Hold me

Michael JacksonEnglish48 lines1 public analyses
Original Poetry
Translation
Hold me
Hold me
Like the River Jordan
Like the River Jordan
And I will then say to thee
And I will then say to you
You are my friend
You are my friend
Carry me
Carry me
Like you are my brother
Like you are my brother
Love me like a mother
Love me like a mother
Will you be there?
Will you be there?
Weary, tell me will you hold me?
Tired, tell me will you hold me?
When wrong, will you scold me?
When I'm wrong, will you correct me?
When lost will you find me?
When I'm lost will you find me?
But they told me
But they told me
A man should be faithful
A man should be loyal
And walk when not able
And keep going when he can't
And fight 'til the end, but I'm only human
And fight until the end, but I'm only human
Everyone's taking control of me
Everyone's taking control of me
Seems that the world's got a role for me
Seems that the world has a role for me
I'm so confused will you show it to me
I'm so confused will you show it to me
You'll be there for me
You'll be there for me
And care enough to bear me
And care enough to support me
Hold me (show me)
Hold me (show me)
Lay your head lowly (told me)
Lay your head gently (told me)
Softly then boldly (yeah)
Softly then strongly (yeah)
Carry me there (I'm only human)
Carry me there (I'm only human)
Lead me (hold me)
Guide me (hold me)
Love me and feed me (lead again)
Love me and nourish me (guide again)
Kiss me and free me (yeah)
Kiss me and free me (yeah)
I will feel blessed (I'm only human)
I will feel blessed (I'm only human)
Carry (carry)
Carry (carry)
Carry me boldly (carry, yeah)
Carry me strongly (carry, yeah)
Lift me up slowly (yeah)
Lift me up gently (yeah)
Carry me there (I'm only human)
Carry me there (I'm only human)
Save me (lift me)
Save me (lift me)
Heal me and bathe me (lift me up, lift me up)
Heal me and cleanse me (lift me up, lift me up)
Softly you say to me
Softly you say to me
I will be there (I will be there)
I will be there (I will be there)
Lift me (told me, yeah)
Lift me (told me, yeah)
Lift me up slowly
Lift me up gently
Carry me boldly (yeah)
Carry me strongly (yeah)
Show me you care (will you be there?)
Show me you care (will you be there?)
Hold me (woo)
Hold me (woo)
Lay your head lowly (get lonely sometimes)
Lay your head gently (get lonely sometimes)
Softly then boldly (I get lonely, yeah, yeah)
Softly then strongly (I get lonely, yeah, yeah)
Carry me there (will you be there?)
Carry me there (will you be there?)
Need me (woo)
Need me (woo)
Love me and feed me (lift me up, hold me up)
Love me and nourish me (lift me up, hold me up)
Kiss me and free me (lift me up sometimes, up sometimes)
Kiss me and free me (lift me up sometimes, up sometimes)
I will feel blessed (oh-yeah)
I will feel blessed (oh-yeah)
 

Explanation

Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' is a poignant song that explores themes of support, love, and vulnerability. The lyrics express a deep yearning for companionship and reassurance, as the speaker asks for emotional support and guidance. The repeated plea for someone to 'hold' and 'carry' them reflects a desire for unconditional love and care, akin to familial bonds. The song also touches on the pressures of societal expectations, as the speaker acknowledges the need to be faithful and strong, yet admits to feeling only human. This vulnerability is juxtaposed with the strength and comfort sought from a trusted friend or loved one. The imagery of being held 'like the River Jordan' evokes a sense of spiritual cleansing and renewal, while the repeated refrain of 'will you be there?' underscores the longing for a reliable presence in times of need. The song's emotional depth is enhanced by its soulful melody, making it a timeless anthem of hope and resilience.

Word Dictionary10

WordIn EnglishPlain (English)Pron.
theeyouyouthee
scoldreprimandto criticize someone angrilyskohld
faithfulloyalloyalfayth-ful
bearsupportsupportbair
boldlybravelybravelybohld-lee
wearytiredtiredweer-ee
confusedpuzzledpuzzledkuhn-fyoozd
nourishfeedfeednur-ish
cleansepurifypurifyklenz
refrainchorusa repeated line or number of lines in a song or poemri-freyn

Poet & Context

Era20th Century

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer, dubbed the 'King of Pop'. He is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century and is among the best-selling music artists of all time.

View on Wikipedia
When1991
WhyThe song 'Will You Be There' was written for Michael Jackson's eighth studio album, 'Dangerous'. It gained recognition as the main theme for the film 'Free Willy'. The song addresses themes of support, love, and vulnerability.
FormSong Lyrics

Themes & More

SupportLoveVulnerabilityFaithfulnessHumanity
Metaphor: 'Like the River Jordan' suggests spiritual cleansing and renewal.Repetition: The phrase 'Will you be there?' emphasizes the longing for support.Imagery: Vivid descriptions of holding, carrying, and lifting create a sense of physical and emotional support.Alliteration: 'Softly then strongly' creates a rhythmic flow.
Hold me by Michael Jackson — Poem, Translation & Meaning