Meaning of "Hold On" by Los Lobos

"Hold On" speaks to the internal battle many individuals face, where the desperation to survive leads to harmful actions. The repetition of "killing myself to survive" reflects the paradoxical nature of trying to stay alive while engaging in behaviors that harm oneself. The lines about staring down a challenge and feeling like the odds are stacked against you capture the feeling of hopelessness and inevitable defeat. The reference to blood on the rag and dust in the bag symbolizes the toll of the struggle, with little to show for the effort. The mention of watching the sun go down each day and wondering if it will be the last underscores the constant fear of mortality. Overall, the lyrics paint a bleak but poignant picture of a personal battle with despair, resilience, and the will to keep going despite overwhelming odds.