Meaning of "Hold on to Me" by Hurts

The lyrics of "Hold on to Me" delve into the complexities of a troubled relationship. The song describes fear and sadness evident on the protagonist's face and their struggle to contain their emotions. They both long for the comfort of familiarity, asking, "Where did we go?" The shadows moving signify the underlying unrest within their relationship and the unspoken words that are left unsaid, suggesting a lack of communication. Despite realizing that their current situation is far from ideal, the song expresses a plea for the partner not to give up. The protagonist acknowledges their own shortcomings, admitting that sorry has never been their strength, but emphasizes that they aren't the only one feeling lonely. There's a shared desire to find the connection they once had. The repeated refrain, "This is not the way it's meant to be," highlights their awareness that their relationship is in a deteriorating state. They acknowledge the pain of the present moment but promise not to drag their partner down with them. The lyrics serve as an appeal to their partner to hold on during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other rather than letting go. The overall meaning of the song is to encourage resilience and commitment in the face of adversity within a relationship.