringin' my sympathies.
Hey, little mama won't you change your mind?
Don't go running away.
Please come home where you know you belong,

(Bridges:)
You know when the feeling gets you,
It's gonna get you;
And I know where it's gonna get you;
Right there in the back of your mind;

And I know when the feeling gets you,
I won't forget you;
Yes, you know that I won't forget you;
Got too much on my mind.

And I know when the feeling hits you,
It's gonna hit you;
Yes I know where it's gonna hit you;
Right there in the back of your mind.

And I Know when the feeling hits you,
I'll never quit you;
Yes, you know that I'll never quit you;
Got too much on the line,
La la la la la la la.

You got to hold on, hold on, baby;
Hold on, hold on, baby;
Got to hold on, hold on baby . . . . .