Hold On This Time

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1: Mavis Staples]

How many times have you walked away

Leaving me on bended knees

Pleading: "Darling, won't you stay"

And each time you leave you come back again

If I take you back this time

Will you stay until the end?

[Chorus: Mavis Staples, William Bell]

Hold on

Hold on this time

Hold on

Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)

Hold on

Hold on this time

Hold on

(Just hold on girl and don't let go)

[Verse 2: William Bell]

You been patient, girl, that's plain to see

Your place is here by my side

One day I hope I'll make you see

Those other girls, they can't match your love

I only want them for a day

The love they give can't take your place

[Chorus: William Bell, Mavis Staples]

So hold on

Hold on this time

Hold on

Just hold on girl and don't let go

Hold on, hold on this time

Hold on (Hold on)

Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)

Hold on, hold on this time

Hold on, hold on

Hold on, baby

[Verse 3: Mavis Staples, William Bell]

Too many times I stood in line

I watched you play your little games

Wind up losing every time

Forgive me girl, I'll settle down

Say you'll wait, it ain't too late

Say your love is still around

[Chorus: Mavis Staples, William Bell]

Hold on

Hold on this time

Hold on (Hold on)

Just hold on girl and don't let go (Just hold on girl and don't let go)

Hold on

Hold on this time

Hold on baby (Hold on)

To the one that loves ya (Just hold on girl and don't let go)

[Outro: Mavis Staples, William Bell]

Hold to the one that needs ya

Hold on, girl, to the one that wants you by his side

Hold on, baby (Hold on)

Hold on (Hold on)

Hold on, darling, hold on

Don't let go

Hold, hold, hold, hold on baby

Hold on, don't let go

Hold it, hold it, baby hold it

Hold on, don't let go