[Verse 1]
I came down Copper Bell Road
With a hole in my shoe
Mama gave me a nickel
Said, “Boy, see you through”
Old Mr. Finch on the porch
Tapped time with his cane
He said, “Keep on walking, son
Don’t let that hurt call your name”
[Pre-Chorus]
I been bruised, I been bent
I been kicked by the day
But I hear that little sound
Pulling me this way
[Chorus]
Hold on, hold on
Children, sing it loud
Hold on, hold on
Kick that sorrow out
Hold on, hold on
We’re a rolling crowd
Hold on, hold on
Sing it loud, sing it loud
[Verse 2]
A tin cup of black tea
And a slice of warm bread
Three kids in the back room
Pounding out what they said
They drew stars on the window
With a finger and grin
Said, “When the night gets heavy
That’s when we begin”
[Pre-Chorus]
I been bruised, I been bent
I been knocked by the rain
But I hear that small choir
Calling me again
[Chorus]
Hold on, hold on
Children, sing it loud
Hold on, hold on
Kick that sorrow out
Hold on, hold on
We’re a rolling crowd
Hold on, hold on
Sing it loud, sing it loud
[Bridge]
Let the floorboards creak
Let the whole house shake
Even hard luck sings
When the young hearts wake
I saw old tears dry up
At the edge of the sound
When a dozen little voices
Turn the dark thing around
[Final Chorus]
Hold on, hold on
Children, sing it loud
Hold on, hold on
Kick that sorrow out
Hold on, hold on
We’re a rolling crowd
Hold on, hold on
Sing it loud, sing it loud
Hold on, hold on
Don’t you bow your head
Hold on, hold on
Till the blue turns red
Hold on, hold on
We’re still standing proud
Hold on, hold on
Sing it loud, sing it loud