Hold On
Gojira - Fortitude Lyrics


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I've been grinding and grinding
Oh, ocean have mercy

I've been grinding and grinding
Oh, ocean have mercy
I give you my life
Oh, son of the sun
I've been rowing and rowing
No sign of land so far in the flood
I've been through fire and wind I'm hanging, feet in the depth

Drowning all day long in an ocean of stress
Gotta find a safety raft, another wave is striking down

Hold on, fight
We are are merely grabbing on to
Hold on, fight
Unconscious ride around the core

In a matter of time, you're out in the open
You shall prove yourself in the bitter end
But for now, brace yourself

Hold on, fight
We are merely grabbing on to
Hold on, fight
Unconscious ride around the core

When you witness death, you understand your demise
And you may embrace your destiny the fate of all
Maybe when we die, we rise, high, find a ground
And we return where we belong

Elders, deep under
Shelter, land

Fight
We are merely grabbing on to life
Fight
One last attempt to break the code

Hold on, fight
We are are merely grabbing on to
Hold on, fight
Unconscious ride around the core

Hold on, fight
Hold on tight




Hold on, fight
Hold on tight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hold On" by Gojira delve into themes of perseverance, resilience, and the search for meaning in life. The repeated line "I've been grinding and grinding, oh, ocean have mercy" sets the tone for the relentless struggle faced by the singer. The ocean is used metaphorically to represent the challenges and obstacles of life, with the plea for mercy symbolizing the need for relief from the hardships endured.


The verses describe the singer's journey, using imagery of rowing, fire, and wind to depict the arduous path they've been on. Despite the difficulties, they are determined to keep going, even if they can only hang on by their feet and endure the depths of their own stress. This struggle is likened to drowning in an ocean, constantly being struck by new waves, while still desperately searching for a safety raft.


The chorus serves as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the fragility of human existence. The call to "hold on, fight" represents the singer's determination to cling to life and continue their battle against the forces that threaten to overwhelm them. The line "unconscious ride around the core" suggests that even in the chaos and confusion, there is a deeper purpose or truth to be discovered.


The later verses introduce a contemplation of mortality and the idea that death may lead to a higher state of being. Witnessing death is portrayed as a transformative experience that brings clarity and acceptance of one's eventual demise. The mention of rising and finding a new ground after death implies a belief in some form of afterlife or spiritual continuation.


The song concludes with a reference to elders deep under shelter and land, which can be interpreted as a nod to ancestral wisdom and the need for connection to our roots. The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of holding on and fighting, while the plea to "hold on tight" intensifies the urgency of the struggle. Ultimately, "Hold On" serves as a powerful anthem that encourages resilience in the face of adversity, acknowledging the challenges of life while also seeking deeper meaning and purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been grinding and grinding
I have been working tirelessly and persistently


Oh, ocean have mercy
I hope for the mercy of the vast and powerful ocean


I give you my life
I offer my whole being and existence


Oh, son of the sun
Oh, offspring of the radiant sun


I've been rowing and rowing
I have been exerting effort and striving continuously


No sign of land so far in the flood
No indication of reaching safety amidst the overwhelming flood


I've been through fire and wind I'm hanging, feet in the depth
I have endured intense challenges and now find myself in a precarious position, immersed in the depths


Drowning all day long in an ocean of stress
Suffocating under the weight of overwhelming stress throughout the day


Gotta find a safety raft, another wave is striking down
I must urgently seek refuge, as another wave of difficulties is crashing upon me


Hold on, fight
Endure and resist


We are merely grabbing on to
We are desperately clinging to


Unconscious ride around the core
Unawarely being carried around the center of existence


In a matter of time, you're out in the open
Eventually, you will be exposed and vulnerable


You shall prove yourself in the bitter end
You must demonstrate your worth until the very end, despite the difficulties


But for now, brace yourself
However, for the present moment, prepare yourself


When you witness death, you understand your demise
When you observe death, you comprehend your own mortality


And you may embrace your destiny the fate of all
And you can accept your predetermined path, shared by everyone


Maybe when we die, we rise, high, find a ground
Perhaps when we perish, we ascend, reaching great heights and finding stability


And we return where we belong
And we return to our rightful place


Elders, deep under
The wise ones residing in the depths


Shelter, land
Providing protection, a place to call home


Hold on tight
Maintain a firm grip


One last attempt to break the code
A final endeavor to decipher the enigma




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joseph Duplantier, Mario Duplantier

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@metalmarcrosser

To the youngsters that think they were born in the wrong time for music and wish they were around in the 70’s era, I felt the same once, but now I’m glad I’m in this time of great bands like Gojira even as I approach my 40’s

@_sstyloideuss_

Also Tool, Deftones, Villagers of Ioannina City and Mgla a year ago..

@iwillspam5985

@@_sstyloideuss_ Mgla hell yea my man

@fmspjanus

All boomers that say music was better back in the days or the young people who fallow this stupid idea are just lazy or selfish or just down right stupid or all 3 together.
Music has never been better, Gojira is not even remotly new band.. They are 90s band that is based heavily on old death and trash metal.
While the album is great it's probably not even the greatest work of Gojira.
There are so many bands and so many genres, fuck me even POP is better than it used to be. Young generation like Colier, DOMI JD Beck, Snarky Puppy, Thundercat.
I am not gonna even say what's happening with Metal, because Metal and Progressive music has never been better. So many great artists it's just insane.

It's not a competition, if u like something keep enjoying it !!!
But if it would be 9 out of 10 Nowadays We have better guitarists, better artists, better muscians overall... Amount of music available is isnane. You just dont want to listen to it.

@azertyytreza3005

gojira is an anomaly dude

@ivankolybabyuk3035

And I could not be happier in my mid twentys to have such an inspiration of musicianship.

36 More Replies...

@lukecampbell801

One of my favorite things about Gojira is how they're able to take elements of death metal and turn them into something encouraging and life affirming

@raynerhutton1417

chuck would be very proud

@danwright39

My grandfather came over while I was blasting this (the intro) and the first thing he asked/said to me was "are Black Sabbath back in action?" lmfao

@mikelopez5064

Dope ass grandpa though

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